LAOAG CITY, Jan. 31 — The Office of Special Concerns of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), together with its partner agencies, organizations and schools, has urged the Ilocanos to become part of its Pilipinas Natin! Bayanihan volunteerism program.
Dubbed Bayani Challenge 2013, the project is organizing a youth camp that is capable of doing socio-civic activities and at the same time the youth to learn values for themselves.
PCOO Undersecretary for Special Concerns and recently appointed Director General of the Philippine Information Agency Jose Mari Oquiñena said the bayanihan project is designed to inspire Filipinos to keep on helping people in their communities.
“Make nation building a part of a Filipino’s lifestyle,” he said.
With the theme “Isang Bayan, Isang Bayanihan” (One Nation, One Volunteerism) the project aims to form a partnership between the government and the people towards achieving the country’s progress and development.
According to June Joson of the Pilipinas Natin!, coordination has been made with the Northwestern University in Laoag City about the plan to launch in Ilocos Norte the ‘Bayanihan Project’. Also, Mariano Marcos State University in Batac City is also one of their target alliances for the program.
“We are expanding and keep on inviting more volunteers in order to revive the ‘bayanihan’ (volunteerism) among the Filipino youth which is to be the hope for the next generation” he said.
Joson and coordinators in Ilocos region are planning to expand the good news in 80 provinces across the country.
Bayani Challenge is a 5-day gathering where Bayanihan and love for country are showcased through building homes, repairing schools, health missions, climate change mitigation activities and many more.
The spirit of ‘bayanihan,’ a Filipino culture of cooperation has been reawakened by Pres. Aquino through his Pilipinas Natin project that spells out the value of volunteerism.
Bayani Challenge 2013 will unite volunteers in a biggest volunteerism event on March 23-27, 2013.
For those interested to join the project and willing to make a change in their lives and take part in the historic event, here’s how to join: (1) Form a team of 15 members or join individually (2) Register at http://bayanichallenge2013.blogspot.com (3) And choose the province you want to volunteer on the registration site. (ANL/CDG-PIA 1 Ilocos Norte)
