NWU SSC among PNVSCA’s National Search for Outstanding Covid-19 volunteers (SOCV) awardees
Northwestern University’s Supreme Student Council (NWU SSC) of AY 2020-2021 was recognized by the Philippine National Volunteers Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) in its nationwide Search for Outstanding Covid-19 Volunteers (SOCV) 2021. Led by Meynard Castro, the NWU SSC bagged one of the 34 SOCV awards and was the sole recipient from Ilocos Norte.
The event was held last December 17, 2021 via simultaneous Zoom conferencing and onsite ceremony held at Bulacan State University.
The annual search is part of the National Volunteer Month (NVM) celebration and in partnership with the Regional Search Committees (RSCs) chaired by NEDA Regional Offices (NROs). It recognizes the exemplary performance and contribution of individual volunteers and organizations who helped enable communities through volunteerism during this time of the pandemic.
The SSC also achieved regional recognition from NEDA RO1 and members of the RSC-1 (DILG, DSWD and PIA).
The organization’s advocacy on Selfless Service (one of NWU’s core values) is highlighted in its program called “Serve, Share, Care sa Panahon ng Pandemia.” The council members actively encouraged youth volunteerism, rendered assistance, and mobilized resources for the community despite the risks and restrictions brought by the health crisis. They led various outreach programs in and outside Ilocos Norte which included providing food packs to underprivileged families and raising of funds through a benefit concert to help affected families in Cagayan during the onslaught of Typhoon Ulysses. Other efforts include the distribution of cash (ayuda) to help enable college organizations, extension of help to students in need, and the provision of hygiene kits to the university faculty.
“We at Northwestern University Supreme Student Council will continue to serve our students and the community despite the threats posed by COVID-19 in our path because nothing can stop our strong desire to continue to improve the health and service of our stakeholders and the community. I encourage the current administration of the Supreme Student Council and Northwesternians to keep serving, sharing, and caring with all your hearts. Don’t just focus on the benefits you’re experiencing. You need to serve, share and care with a purpose,” said Castro, inspiring present SSC officers.
Castro also reiterated that volunteerism does not require anything but the desire to do it. He added, “It is not necessary for the subject and verb to agree. You don’t have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to volunteer. All you need is a heart full of grace. A soul fueled by love. Serve, Share and Care. Fiat Lux! Northwesternians!”
The council was also recognized in 2020 as the top performing student organization in the Tertiary Level Category during the Intayon Awards spearheaded by the Ilocos Norte Youth Development Office (INYDO) and as Top Performing Organization on Campus in 2019.
