Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency

NEDA Complex, EDSA, Quezon City

IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9418

“AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING A STRATEGY FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT,
STRENGTHENING VOLUNTEERISM AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”

Rule I –GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1. Purpose and General Coverage. - This Implementing Rules and Regulations is
promulgated pursuant to Section 14 of Republic Act No. 9418, entitled “An Act
Institutionalizing A Strategy for Rural Development, Strengthening Volunteerism and for
Other Purposes” otherwise known as “Volunteer Act of 2007.”
Section 2. Declaration of Policy. - It shall be the policy of the State to promote the
participation of the various sectors of the Filipino society, and as necessary, international and
foreign volunteer organizations in public and civic affairs, and adopt and strengthen the
practice of volunteerism as a strategy in order to attain national development and
international understanding. The inculcation of volunteerism as a way of life shall rekindle in
every Filipino the time-honored tradition of bayanihan to foster social justice, solidarity and
sustainable development.
Section 3. Statement of Goals and Objectives. - To carry out the foregoing policy,
the government shall pursue the attainment of the following goals and objectives:
3.1. To provide a policy framework on volunteerism that shall underscore the
fundamental principles necessary to harness and harmonize the broad and
diverse efforts of the voluntary sector in the country into an integrative and
effective partnership for local and national development as well as international
cooperation and understanding.
3.2. To provide a conducive and enabling environment for volunteers and volunteer
service organizations by setting mechanisms to protect volunteers’ rights and
privileges and give due recognition to highlight their roles and contributions
to society; and
3.3. To provide an effective institutional mechanism to strengthen the role of the
Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA)
to perform its mandates and to oversee the implementation of this Act.
Section 4. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this IRR, the following shall mean:
4.1. Volunteerism refers to an act involving a wide range of activities, including
traditional forms of mutual aid and developmental interventions that provides an
enabling and empowering environment both on the part of the beneficiary
receiving and the volunteer rendering the act, undertaken for reasons arising
from sociodevelopmental, business or corporate orientation, commitment or
conviction for the attainment of the public good and where monetary and other
incentives or rewards are not the primary motivating factors.
4.2. Volunteer refers to an individual or group who for reasons arising from their
sociodevelopmental, business and corporate orientation, commitment or
conviction, contribute time, service and resources whether on full-time or part-
time basis to a just and essential social development cause, mission or endeavor
 in the belief that their activity is mutually meaningful and beneficial to public
interest as well as to themselves.

4.3. Volunteer Service Organization refers to a local or foreign group that recruits,
trains, deploys and supports volunteer workers to programs and projects
implemented by them or by other organizations or any group that provides
services and resources, including but not limited to, information, capability
building, advocacy and networking for the attainment of the common good.

4.4. Voluntary Sector refers to those sectors of Philippine society that organizes
themselves into volunteers to take advocacy and action primarily for local and
national development as well as international cooperation and understanding.

4.5. Registration refers to the process by which volunteers and/or volunteer

organizations are recognized by PNVSCA for purposes of coordination,
networking, information sharing and documentation.

4.6. National Volunteer Service Program refers to the collaborative undertaking

of the various sectors in the Philippines to achieve national development and
international cooperation and understanding through volunteerism.

Rule II – MODALITIES OF VOLUNTEERISM

Section 5. Role and Modalities of Volunteerism in the Private Sector.

5.1. Volunteerism in the Academe includes, but is not limited to, provision
of technical assistance and sharing of technology within the academic circle,
target communities and other clienteles and the upgrading of the quality
of education and curriculum methodologies while providing career
enhancement and exposure to the volunteers.

5.2. Volunteerism in the Corporate Sector as an expression of corporate social

responsibility and citizenship, refers to activities recognized by the company,
where employees give their time, skills and resources in the service of the
company’s internal and/or external communities. These volunteering activities
include, but are not limited to, employee giving of material resources to specific
causes; employee-led fund-raising; one-time outreach activities; environmental
campaign; medical and health-related advocacies; knowledge and change
management; scholarship programs; and sharing of expertise, particularly
of business and developmental skills through mentoring, tutoring, training,
business consulting/advising and rendering of pro bono services on a case-to-
case basis.

5.3. Volunteerism by Not-for-Profit Organizations includes, but is not limited to,

provision of complementary service delivery and human resource development
in underserved communities as well as advocacy and articulation of the cause
of the disadvantaged and vulnerable groups.

Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA No. 9418 2|Page

Section 6. Role and Modalities of Volunteerism by Foreign Volunteer Organizations. -
Volunteerism by foreign volunteer organizations includes, but is not limited to, provision
of technical assistance not locally accessible in priority development areas within the
framework of technical cooperation and socio-cultural exchange.
Foreign volunteer organizations shall implement their programs in the Philippines
in accordance with the guidelines and procedures issued by PNVSCA for the purpose.
Rule III - ROLE OF GOVERNMENT
Section 7. Role of the Government. - The government shall coordinate, facilitate and
encourage the participation of the voluntary sector in the promotion, utilization, and
recognition of volunteerism in national development and international cooperation. This shall
be achieved through the provision of enabling and conducive environment for volunteer
work.
Rule IV - ROLE OF PNVSCA
Section 8. The Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA). -
The PNVSCA created by Executive Order No. 134, series of 1964, as amended by Executive
Order No. 635 series of 1980, shall undertake the implementation and execution of Republic
Act No. 9418 and this IRR.
Section 9. Mandates of PNVSCA. The PNVSCA shall perform the following functions:
9.1. Review and formulate policies and guidelines concerning the national volunteer
service program consistent with national development priorities;
9.2. Coordinate, monitor and evaluate the national volunteer service program
in order that volunteer assistance may fit into the total national development
goals;
9.3. Act as clearinghouse for matters pertaining to international volunteer services.
9.4. Develop and implement prototypes and models of volunteering for adoption
by institutions and communities;
9.5. Provide technical services and support for capability-building of volunteers and
volunteer organizations;
9.6. Undertake advocacy for the promotion and recognition of volunteerism as a tool
for development;
9.7. Establish and maintain a national network of volunteer organizations and serve
as liaison between and among local and foreign governmental private voluntary
organizations including the United Nations Volunteers (UNV); and
9.8. Administer all PNVSCA funds from all sources including foreign aid
in accordance with accounting and auditing requirements.
Section 10. Upon advice of the Multi-Sectoral Advisory Body, PNVSCA shall submit to
the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) an organizational plan based on the
requirements of the new mandate within ninety (90) days upon publication of the IRR in the
Official Gazette,.
Rule V – MULTI-SECTORAL ADVISORY BODY (MSAB)
Section 11. The Multi-Sectoral Advisory Body (MSAB). – The MSAB shall have the
following members:
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)
Department of Education (DepEd)

Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA No. 9418 3|Page

 Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
Department of Justice (DOJ)
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
Commission on Higher Education (CHED)
Presidential Management Staff (PMS)/Office of the President
Representative/s from the corporate sector
Representative/s from the private academe sector
Representative/s from the not-for-profit sector
11.1. All member government agencies shall be represented by at least an Assistant
Secretary while the private sector agencies shall be represented by their
highest executive officers. The government agencies shall be permanent
members while the representatives from the private sector shall serve for a
two-year term.
11.2. The permanent members of the MSAB shall be convened within thirty (30)
working days upon the effectivity of this IRR. The PNVSCA Executive
Director shall serve as the presiding officer of the MSAB until the selection
of the Chair.
11.3. The permanent members of the MSAB shall select representatives from the
private sector based on the following qualifications:
a) A bona fide Filipino organization;
b) Registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
and preferably accredited by a government agency;
c) With nationwide geographic coverage and network; and
d) Other qualifications as may be determined by the permanent
members of the MSAB.
The Presiding Officer shall formally invite the selected organization. In case
the organization declines the invitation, the next with the highest number
of votes received shall be invited.
11.4. The Chair of the MSAB shall be elected from among the members of the
Body. The Chair shall serve for two (2) years.
11.5. The PNVSCA Executive Director, being an ex-officio member, shall serve as
the permanent Vice-Chair. PNVSCA shall serve as Secretariat of the MSAB.
11.6. The MSAB shall promulgate guidelines and procedures for the effective and
efficient implementation of its functions.
11.7. The MSAB may call on representatives of other government agencies and/or
private sector to serve as resource person/s on volunteerism as the need arises.

