USC Community Extension Services

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𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺

𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗮 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 - 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗗𝗚𝘀: 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟮 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀

On December 10, 2025, the second day of the 1st International Research Conference on Volunteerism continued with its plenary sessions.

ECPAT International Executive Director Guillaume Landry urged reforming voluntourism to protect children from exploitation, critiquing its profit-driven model. He proposed mitigation strategies, regulated practices, child-protection frameworks, and demand reduction, with safeguards like criminal background checks, controlled minor interactions, strict contact rules, felony reporting, and supervised activities.

Dr. Paul Watts (Daluhay-Daloy ng Buhay, Inc.) advocated non-transactional volunteer relationships rooted in Bayanihan and environmental linkages, highlighting their Coastal Resource Management program via professional counterparts, citizen science, and community engagement.

Matthew Torregosa (Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc., RAFI) stressed community-centered research as storytelling, using systems mapping, FGDs with LGUs, and a three-pillar approach (inspiring, enabling, taking action). Esplegera (Madridejos Community College) praised RAFI’s Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning team for effective assessments, noting challenges like awareness gaps, leadership deficits, and unequal access.

Alex Plumb (Charities Aid Foundation, CAF) reported 64% global giving, varying by country (e.g., Angola via religion, Hong Kong via charities), with transparency boosting donations. Challenges include funding and engagement; Philippines saw 26% volunteering in 2024 but limited hours, urging sustained commitment.

Certificates were awarded, followed by closing remarks: Ralph Robert Neri (RAFI) valued sharing ideas, quoting respect for human dignity; Jail Inspector Samuel Manas, Jr., urged boundless volunteerism; Architect Jason Roi Bucton (LGU Ginoog City) found it inspiring as a first-time presenter; Janice Sophia Talip (ECPAT International) hailed volunteerism as transformative. Donald James Gawe (PNVSCA Executive Director) thanked attendees, planning quarterly conferences toward an ASEAN event.

National Volunteerism Resource Pool (NVRP) members took their oath, followed by the Volunteers’ March. The conference advanced volunteerism through diverse insights, emphasizing research, institutionalization, youth engagement, and collaborative service for social change.

USC CaRES and Charity Days are regular volunteering activities of the USC Community Extension Services (CES). This two-week outreach, which started on December 1 and was conducted in partnership with JPIC-IDC, a non-government organization, began with a feeding activity at the Bacayan and Pit-os Gymnasiums in collaboration with Carolinian EDM students. USC-CES then extended its efforts through gift-giving to communities in Brgy. Tingub and Brgy. Tabok, Mandaue City; Saint Arnold Janssen Village and Bangkal Dumpsite, Lapu-Lapu City; Cordova Fishing Village; Saint Arnold Janssen Village, Brgy. Bagalnga, Compostela; and Brgy. Nangka and Brgy. Cantuod, concluding at St. Francis de Assisi Parish in Balamban, Cebu. A total of 2,500 families benefited from this initiative.

𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺

𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗮 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 - 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗗𝗚𝘀: 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿

On December 12th at eight in the morning, a small number of researchers convened in the lobby of the Waterfront Cebu Hotel and Casino to set off on the research tour. The first place they would go to was the University of San Carlos–Talamban Campus. They went around the big campus in a coaster, moving from one department to another while getting introduced to the university’s facilities. The group also visited some prominent places like the library—which also served as a mini museum. The inside was filled with historical items such as old typewriters, computers, telephones, books, vinyls, and other materials that are decades old.

The tour advanced with a trip to the USC cemetery and then a visit to the chapel. Some researchers took pictures while others prayed silently and reflected for a while. After that, the group moved on to the next place—the University of San Carlos Downtown Campus. Upon arrival , their first stop was to the campus museum, which had a display of rare animals that were preserved and can only be found in Cebu or the Philippines, some pots and ceramics that are neatly kept for spectacle and appreciation, beautiful religious statues that had so much history and stories to tell, and many more ancient things that are blooming with culture, hence giving the researchers another valuable and educational experience.

Next on the itinerary was the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, Cebu. The group first went to Magellan’s Cross, and afterwards to the cathedral. Some researchers decided to kneel and pray, while others discreetly walked around the place absorbing its past and spiritual aura. The period of visit was short, and soon everybody retraced their steps back to the coaster since it was already time for lunch.

The group made their next stop at Puso Village, a vibrant location full of food stalls selling Filipino dishes of all kinds. While some were deciding on the dishes and others were taking their places for eating, the pleasant smell of freshly prepared food was all over the air. Many tried lechon, a well-known Cebuano delicacy, along with other local favorites.. The group was sharing the experience, thus, the stop was both enjoyable and unforgettable.

After lunch time, the researchers went to the place that was on the list of their most wanted—The National Museum of the Philippines–Cebu. There, the whole group spent some time in the company of the almost alive preserved art, historical artifacts and cultural pieces which were all the reflections of the richness and diversity that the Filipino heritage has. The exhibits did not only offer visual beauty but also deeper insight into the country’s past thus making the visit both engaging and meaningful.

As the day came to an end, the group started their way back passing through the Philippines longest bridge—the Cebu–Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX). The bridge was so magnificent that many of the tourists could not help but to express their surprise and were discussing the size of the bridge and the role it would play in the future of Cebu in terms of development and connectivity.

