Volunteerism is in the nature of humans. It is innate for us to help the marginalized, disregarding our societal status. However, not every time, we have a drive. Sometimes, we need to experience the situation for us to fully sympathize with the people. This is the topic discussed by Doctor Jason Valera, the Basic Education Principal, during the Youth Volunteerism in Nation Building webinar that was held on March 26, 2021.

The webinar started at exactly 3pm, which was welcomed by an opening prayer. Ms. Ana Mae Tividad, the head of Student Affairs, served as the host of the meaningful event. On the other hand, Dr. Valera primarily presented the event's main objectives. One of those is to tell what the volunteer act of 2007 really is. He also added the identification of youth heroism and volunteerism in Philippine history. His goals expanded to having a clear view of what volunteerism really is and by recognizing the benefits of volunteering.

Before getting into the real deal, Dr. Valera shared to the students that the youth has so much potential of engaging themselves into volunteerism, which is a brilliant ideology. The younger you are, the bigger the fire you have in your heart. He wanted to tell the present generation to start contemplating about this certain matter. He simply doesn't want the youth to waste their opportunity to develop themselves by helping those who are deprived of justice. He had also mentioned that the students of DWCSJ are more privileged than others. It is correct; truly evident through thorough observations. Nonetheless, the administration and student leaders of the said campus are doing their best to participate in these kinds of associations.

Proceeding to the actual topic, the speaker elaborated that Republic Act 9418 or also known as Volunteer Act of 2007, is an Act institutionalizing a strategy for rural development, strengthening volunteerism, and for other purposes. Discussing this type of idea is essential; of course, one can strengthen their foundation through absorbing basic knowledge. It was declared in this law that it shall be the policy of the state to promote the participation of the various sectors of the Filipino society, and as necessary, international and foreign volunteer organizations in public and civic affairs, and adopt to strengthen the practices of volunteerism as a strategy in order to attain national development.

Volunteerism is one of the key strategies in nation building. As it was stated by Dr. Valera, it allows people to share their talents and skills and be able to accomplish something together. It doesn't really matter if what you do is small or big, full time or part-time, as long as it comes from your heart, it is counted. One should partake in volunteer organizations only if they feel interested, not forced, and feel delighted. It can be local, national, or international-based activities. If you're genuinely happy, then pursue it.

Dr. Valera also tackled the factors in youth idealism. Teenagers are usually in a stage wherein they search for their true identity; they seek for perfection, often, others' validation. Youth occupies greater bulk of population today, which means that massive number of youths naturally exerts social pressure on the structure of society- they usually socialize, gather, learn through the knowledge of others. Dr. Valera also signified that youth by nature is impatient. They are daring and outrageous, they always like something new to happen. Energy is unreachable and they tend to be impulsive and eager to go. The youth of today is undeniably much more sophisticated compared to the past generations. They are much more knowledgeable; deeply inclined with politics, society, and economics-related challenges.

Aside from those above, the speaker reviewed the types of voluntary associations, (a) personal interest groups- cater to people having the same interests such as sports and indoor/outdoor activities (b) social service groups- are those purposes center on doing the community, hospital, or welfare organizations and services (c) political action groups- are associations working to the promotion of certain political ideologies. There are so many social and personal well-being benefits when you do volunteerism. One will likely experience unexplainable joy after realizing the beauty of this activity. Volunteerism will constantly give you new friends. It will not only increase your spiritual satisfaction, but also improve your self-esteem which may lead to self-love.

Mr. Johnleloi Joldanero, a member of Youth Mask Force, was invited to give his perspective about volunteerism. He shared his heartfelt story on how significant volunteerism is when the times of disasters come. His words, "when we do volunteerism, do not forget that our greatest satisfaction is giving and receiving," gave a remarkable impression to the listeners. The local province will forever be grateful to good people like them, who always do their best even though they are just students. They are the perfect exemplification of virtuous leaders.

Lastly, Dr. Valera gave out ideas that may serve as possible projects in time of pandemic for the Divinians. Just like the local organization, YMF, he suggested that doing the similar activity is essential. He noted that setting up online tutorial classes for Mangyan students will also be sustainable. Raising funds for the non-teaching and teaching personnel vaccination is the most outstanding one. Even Ms. Tividad couldn't hold her tears when she heard how heavenly that volunteerism act was. Later on, the speaker graciously ended the session at around 4:20pm.

No doubt, as a member of the youth, we should start acting on our own. Dr. Valera made his points precise and indispensable to all of us. Volunteerism is not just the act itself; it is giving a piece of ourselves to others. It involves true dedication that comes from our hearts. Truly, there is nothing more wonderful than a world full of people who help each other.

- Kriss Licayan