By Keziah Loucille Mallorca, Program Officer for Volunteer Formation and Advocacy, SD-SIAP

SD Volunteers with Engr Dexter S Lo, Vice President for Social Development during the Volunteers’ Skills Training Seminar organized by the Social Involvement and Advocacy Program (SIAP)

The Social Involvement and Advocacy Program (SIAP) proudly welcomed the 64 core volunteers last 16 September through a Volunteers’ Skills Training Seminar (VSTS) at the AVR 1, Old Library where the students were introduced to the Social Development Cluster and gained the skills needed as core volunteers under the program.

Application for volunteers started last August 2023, where interested students underwent an intensive process, which included an orientation about the program and an interview. On 2 September the accepted volunteers’ names were posted on SIAP’s Facebook page.

"The orientation session for SIAP volunteer applicants serves three vital purposes: Firstly, it ensures volunteers grasp the essential mandates, the thrusts and programs of XU SD-SIAP and clarifies their roles and responsibilities, ensuring clarity. Secondly, it motivates volunteers by sharing success stories and practical challenges that ignite their enthusiasm and dedication to the program. Lastly, the session introduces volunteers to valuable skills necessary for their roles, enhancing their volunteer experience, making it both rewarding and impactful.” said Mr Nestor Banuag Jr, Director of the XU Social Involvement and Advocacy Program, when asked why an orientation is necessary during the application process.

A group of volunteers discussing their strategy for the facilitation activity during the VSTS last 16 September 2023

Last school year, the volunteer formation program was reactivated, gathering 58 student-volunteers who were then immersed in the various engagements of SIAP and the SD cluster. This school year, 64 core student-volunteers from the different programs and year levels will undergo SIAP’s formation program, equipping them to become effective leaders and embody the value of persons for others.

"I believe that our engagement as a Xavier-Atenean is not limited to activities inside the campus but also to venture out to the community. My experiences in SIAP last year made me realize that a bigger world outside the four corners of our classrooms needs our helping hand. I continued to volunteer this academic year to keep on being a person for others,” expressed Lyka Barroquillo, a BS Psychology senior and an SD Volunteer since 2022.

The volunteers circled and shared their thoughts about the first session.

“Through SIAP, I am confident that I will become even more in touch with my drive to serve others and build a meaningful relationship with them. Immersing myself in the presence of others, knowing their values, principles, and experiences, and identifying how I can address their needs through my competencies, are the best ways in which I can become a person for others,” Krisha Bacas, a BS BA Marketing senior and a new SD Volunteer shared her insights.

Aside from handling the formation of the SD student-volunteers, the program is currently strengthening its partnerships with the units and offices inside and outside the university. Coordination meetings have been conducted since the start of the school year, providing an avenue for the units through SIAP to engage in potential partner communities. SIAP looks forward to inviting the XU Community in future community engagements and initiatives this school year.