THE act of volunteerism in Benguet capital town of La Trinidad has gained national recognition.
Among the group and individuals recognized in this year’s Search for Outstanding Volunteers 2019 in the municipal level is La Trinidad Local Government Unit awarded by the Philippine Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency and the National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency under National Economic Development Authority created in 1964 and mandated to promote and coordinate volunteer programs and services in the country.
“In recognition of its initiative to provide volunteering platform that enables the residents to actively participate in disaster risk reduction and management programs through the La Trinidad Accredited Community Disaster Volunteers, for pioneering ‘One Responder per Household Project’ to ensure community resilience during disasters and calamities, and for engaging volunteers in the conduct of medical and dental missions, clean up drives and major events of the municipality and the province,” the citation reads.
A plaque was also given by House of Representatives through the committee on people’s participation chair Representative Florida Robes and the town receiving a gift certificate worth P4,000.
Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council chair and Mayor Romeo Salda said all tanods, barangay peacekeeping action teams, schools and non-government agencies are accredited in the Benguet town and yearly number of volunteers increase both composed of group and individuals. The town also caters to foreign volunteers this started way back in 2013.
The act of volunteerism runs through the town following the lack of manpower per department. He added there are volunteers in the town made available during rescue, fiestas, medical missions and sports activities.
Other winners include Poblacion, Ilocos Sur in barangay level and Mandaluyong City.