Regional outstanding volunteers lauded

BAGUIO CITY - The Regional Development Council (RDC) lauded three volunteers and a volunteer group nominated for Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) awards for 2018 during the RDC-RPOC 4th quarter meeting in Baguio City on Dec. 19, 2018.

The nominees were selected based on their experience, character, the sustainability of their outputs, and their accomplishments.

They were endorsed by a regional search committee chaired by NEDA-CAR with members from DILG, PIA, CSC, DSWD, and the private sector

The outstanding volunteers are:

Rhem Austeen L. Danio whose work with people with autism enabled people living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their family to live better lives. He gave speeches on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to raise awareness among public and private organizations helping others learn more about the illness. He also established a support group for siblings of children with autism.

Imelda D. Dagupon, a Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) from Imelda village whose work on educating barangay residents and popularizing the “Labay mo, Ibos mo” feeding program has improved the nutrition of children in her barangay. The improved nutrition of her children in her barangay led to be recognized nationally as one of the top Barangay Nutrition Scholars. She extended her nutrition advocacy beyond her barangay and gave talks on nutrition all over Luzon.

Gregorio Taag, president of The Cordillera Binnadang Connection Inc. (TCC), who led his charity group in helping a diverse collection of beneficiaries in medical treatment expenses, disaster relief, and counseling, among others. His model of charity influenced other Cordillerans to do the same overseas as TCC has several chapters all over the world.

The La Trinidad Accredited Community Disaster Volunteers (ACDV) whose work in disaster mitigation and response has raised the standard of disaster risk reduction and management in La Trinidad. Formed in 2013, ACDV has provided disaster rescue and relief as well as trainings in various disaster and emergency response situations -- Marlo T. Lubguban, NEDA-SPCAR