Written by Mark Supsupin
Last July 12, 2025, Mr. Mark Rommel Supsupin and Ms. Michelle Ann Chomayag from the Research Innovation Extension and Community Outreach (RIECO) Office represented the University of Baguio in an online episode of PNVSCA Online TV. The episode was streamed via Facebook Live and was attended by esteemed guests from the academe, local government
units, and representatives from volunteer groups.
The Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA), as the lead agency in promoting and coordinating volunteer programs across the country, organized an online episode dedicated to sharing experiences, insights, and best practices in volunteer engagement. The episode showcased the vital role of institutions in advancing nation-building through volunteerism. Invited speakers were given the opportunity to share how their respective institutions contribute to mainstreaming volunteerism in the various sectors and beyond.
Mr. Supsupin and Ms. Chomayag highlighted how volunteerism continues to thrive at the University of Baguio through UB S.E.R.V.E.S., which stands for Supports, Engages, Responds to, Volunteers, Educates, and Sustains the Community. It was emphasized how this framework nurtures a strong culture of civic involvement among students, faculty, and staff. They also
shared that UB is gradually shifting toward a more evidence-based approach in monitoring and improving volunteer efforts within the community.
Among the featured programs were the Project GR.O.O.M. M.E. for environmental sustainability, UB CARES for health, literacy, livelihood, and peace initiatives, and Project SAFE-CANE for mental health and elderly care. These initiatives reflect UB’s commitment to meaningful community-centered engagement. Moreover, they showcased some of UB’s best
practices and strategies for promoting volunteerism within the academic community. These include planning outreach activities in advance, offering half-day options to accommodate those with busy schedules, strengthening communication efforts through maximizing online presence, and making budgets more inclusive and flexible to support both volunteers and beneficiaries.
What also stood out was UB’s inclusive approach, not just for students, faculty, and staff, but also for alumni or graduates. The speakers emphasized that one effective way to keep graduates engaged in volunteerism even after leaving the university is by establishing an alumni volunteer network. This allows them to stay connected and involved in UB’s ongoing outreach
activities, demonstrating that the spirit of volunteerism extends beyond graduation. Lastly, Mr. Supsupin and Ms. Chomayag emphasizes the value of collaborating with external partners to expand the reach of volunteer initiatives beyond the campus. They also shared how interested individuals and organizations can get involved in UB’s volunteer programs – reaching out through our official email and Facebook page.
UB’s participation in this online episode supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) by widening participation programs and promoting volunteerism in the academe, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening collaborations for the development of best practices. Through platforms like PNVSCA Online TV, the University of Baguio reaffirms its commitment to service, community engagement, and nation-building. With the efforts of all our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and partners, UB proves that volunteerism is not merely an activity but a deeply rooted culture of social responsibility and engagement.
