The Ateneo de Naga University (ADNU) and the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) formalized their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on September 10, 2025. 

The agreement was signed by ADNU President Fr. Aristotle C. Dy, S.J., PNVSCA Executive Director James Donald Gawe, and ADNU Director of the Office of Student Affairs Rodolfo “Sonny” SB. Virtus Jr., who will also serve as the university’s point person for PNVSCA programs.

The MoA aims to promote and institutionalize volunteerism as a strategy for national development, facilitating collaboration across sectors, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international partners. Within educational institutions, PNVSCA advocates for the integration of volunteerism into academic and co-curricular programs, supporting both student and faculty involvement in community service. The government agency also promotes partnerships that cultivate civic responsibility and youth engagement in nation-building.

To officially launch the collaboration, Executive Director Gawe served as the resource speaker at the seminar titled "Gen-Z for G: Youth Volunteerism for the Greater Good, Growth, and God," held at the Alingal Multipurpose Hall. 

In his talk, ED Gawe discussed the evolving nature of volunteerism, particularly among Generation Z (those born between 1997 and 2012). He highlighted how Gen Z is reshaping volunteer engagement with a unique blend of digital fluency, social consciousness, and entrepreneurial drive. According to him, today’s youth prioritize causes that align with their personal values and seek volunteer opportunities that offer tangible, lasting impact, rather than traditional or transactional forms of service.

Gawe noted that Gen Z volunteers often report that their involvement helps them expand their networks, explore career paths, and launch their own initiatives, such as grassroots movements, social enterprises, and community-based projects. He also offered recommendations for youth-serving organizations, including the need to strengthen volunteer management systems, adopt global and national standards for volunteering for development, and recognize the interconnectedness of volunteerism and gender inclusion.

The seminar also featured ADNU alumni James Nathaniel Refugio, Planning Officer at the Naga City LGU Planning and Development Office, and Gianna Georgette Roldan, Valedictorian of the Class of 2025. Both shared their experiences in volunteerism during and after their time at ADNU. They reflected on how their formation at the university instilled values that inspired them to continue engaging in volunteer work and to create opportunities for others to serve their communities.

This new partnership between ADNU and PNVSCA affirms the university’s commitment to forming socially engaged leaders and underscores the vital role of youth volunteerism in shaping a more compassionate and inclusive society.

The event was attended by approximately 250 participants, including students from the National Service Training Program (NSTP) and officers from various college student organizations. The activity received an evaluation rating of 4.2 out of 5, reflecting its strong impact and relevance to the participants.

In their evaluation, they shared their learning from the event, among them:

💬 “The seminar effectively emphasized the importance of youth volunteerism in driving social change and fostering community growth.”

💬 “Once a volunteer, always a volunteer. Volunteerism helps you become more involved in society and create an impact.” 

💬 “Being a student volunteer means taking a step forward regardless of whether there are incentives or not. To volunteer is to serve with no conditions, but to simply serve.” 

💬 “Youth volunteerism is really important because it helps us serve others while also improving ourselves. It showed me that even small contributions from the youth can make a big impact, and at the same time, it strengthens our values and faith.” 

💬 “The seminar made me realize how big a role the youth can play in helping communities and also how volunteerism can shape our character. It reminded me that serving others is not just about giving time but also about building values, friendships, and a stronger faith in God.”

💬 “I remembered Sir James' message about volunteerism, and one lesson that lingered from his message is the very definition of volunteerism, and that is, it is an act of service out of free will. It reminded me of the times when I don't exercise it because of certain outcomes I didn't want to happen, but it made me realize that volunteerism is part of human consciousness, and it develops us while making an impact through our small actions on other people.”

💬 “From today’s ‘Gen Z for G: Youth Volunteerism for the Greater Good, Growth, and God’ session, I was reminded that true volunteerism is an invitation to go beyond ourselves. It’s not about grand gestures, but about serving with a pure heart—even in the smallest ways. I realized that if more of us choose to step up with this mindset of giving rather than gaining, the impact can be far greater than we imagine. As youth, when we come together with the same sincerity to serve, we can help shape communities and take part in building something bigger than ourselves. And to me, that is the beauty of choosing to serve.”

Written by: Rodolfo SB. Virtus Jr.