The Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa, Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) officially launched its institutional volunteerism initiatives, VOLunTUTOR and VOLunTABANG program, during the regular Monday Convocation on December 15, 2025, in line with the celebration of National Volunteerism Month.
The program commenced with a message of support delivered by SUC President III Dr. Arnel B. Millesca, who underscored the vital role of volunteerism in higher education institutions. He emphasized that volunteer-driven programs strengthen the culture of service, shared responsibility, and community partnership, reinforcing DEBESMSCAT’s commitment to nation-building and inclusive development.
This was followed by the statement of purpose presented by Engr. Nenette M. Laurio, the institution’s Volunteer Focal Person, who outlined the rationale behind institutionalizing volunteer programs that harness the skills and commitment of students, faculty members, and non-teaching personnel. Laurio highlighted volunteerism as a platform for empowering individuals while extending meaningful assistance to partner communities.
The objectives of the VOLunTUTOR Program were then presented by Ms. Uranus E. Cantoria, NSTP Director, who explained that the initiative aims to mobilize volunteer tutors to provide academic assistance, life skills mentoring, and career readiness support both within the campus and in extension partner communities. She noted that the program integrates service learning with instruction, promoting academic excellence and social responsibility among students and educators.
Following, the VOLunTABANG Program objectives were discussed by Mr. Wilfred C. Pagorogon, DRRM Focal Person, who emphasized the program’s focus on disaster preparedness, emergency response, and post-disaster recovery. He stressed the importance of building a trained and organized volunteer force capable of responding swiftly and compassionately during calamities, in coordination with local and national partners
The launching ceremony concluded with a commitment-signing activity, where volunteer faculty members, students, and personnel formally pledged their support and participation in the two programs. The signing symbolized the collective commitment of the DEBESMSCAT community to uphold the values of volunteerism, bayanihan, and service .
Through the launch of VOLunTUTOR and VOLunTABANG, DEBESMSCAT institutionalizes volunteer engagement as a core component of its academic and extension mandates, providing structured avenues for education-driven service and humanitarian action that benefit both the campus and the wider community
Ladies and gentlemen,
