By Kathlene Joyce Ramones

 

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union,Philippines — The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) attained national recognition on December 29, 2025, when the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) named the province as the first Volunteerism Local Learning Hub (VLLH) in the Philippines.

The designation honors La Union’s work in institutionalizing volunteerism within local governance. As a VLLH, the province will guide other local government units (LGUs) by sharing its policies and practices through 2028.

The recognition underscores La Union’s role in advancing active citizenship and merging volunteerism with development planning.

Governor Mario Eduardo Ortega described volunteerism as a way to share skills for community benefit.

“This provides an avenue for people to contribute their talents and expertise for public service,” Ortega said.

He added that volunteer-led learning should directly support local development.

“When more people are involved, the government gains a clearer understanding of how initiatives are received and how they affect communities,” he stated.

PNVSCA Executive Director Donald James Gawe, meanwhile, congratulated the provincial government, noting that the designation validates La Union’s steady approach.

“As a Volunteerism Local Learning Hub, La Union assumes a role in the national volunteerism ecosystem by serving as a center for learning and capacity building,” Gawe remarked.

He noted that effective volunteer management will now be documented and shared.

With the designation active, La Union aims to bolster its programs and promote participatory governance nationwide. (CCMT/KJCR, PIA La Union)