By Keith Brandon Cari-an & Maria Faustina Magbanua
Carlos Hilado Memorial State University and the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) successfully hosted the Volunteerism Expo 2025 on December 5, 2025, at SM City Bacolod’s North Block, marking a significant highlight of the National Volunteer Month celebration.
The full-day event brought together students, local organizations, and community stakeholders for a dynamic showcase of volunteer initiatives, advocacy exhibits, and panel discussions centered on the theme “Volunteerism for Inclusive Development: Empowering Communities Toward a Just and Resilient Future.”
CIER / Harold Demaisip photos
The program opened with welcome remarks from Vice President for Academic Affairs Jay Estrellas. In his keynote address delivered by Planning and Development Officer Arianne Jardio, PNVSCA Executive Director Donald James Gawe underscored the importance of keeping the “bayanihan” spirit alive despit the challenging times.
Throughout the day, attendees and mall goers explored various exhibitor booths representing civic groups, environmental advocates, youth organizations, animal welfare, and humanitarian programs working toward social equity and sustainable development.
Panel 1 speakers featuring representatives from organizations and instutions.
The expo booths highlighted programs, projects, and products from Art Relief Mobile Kitchen, BJMP – Negros Island Region, CHMSU, Central Philippines State University, Gawad Kalinga, Negrosanon Initiative for Climate and the Environment, Negrosanon Young Leadership Institute, Inc., OISCA International, Pawssion Project, Philippine Red Cross Negros Occidental – Bacolod Chapter, Quidan Kaisahan Negros Occidental, Inc., and Reboot PH
The expo featured two major panel sessions. The first gathered youth leaders and local advocates to discuss community-based volunteerism, climate action, and student-led civic initiatives.
Panel 2 Speakers featuring international volunteers.
Speakers included representatives from the Red Cross Youth, NYLI, Pawssion Project, NICE, Reboot PH, and CHMSU
The second panel highlighted international and field-based volunteer experiences, featuring returned volunteers from the Australian Volunteers Program, Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) International, and local development organizations.
Both sessions concluded with interactive Q&A segments and recognition of speakers along with fun prizes for active audience members.
The Volunteerism Expo 2025 affirmed CHMSU’s dedication as a GREEN university to social responsibility and active community engagement, uniting volunteers and changemakers in a shared commitment to building empowered learners and resilient communities.
This year’s expo in Bacolod City was organized by the Center for Internationalization and External Relations led by Director Rhoderick Samonte with student volunteers from the Event Management Team.
