DepEd hails volunteer group for supporting learners, teachers
On Feb. 20, the Department of Education (DepEd) recognized around 173 partner organizations including the nonprofit volunteer-powered group, I am MAD (Making A Difference) Volunteers Inc. for their support and intervention in the country’s basic education under its Matatag Agenda. The event was held at GSIS Theater, Pasay City.
DepEd awarded I am MAD as one of the agency’s outstanding civil society organization partners during the national DepEd Partners’ Appreciation and Recognition ceremony.
Maco Ravanzo, chief executive volunteer and Wino Dela Cruz, chief of volunteer programs and communication of I am MAD accepted the award.
The award cited I am MAD for its “unwavering commitment, exceptional collaboration and invaluable contribution in support of the Matatag Agenda for the DepEd Basic Education Development Plan, helping DepEd fulfill its mandate in providing quality basic education to all learners.”
I am MAD has been an active civil society partner of DepEd for more than a decade now.
The nonprofit recently launched its new campaign “Love the Volunteer Vibes” at its annual volunteer reunion and 14th anniversary celebration at the Davao Bamboo Sanctuary and Ecological Park. It’s the first time the gathering of volunteers, called MAD Meet, took place in Mindanao.
This year, I am MAD is set to conduct its flagship program MAD Camp in at least 12 schools across different provinces and explore seven tourist destinations for its MADventure initiative.
Everyone is invited to be a part of MAD Camp in Davao Occidental, Dinagat Islands, Romblon, Southern Leyte, Davao del Norte, Iloilo, Aurora, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Cebu, Bataan and Rizal.
Recognized by the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations Awards Foundation, MAD Camp is the organization’s flagship three-day outreach program. Volunteers facilitate values formation activities and engage school children age 10-12 in tasks that promote positive Filipino traits.
Every MAD Camp is supported by a fundraiser called Bida Eskwela (Bigay Ayuda para sa Eskwela). Funds are used to provide each student-participant a Bag of Dreams filled with school supplies and other tokens.This year’s fundraising theme, “Piso mula sa puso para sa pangarap ko,” emphasizes the group’s willingness to accept donations even as little as one peso. I am MAD believes the collective efforts of everyone will make a big difference.
Be a volunteer by registering at bit.ly/MADcamp2024reg. No time to volunteer, but love giving? Donate at bit.ly/bidadonate. Email iammadph@gmail.com.
