Rep. Garcia pushes bill to institutionalize National Volunteer Month in the Philippines

Bataan 3rd District Representative Maria Angela S. Garcia is pushing for stronger citizen participation nationwide through House Bill No. 4706, which seeks to declare December of every year as National Volunteer Month and formally institutionalize the celebration of December 5 as National Volunteer Day.

As Chairperson of the House Committee on People’s Participation, Congresswoman Garcia sponsored the measure to encourage more Filipinos—especially the youth—to engage in volunteer work across key sectors such as education, healthcare, public safety, and community development.

Rep. Garcia emphasized that volunteerism and the spirit of bayanihan have long been embedded in Filipino culture, reflected in the people’s collective action, compassion, and willingness to help—not only during disasters and crises, but also in everyday life.

The proposed legislation aims to honor and recognize Filipinos who selflessly dedicate their time, talent, and service to uplift communities, while promoting volunteerism as a core national value.

Once enacted, House Bill No. 4706 is expected to strengthen civic engagement and create a more organized framework for volunteer programs in the country, with Garcia expressing optimism that the measure will gain broad support in Congress and eventually become law.