With the aim of further strengthening the spirit of volunteerism of Associates and the students, the College through SACSO-CESU and the community extension advisers organized the Volunteerism Week Program. The program was held from July 5 – 9, 2010 and was composed of two major activities namely, the Volunteerism Photo Exhibit and the Volunteerism Week Talk.

The photo exhibit was set up at room M 102 for the week and featured photos during the conduct of extension programs. The photos were captured by the lenses of Francis Robert Bonifacio, one of our Guidance Counselors, who has often volunteered to photograph SACSO events.

On the other hand, participants to the Volunteerism Week Talk held on July 7, at the AVR were motivated by the guest speaker; 2009 CNN Hero of the Year Mr. Efren “Kuya F” Peñaflorida. Kuya F enlightened our volunteers in stating that no one is too young, too old or too ordinary to be a volunteer. As examples, he told the life stories of Kesz Valdez and Emanuel Bagual who are fellow volunteers in his organization Club8586. He narrated that Kesz was around six years old when he started volunteering for the cause of street children while Emanuel was only 16 years old when he was nominated for a Nobel Prize due to his human rights advocacy.

During the program, Mr. Dan Lester Mendoza, President of the Student Coordinating Council asked Kuya F to wear the iTam chain on his neck. Mr. Mendoza further declared that through this symbolism, Kuya F is now a kin of the iTams.

In view of the College’s support to acts of volunteerism, the Associates presented Kuya F with a Php 15,000 check. The amount was reached through the pledges offered by Associates to support the cause of Kuya F.

Overall, the Volunteerism Week was a success as Kuya F further posed the challenge to College volunteers to continue own ways reaching out to our fellowmen who are underprivileged.