Section 12. Functions of the Multi-Sectoral Advisory Body (MSAB). - The MSAB shall
have the following functions:
12.1. Provide advice in the formulation of policies and guidelines for the national
volunteer service program;
12.2. Provide consultative and technical advisory services on volunteer matters;

Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA No. 9418 4|Page

 12.3. Serve as a forum to enhance and strengthen linkages between and among
volunteer groups and communities.
Rule VI - SPECIAL PROVISIONS
Section 13. Establishment of a National Volunteer Infrastructure and Forum. -
The PNVSCA shall develop and establish a system of national registration and networking to
improve coordination of volunteers and volunteer service organizations and to widen horizon
for sharing and complementing volunteer information, experiences and resources.
13.1. National Registration of Volunteer Service Organizations
All local and foreign volunteer service organizations, as defined in
Section 4.3 of this IRR shall register with PNVSCA in accordance with the
guidelines and procedures issued by PNVSCA for the purpose.
13.2. National government agencies (NGAs), local government units (LGUs) and
private sector shall provide PNVSCA with information of volunteer programs
and activities implemented in their agencies/ organizations.
In the case of individual foreign volunteers, the following arrangement shall
be adhered to:
a) NGAs shall coordinate with PNVSCA on the assignment of foreign
volunteers in their respective agencies. For this purpose, PNVSCA
shall formulate additional guidelines and procedures for the
registration, reporting and documentation of foreign volunteer
assignments, or may request a presidential executive issuance;
b) At the local government unit, PNVSCA shall enter into a
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of the
Interior and Local Government, the Local Government Units
(LGUs), and the Leagues of Provinces, Cities and Municipalities
and the Liga ng Barangay for the registration, monitoring and
documentation of foreign volunteer assignments in LGUs for this
purpose; and
c) In the case of the private sector, PNVSCA shall enter into a
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the concerned local
partner organizations for the registration, monitoring and
documentation of foreign volunteer assignment.
In the interim, and until such time the abovementioned arrangements have
been put in place, all foreign volunteer assignments shall be reviewed and
approved by PNVSCA.
13.3. PNVSCA shall publish on an annual basis a directory of local and foreign
volunteer service organizations in the Philippines registered herewith.
13.4. PNVSCA shall convene forums for discussions on issues and concerns
on volunteering and sharing of information and resources to strengthen
networking among the volunteer community.

Section 14. Integration of Volunteerism in the Education Curriculum.

14.1. Volunteerism as a concept and practice shall be integrated at all levels
of education across grades and across subjects.

Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA No. 9418 5|Page

 14.2. The Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education
(CHED) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority
(TESDA) shall identify entry points for the integration of volunteerism at all
levels of education.
14.3. DepEd, CHED and TESDA, in collaboration with PNVSCA, shall develop
instructional materials on volunteerism.
14.4. DepEd, CHED and TESDA shall issue guidelines for the adoption and
utilization of the instructional materials on volunteerism for all levels
of formal and informal education in public and private schools, colleges and
universities, including vocational and technical learning centers and
institutions.
14.5. PNVSCA, in consultation and collaboration with DepEd, CHED and TESDA
shall conduct periodic review and update of instructional materials
on volunteerism.

Section 15. Establishment of Volunteer Program in National Government Agencies and

Local Government Units (LGUs).

15.1. The Volunteer Program for Government Service or the Bayanihang Bayan
Program shall serve as platform for private sector volunteering in government
agencies and local government units, in accordance with Memorandum Order
45 dated 7 December 2001.

15.2. PNVSCA, in collaboration with the Civil Service Commission (CSC), shall
identify and develop modalities and schemes for government agencies and/or
employee volunteering and issue corresponding guidelines for their
implementation. Furthermore, PNVSCA in cooperation with the CSC, shall
document volunteering efforts of government agencies and/or employees
to identify and document best practices in public sector volunteering.

Section 16. Recognition and Incentives to Volunteers. - Government agencies and non-
government organizations implementing volunteer programs are encouraged to develop and
provide volunteers recognition and incentive package which may include, but not limited
to allowance, insurance, training and the grant of privileges and status to Filipino overseas
volunteers at par with Filipino overseas workers.

16.1. All volunteers shall be accorded recognition of volunteer status through the
registration process as provided under this IRR or as maybe subsequently
established by PNVSCA.

16.2. Volunteer service organizations deploying foreign volunteers in the

Philippines and Filipino volunteers overseas shall submit to PNVSCA their
volunteer support and incentive program, including post volunteering support
scheme, for its review and approval prior to the implementation of their
volunteer effort in the Philippines.

16.3. PNVSCA shall establish a monitoring mechanism for this purpose.

Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA No. 9418 6|Page

Section 17. VISA Privileges of Foreign Volunteers - Foreign volunteers approved for
assignment by PNVSCA as well as their legal dependents may be entitled to 47(a)(2) visa
with multiple entry privileges and corresponding exemption from visa and immigration fees
and other related processing/application fees or charges.

