Cordillerans are encouraged to nominate individuals and organizations that provide volunteer assistance and contribute to nation-building and sustainable development to the Search for Outstanding Volunteers (SOV) 2018.

The Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) is again looking for modern-day heroes with categories on youth, adult, not-for-profit groups, and corporate organizations.

The SOV puts faces and names on the unsung and ordinary Filipino citizens and organizations that render priceless and noble acts of service towards building strong communities across the country through volunteerism.

The search is open to individuals and organizations currently providing volunteer assistance in the country. Filipino citizens; Filipino or local chapters of foreign/international non-profit organizations; and Filipino or local chapters of foreign/international corporate organizations are qualified to join the SOV.

The public is encouraged to nominate those who unselfishly offered their time, service, and resources for the socio-economic and cultural development of society.

They may also be individuals within organizations who are passionate volunteers and have received awards or recognition for their accomplishments.

Nominations should be submitted on or before July 15 to the regional search committee that handles the area where the volunteer/volunteer service organization is based.

For the Cordillera, nominations may be submitted to the National Economic Development Authority, which chairs the regional search committee, at Leonard Wood Road, Baguio City.

The yearly event will culminate with an awarding ceremony during the celebration of the National Volunteer Month in December.

Since 2001, 147 volunteers and volunteer organizations have been recognized by the national government through the SOV. They include awardees from the Cordillera, namely Philex Mining Corporation in 2009, Marcelo Abela in 2010, Cristina Segnaken-Aban in 2011, Dr. Virgilio Bautista in 2015, and Engr. Andres B. Ngao-i and Dr. Robert Tolentino in 2016.

Details on how to participate and nominate to the SOV, including the RSC directory, are available at www.pnvsca.gov.ph and the agency’s Facebook page, www. facebook.com/innovatecooperateinspire.

The public can also contact the PNVSCA at (02) 277 7389 or send queries to info@pnvsca.gov.ph.