Conference on Volunteering of the Academe

The VPHCS sent a representative, Susana Lynsy Linao-Ardona, R.N. to join the 2012 National Conference on the Engagement of the Academe in Volunteering or NCEAV last December 6-7 at the Miriam College in Quezon City, Metro Manila.  

The activity brought together representatives of state universities and colleges, other higher education institutions, non-government organizations, national government agencies, local government units and the private sector to examine the role of the academe in nation-building, under the theme ‘Creating synergy. Charting new paths.’ 

The NCEAV is convened by Miriam College and VSO Bahaginan. It aims to understand the landscape of volunteering in the Philippines and how this relates to the role of the academe, examine fundamental and emerging issues about volunteering by the academe and to share good practice and case studies, create a community of practice and help build a stronger voluntary sector that recognizes the impact and value of volunteering. 

Lynsy presented the VPHCS two-decade experience on how it has mobilized members of the health academe, particularly, medical, medical technology, dental, and nursing students to volunteer and render health services in its community-based health programs. She discussed about various activities of volunteer health students including the Student Integration Program (SIP) held during semestral and summer breaks which brings health students to poor communities. VPHCS has also initiated formation of the Students’ Health Advocacy for Response and Empowerment (SHARE) in Cebu and the Students’ Alliance for Community Health (SACHS) in Bohol which organize community exposure programs and services in marginalized communities. 

The NCEAV featured exhibitors from organizations across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao to showcase good practices and case studies in volunteering. Plenary and breakout sessions provided a wide range of learning covering topics on the engagement of the academe in volunteering.

Lynsy Linao-Ardona discusses about the VPHCS 

experience on volunteering of the health academe 

in its community-based health programs.