17.1. Foreign volunteers may be issued 47 (a) (2) visa with multiple entry privileges
and corresponding exemption from visa and immigration fees and other
related expenses valid for one (1) year upon date of issuance, subject to
renewal, if all the following conditions are met:
a) The foreign volunteer is a member of a foreign volunteer
organization registered with PNVSCA or as provided for in sub-
section 13.2;
b) The local partner organization is identified and approved by
PNVSCA; and
c) The foreign volunteer and the Foreign Volunteer Service
Organization (FVSO) have complied with the deployment
requirements of PNVSCA.
17.2. The issuance of 47 (a) (2) visa to foreign volunteers shall adhere to the
following procedures:
a) The foreign volunteer service organization submits to
PNVSCA the biodata and passport details of the volunteer
candidate;
b) PNVSCA secures the volunteer candidate’s security clearance
and acceptance by local partner organization;
c) PNVSCA requests the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
for the issuance of 47 (a)(2) visa to the volunteer;
d) DFA sends request for issuance of visa to concerned Philippine
Embassy or Consulate; and
e) The Philippine Embassy or Consulate issues 47 (a)(2) visa to
the foreign volunteer.
17.3. Foreign volunteers recruited outside the Philippines shall get his/her 47 (a)(2)
visa from the concerned Philippine Embassy or Consulate upon endorsement
of PNVSCA to DFA.
17.4. Foreign nationals already in the Philippines who have been approved
for volunteer assignment by PNVSCA may avail of the above visa
category and privileges upon endorsement by PNVSCA to the Department
of Justice (DOJ).

Rule VI - INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISM FOR RESEARCH,

DOCUMENTATION, RECOGNITION
AND MODELING OF BEST PRACTICES
Section 18. Institutional Mechanism for Research, Documentation, Recognition and
Modeling of Best Practices. To carry out the purposes of this Act, an institutional
mechanism shall be established for continuing research, documentation, recognition and

Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA No. 9418 7|Page

modeling of best volunteer practices as an important component of implementing
development programs and projects and undertaking humanitarian activities.

18.1. The PNVSCA shall spearhead the creation of a Volunteerism Consortium that
will engage the participation of the voluntary sector in research,
documentation, and modeling of best volunteer practices where feasible.
The Volunteerism Consortium shall be organized at various levels to capture
volunteer experiences and best practices at the right place and at the right
time.

18.2. The Volunteer Knowledge and Resource Center (VKRC) shall be established
by PNVSCA, in cooperation with the voluntary sector, as a repository
of information and resources, including those generated by the Volunteerism
Consortium for use by the volunteers, volunteer managers, policy makers and
the general public.

Specifically, the VKRC shall have the following functions:

a) Popularize volunteerism as a strategy in the implementation of
development programs and projects of government agencies, local
government units and the private sector;
b) Establish and manage a referral system that will promote effective
and efficient matching of volunteering opportunities, access to
technical assistance, capability building and other resources on
volunteerism;
c) Publish new initiatives and best practices in volunteering; and
d) Institutionalize partnerships with local government units, academe,
non-government organizations and the media in implementing
knowledge and resource facility schemes in different areas in the
country.
18.3. The implementation of the National Volunteer Month (NVM) as a platform
for recognition of best practices on volunteerism, including its implementing
structure shall be reviewed by the MSAB and corresponding guidelines shall
be issued for the purpose.

Rule VIII - FINAL PROVISIONS

Section 19. Amendment.- The PNVSCA reserves the right to make amendments,
modifications, revisions or supplements to this IRR consistent with existing laws, rules and
regulations, in consultation with the MSAB.
Section 20. Repealing Clause. - All rules and regulations issued by PNVSCA or parts
thereof contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this IRR and RA No. 9418,
including Section 12 of Executive Order No. 635 are hereby deemed repealed or modified
accordingly.
Section 21. Separability Clause. – If any provision in this IRR, or application of such
provision to any circumstance, is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions
not affected thereby shall remain valid and subsisting.

Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA No. 9418 8|Page

Section 22. Effectivity. - These rules and regulations shall take effect after fifteen (15)
calendar days following its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2)
newspapers of general circulation.

APPROVED this 5th day of February 2009.

Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA No. 9418 9|Page