All in all, the research tour was not merely a collection of places—it was an experience mixed with all sorts of learning, history, culture, and thinking. Each place was like a different window giving a different view of knowledge and progression from academic settings, museums, religious places to advanced infrastructures and so on. By the end of the day, the researchers not only had new information but also a greater respect for Cebu’s heritage and a realization of the close links between the past, present and future.

𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺

𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗮 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 - 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗗𝗚𝘀: 𝗗𝗮𝘆 1 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀

The Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA), in collaboration with the University of San Carlos (USC), launched the 1st International Research Conference on Volunteerism at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino on December 9, 2025. Bonifacio Mercado Jr., Director of USC Community Extension Services (CES), opened the event, followed by Donald James D. Gawe, CESO III, PNVSCA Executive Director.

Rogelio Magno (Sultan Kudarat State University) noted limited local research on volunteerism, aiming to apply conference insights for community development. Irvin Bequillo (Camarines Norte State College) highlighted ongoing programs but stressed research gaps and implementation challenges, such as NSTP field application, addressed via provincial ecological projects in partnership with government and clergy.

Rhenelyn Queen Dadulo (Global Initiative for Exchange and Development, Inc.) presented international research on decolonization's impact on NGOs in International Voluntary Service, praising the conference as a pioneering learning platform. Joshua Richardson (LGU-Ormoc City), an army reservist with a philosophy background, viewed volunteering as a moral virtue per Thomas Aquinas, driven by intrinsic fulfillment. Louie Andrew Aligway (LGU-Ormoc City) discussed youth organizations' financial hurdles and the need for policies via projects and partnerships.

April Pura Alianza (De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde) advocated instilling volunteerism in youth beyond academic requirements, citing her NSTP research during the pandemic. J.D. Inspector Samuel Manos, Jr., emphasized volunteerism's role in jail rehabilitation to reduce stigma for persons deprived of liberty.

The conference fostered dialogue among universities, researchers, and practitioners, underscoring the need for expanded research, institutionalization across sectors, youth engagement, and collaborative practices rooted in service and social change.

The University of San Carlos, through the Community Extension Services (CES) office, has commenced its initial donation drive distribution last November 5 to the affected families in Barangay Bacayan. In the coming days, we will extend our assistance to other affected barangays. We sincerely continue to appeal to your generous hearts to contribute, whether through in-kind donations or monetary support. Your support is vital in bringing relief and hope to our communities during this challenging time.

Emergency Relief Drive: Urgent Donations Needed for Typhoon Victims in Cebu.

The University of San Carlos, through the CES Office, urgently appeals to the community to come together and provide immediate support to our brothers and sisters affected by the recent typhoon. Your timely donations can make a meaningful difference in their recovery.

For inquiries, please contact the USC CES Office at 0908-880-2994.

The University of San Carlos (USC), in collaboration with the Association of Butuan City Aquaculture Operators (ABCAO), has made an initial assessment for an exploratory partnership aimed at promoting sustainable aquaculture practices aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 4, 6, and 7). ABCAO provides site access, operational data, and shares its experiences and best practices in aquaculture, focusing on conserving water resources, enhancing energy efficiency, reducing water pollution, and implementing renewable energy technologies. Meanwhile, USC contributes through its academic departments: the Department of Business Administration analyzes the economic impact on fisherfolk, the Department of Biology evaluates environmental and biological factors affecting aquaculture sustainability, and the Department of Computer Engineering develops technological solutions and monitoring systems. Together, both institutions collaborate in fieldwork, knowledge sharing, and capacity-building efforts to support sustainable and inclusive aquaculture development in Butuan City.

𝗗𝗦𝗪𝗗 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗩𝗢𝗟𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗘𝗥𝗦!
𝐕𝐎𝐋𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐑𝐘 |
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼?
You will be 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀 (𝗙𝗙𝗣𝘀) at the Visayas Disaster Resource Center (VDRC) located in Tingub, Mandaue City.
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲?
𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗻𝗼 𝘃𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀. You may commute or use your own vehicle, but please be reminded that parking space at the warehouse is limited.
The site is easily accessible through online maps. You may take a tricycle or habal-habal from Maguikay Bridge or St. Joseph National Shrine.
Google Map: 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘆𝗮𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 (𝗩𝗗𝗥𝗖), 𝗧𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗯, 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘂𝗲, 𝗖𝗲𝗯𝘂
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸?
During registration, 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁. There will be two shifts per day:
𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁 - orientation starts at 7:30 AM
𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁 - orientation starts at 12:30 PM
You may choose to join either shift, or stay longer if you are willing, depending on your availability.
𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿
Scan the QR code in the poster or click this link:
https://tinyurl.com/DSWD7CallForVolunteers
𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀:
✅ 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗱𝗲: Please wear any USC SHIRT. Do not wear slippers, sleeveless tops, crop tops, or shorts.
✅ 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Food donated by partners is available for volunteers on a first come, first served basis. Please bring your own water bottle for easy refilling.
Upon arrival at VDRC, please look for 𝗠𝘀. 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗲𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝘇.
Mag-uban ta sa pagtabang sa mga nanginahanglan.