Volunteerism

Volunteerism had a long, rich, diverse, cultural tradition. Under its many cultural names, guises, and dimensions, volunteerism remains embedded in the tradition of sharing, of helping. Notions of Filipino volunteerism employ various indigenous meanings such as Bayanihan; Damayan; Kawanggawa; Pahinungod;and Bahaginan which can translate into various types of volunteering such as academe-based volunteering, corporate volunteering, government-supported volunteering, nongovernmental organization volunteering and foreign-supported volunteering. Whether understood  as tulong (help), pakikipagkapwa-tao (a shared sense of one’s humanity), pagbabahagi (sharing) or paghahandog (offering), volunteerism can bring significant benefits to individuals and communities in the Philippines and can help nurture and sustain a rich social texture and a strong sense of mutual trust and cohesion, essential to the stability of Philippine society. Participation in groups and organizations provides opportunities to learn about others, builds trusting relationships and decreases prejudices against others. People get to know more people and the willingness to engage and to support each other broadens the social information network.