Bayanihan: The enduring strength of volunteerism

Every December, the Philippines celebrates something that has long defined us as a people—our instinct to help, to show up, to lift one another when times get tough.

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This is what we honor during National Volunteer Month, and this year’s celebration feels especially meaningful.

A recent Philippines Charity Insights Report, presented during the World Giving Report launch, highlighted something Filipinos have always known: the spirit of bayanihan isn’t just alive; it’s thriving. It remains a “cornerstone of community service” and a driving force behind the strength of our nonprofit sector. Hearing this recognized globally is both affirming and deeply moving. It reminds us that despite challenges—economic, social, or environmental—goodness continues to beat strongly within our communities.

National Volunteer Month, declared through Proclamation No. 55 s. 1998, is led by the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) under the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development. Every year, it reaffirms something quietly powerful — volunteerism is woven into our way of life.