The Department of Social Welfare and Development – National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR) participated on the recent GO Volunteer Expo, a two-day event that brings together over 25 volunteer engaging organizations, supporting different advocacies and causes – from Education, Youth, Poverty Alleviation, the Environment, to Government and Human Rights held at Glorietta Activity Center, Makati City on March 5-6, 2016.

During the activity, the Field Office encouraged the public to be part of the Bayanihang Bayan Program where volunteers can be placed in various DSWD offices, centers and institutions as well as in community based activities such as disaster operations.

Meanwhile, former DSWD Secretary Corazon de Leon inspired the people to volunteer. She said, “Napakahalaga ng sense of purpose sa volunteerism. Bakit ka ba nagvovolunteer? And the best way to help is to ask where help is needed. Sana mamayang gabi magka-insomya kayo, wag kayong makatulog, para mapag-isipan muna niyo kung paano kayo makatutulong. Remember these lines, “I am only one but I am one, I cannot do everything but I can do something.”

The participants enjoyed the interactive activities. They also learned about pressing social needs and how they can help. The expo was being conducted by iVolunteer Philippines, in partnership with DSWD-NCR and other stakeholders.  JB Tan, founder of IVolunteer Philippines shared that “volunteerism should not only be alive in times of disaster and calamities. Instead, it should be part of our everyday consciousness.” ### (FO-NCR, Social Marketing Office)