(Davao City, 6 December 2023) – The Social Development Committee (SDC) XI conducted its CY 2023 4^th Quarter Regular Meeting on 6 December 2023, at the Waling-Waling Hall, DepEd XI Building, Davao City. The meeting was hosted by the Department of Education XI and served as the last meeting of the Committee for CY 2023.

Among the highlights of the meeting was the presentation of the CY 2023 Davao Region Outstanding Volunteer Award and finalists for the CY 2023 National Search for Outstanding Volunteer (SOV). For the Youth Individual Category, awarded were Mr. Alanodin Ipong Sali of the Sambunotan Youth Organization, Ms. Hanna Mae R. Baloyo of the San Pedro College – Volunteer Service Provider, Mr. Rod John Pandili of the PLGU Davao Oriental, Mr. Alexander Balanay III of the Mati City Development Council, Mr. Christian Paul Castillo of the Rotaract Club Davao, Mr. Dennis John T. Barimbao of the National Youth Commission, Mr. Jasper T. Egpit of the Sangguniang Kabataan – Maragusan, and Mr. Luigi T. Felicia of the Davao City Youth for Green Environment.

For the Adult Individual Category, awarded were RD Anthony C. Sales of the Department of Science and Technology XI and Mr. Felix A. Arreglado of the Barangay Sainz Water Association. Lastly, for the Nonprofit Organization Category, awarded were CRIADOS-Davao Medical School Foundation and the United Tribes of Malita Inc. The National SOV Awards shall be announced within December 2023.

Also present in the SDC XI meeting was Ms. Maribel Larracochea of the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) who presented Volunteerism as a Strategy for Development in Mindanao. Republic Act 9418 or the Volunteer Act of 2007 calls on the government at all levels to create an environment that is conducive to volunteerism as it is a manifestation of citizen engagement. She also promoted awareness on the National Volunteer Month which is celebrated every December.

The Committee also discussed the Social Sector RDR 2023 cum DRDP RMs Progress Report, results of the 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), Updates from the Regional Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children, and the various concerns elevated by the Regional SDCs during the SDC National-Regional Consultative Meeting conducted on November 20, 2023 in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

Laurence Gido, NEDA XI