Nominations for the 2016 Search for Outstanding Volunteers (SOV) is now open to all Filipino citizens and Filipino volunteer organizations, including local chapters of foreign volunteer organizations that currently provide volunteer services in the Western Visayas area and in the Philippines.

Spearheaded by the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA), together with the National Volunteer Month (NVM) Steering Committee and the Search for Outstanding Volunteers (SOV) Regional Search Committee, the SOV is an annual activity conducted to recognize the exemplary performance and dedication to service of Filipino volunteers in helping people and building communities across the country.

Since 2001, more than 100 volunteers and volunteer organizations that serve various sectors all over the country were given awards and recognitions through the SOV. Their volunteer efforts serve as good examples and models of volunteerism in development and nation-building.

This year, the SOV is composed of three award categories, namely: the Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award (VLAA), the National Outstanding Volunteer Award (NOVA), and the Special Citation in Volunteerism.

The VLAA is conferred to an individual or organization for consistent and outstanding volunteer service and whose achievement is regarded as an inspiration and role model.

On the other hand, NOVA is conferred to an individual or organization for outstanding volunteer service, including corporate volunteerism initiatives, that have made significant contributions in uplifting the lives of people and the communities served. Nominations for NOVA are sub-divided into youth and adult for individuals, and non-profit and corporate for the organizations.

A new category on SOV is the Special Citation in Volunteerism. This award is conferred to recognize volunteering efforts and/or support to volunteerism by an individual, group or organization that do not qualify under the regular SOV categories but which are deemed equally meritorious in accomplishments.

Detailed information on the eligibility of participation, guidelines and nomination forms are available at the NEDA Regional Office VI or at the websites of PNVSCA (www.pnvsca.gov.ph) and NEDA Region VI  (https://nro6.neda.gov.ph).

Deadline for submission of nominations is on or before June 20, 2016. Nominations in Western Visayas should be submitted to:

The Search for Outstanding Volunteer Regional Search Committee
c/o NEDA Region VI Office
Fort San Pedro Road, Iloilo City 5000

For more information, please contact Ma. Teresa G. Guadalupe of NEDA Regional Office at 337-6840 or 3362075 local 401 or email at nro6@pldtdsl.net.