MANILA, Philippines —- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is urging schools and their leaders to help ignite the spirit of volunteerism in the youth. 

PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang was invited as a resource speaker in the 17th annual Commission on Accreditation for Local Colleges and Universities (ALCUCOA) National Conference on December 13 at the Diamond Hotel, Manila. 

In her talk titled, “Amplifying Student Learning through Volunteerism: The Perspective of the Philippine Red Cross,” Dr. Pang stressed the significant role and responsibility of schools in fostering volunteerism among the youth. 

“We have to incorporate volunteerism in the school today because we are responsible for continuing the generations of humanitarian volunteers. Through your students, you have the power to mold the future of our country and humanity. Volunteerism teaches empathy, teamwork, and leadership. Many educators believe it’s one of the best ways to build responsible citizenry. If we want to nurture citizens who embody a willingness to help and profound love for others, we have to support and provide programs that will help teach those in the school,” she said. 

She shared her experience as a Red Cross Youth (RCY) volunteer back when she was a young college girl in Jolo, Sulu, emphasizing how her humble beginnings as a youth volunteer helped her realize her passion for humanitarian work, leading to 27 years in the service with the Red Cross Movement. 

“School is about how we hone the young people, so I thank my school for honing me to be a leader. Through the Red Cross I gained those values and skills. I grew up in the Red Cross learning the importance of compassion, resilience, and leadership.” 

Beyond that, Dr. Pang encouraged schools, especially the over 100 members of ALCUCOA led by President Dr. Raymundo Arcega, to partner with the PRC in establishing and strengthening their volunteer campaigns through PRC’s various programs on community outreach, basic first and CPR training, disaster management and response, health awareness and promotion initiatives, and blood donation drives among others. 

She also emphasized the PRC’s eagerness to engage with schools to build RCY councils, encourage faculty involvement, integrate volunteer work in the curriculum and NSTP programs, and connecting schools with local PRC chapters and branches, in order to harness the volunteering spirit of students.  

In a message relayed by Dr. Pang at the event, PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon said: “It is important that we teach our youth the value of volunteerism to bring out the best in them, and the willingness to work for a cause, and not just for compensation. Let’s hone the youth of today, values for the country.”

The PRC is the country’s foremost volunteer-based humanitarian organization, with more than two million active volunteers in the country. Individuals interested in volunteering for the PRC may visit or contact their nearest PRC chapter or branch. 

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