PRIMER ON VOLUNTEERISM

WHAT IS VOLUNTEERISM?

Volunteerism is a program of the Parole and Probation Administration (PPA)

aimed at generating maximum, effective and efficient citizen participation and
community involvement in the process of client rehabilitation, prevention of crime and
the overall administration of criminal justice.

WHAT ARE ITS ADVANTAGES?

Probation and parole, as community-based treatment programs, depend on

available resources in the community for the rehabilitation of offenders. Thus, the
Administration, recognizing the important role of the community as a rehabilitation
agent, involves the community in probation and parole work through the use of volunteer
workers and welfare agencies.

The use of volunteer workers in probation and parole is worth adopting because it
opens new fields for community involvement in corrections and for training youth
leaders, barangay organizations, and civic groups in social development work. The use of
volunteers will also make it possible for the correctional system to exercise supervision of
offenders at less cost to the government.

WHAT ARE THE LEGAL BASES FOR VPA PROGRAM OF THE PPA?

• Presidential Decree No. 968 permits the employment of Volunteer Probation Aides
(VPA), specifically under Sec 28 which states:

“To assist the Provincial or City Probation Officers in the

supervision of probationers, the Probation Administrator may
appoint citizens of good repute and probity to act as probation
aides.

Probation Aides shall not receive any regular compensation

for services except for reasonable travel allowance. They shall
hold office for such period as may be determined by the Probation
Administrator. Their qualifications and maximum case loads shall
be provided in the rules promulgated pursuant to this Decree.”
• On October 11, 2005, President Gloria M. Arroyo signed Executive Order No. 468
revitalizing the VPA Program of the PPA to strengthen community involvement and
participation in crime prevention, treatment of offenders and the administration of
criminal justice. This Executive Order provides the coordination among government
agencies, non-government organizations and people’s orgnizations specifically under
Section 3 which states:

“The PPA shall coordinate with other government agencies,

non-government organizations and people’s organizations that are
involved in developing programs related to volunteerism for the
purpose of developing programs and attaining programs impact
and synergy. Specifically, the support and cooperation of the
Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency, the
Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Philippine
National Police Commission, the Liga ng mga Barangay, the
Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department
of Justice, among others, shall be tapped for the foregoing
purpose.”

HOW DO THE VPAs DIFFER WITH OTHER VOLUNTEERS?

VPAs differ from other volunteers in that the former perform a highly specialized
supervision service which directly have impact on the behavior of the clients. They serve
as strengths and role models in ushering the reformation and treatment of offenders who
are members of their own communities.

DO VPAs REPLACE THE FULL-TIME STAFF OF THE PPA?

No, the VPAs are not intended as replacement for full-time paid staff. However,
their participation as part of a team under supervision will enhance the rehabilitation
prospect of offenders by helping them in looking for jobs, schooling, training
opportunities and other activities. Their work as volunteers will also give them a more
favorable attitude toward corrections, and they will be in a better position to exert
positive influence in developing favorable community attitudes towards the problems and
needs of the offenders.
WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF VPAs?

Give continued affection to the client, even when specific behavior is

unacceptable and build on whatever good points there are.

Introduce new positive experiences into the client’s life.

Be aware of the primary responsibilities to PPA and client.

Respect confidentiality

Honor all commitments and be on time for all appointments

Consult with the PPA staff if in doubt on any matter.

Keep PPA staff informed of any important change in client’s situation or
of any significant incident.

Be a good behavior model for the client in action and word.

Participate enthusiastically in volunteer meetings and training sessions.

Believe that human beings can change their behavior patterns since the
primary objective is to help the client’s reentry into society.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?

Qualifications

• Preferably 35 years old

• A reputable member of the community and of good moral character
• Preferably a resident of the same community as the client
• Preferably with adequate source of income or financially able
• Willing to serve without compensation
• Able and willing to prepare monthly reports on his supervision activities
• Has no criminal record of conviction except former clients who have shown
exemplary behavior and may therefore be considered as role models of their
fellow offenders
• With adequate good health

Documents Needed

• Duly accomplished VPA application form

• Two ID (2 x 2) pictures
• Indorsement of and/or certification of Chief Probation and Parole Officer/Officer-
in-Charge based on background investigation
• Recommendation of the Regional Director/Regional Officer-in-Charge
Training

• Basic Training Course

Knowledge on the Agency and its programs and services

• Team Building

Designed to reinforce the values of cooperation and trust

• Specialized Training

Provision of knowledge and skills on Restorative Justice, Therapeutic
Community, Interviewing Skills, Reports Preparation, and Community
Resource Development, among others.

HOW IS THE VPA APPOINTED?

a. Candidate accomplishes the VPA application form

b. Officer conducts background investigation
c. Chief Probation and Parole Officer/Officer-in-Charge endorses application
with required documents to the Regional Office
d. Regional Director/Regional Officer-in-Charge recommends application to the
Administrator
e. Community Service Division reviews and evaluates application form and
attachments, and prepares appointment
f. Administrator signs appointment for a two-year term
g. Community Services Division officially notifies the Regional Directors of
VPAs appointed
h. Secretary of Department of Justice attests appointment
i. VPA takes an Oath of Office administered by the Chief Probation and Parole
Officer/Officer-in-Charge concerned
j. PPA issues VPA ID to be surrendered upon termination or revocation of
appointment, or upon renewal of ID

WHAT IS THE TERM OF SERVICE?

The VPA shall be appointed for two (2) years by the Administrator through the
Community Services Division and the National Screening Committee subject to
renewal/revocation thereafter, upon the recommendation of the Regional Director.
WHAT ARE THE FUNCTIONS OF THE VPA?

1. Work in close coordination and cooperation with the Supervising Officer.

2. Keep all information about the supervisee in strict confidentiality.
3. Maintain an honest recording and monthly reporting of activities to the
Supervising Officer.
4. Devote a substantial and quality time for supervision of clients and perform
the following tasks:
a. offer guidance and counseling
b. act as job placement facilitator
c. implement treatment objectives as provided for in the program of
supervision
d. refer to corresponding agencies clients with spiritual, mental, social,
emotional, economic, physical or health needs
e. act as resource individual

WHAT ARE THE ROLES OF THE VPA?

The role of the VPA may be classified into two categories:

1. As Direct Supervisor who undertakes the following:

• Supervise a maximum of five (5) clients at any given time
• Work closely with officer-on-case and Chief Probation and Parole Officer/
Officer-in-Charge and discuss treatment plan and status of clients
• Submit monthly accomplishment reports to officer-on-case or Chief
Probation and Parole Officer/Officer-in-Charge and other reports as may
be required
• Perform such other tasks as may be assigned by the officer-on-case or
Chief Probation and Parole Officer/Officer-in-Charge

2. As Resource Individual who acts as:

• Resource Speaker on Volunteerism, Restorative Justice, Therapeutic
Community and other topics
• Counselor to other clients/people who need help
• Donor, sponsor or referring person
• Program coordinator of client activities
• Mediator, Restorative Justice implementor, Therapeutic Community
facilitator
HOW ARE THE VPAs ASSIGNED CASES?

1. Supervising Officer identifies a suitable match of VPA and client.

2. Chief Probation and Parole Officer or Supervising Officer informs the VPA
and the client of the planned assignment of the case to the VPA and explains
the program and the progress.
3. Chief Probation and Parole Officer assigns case to VPA under the charge of a
Supervising Officer by way of an Office Order.
4. Supervising Officer formally introduces the client to the VPA.
5. VPA conducts initial interview to determine the basic information and
circumstances of client.
6. VPA and client formulate tentative plans on how to facilitate and undertake
the supervision process.
7. VPA takes time to study client’s records, investigation report and supervision
history, Supervision Treatment Plan, Supervision Case Notes, Payment Plan,
etc., which shall all be treated with strict confidentiality.
8. VPA conducts subsequent supervision interviews and periodic house and
workplace visits, results of which are to be reported to the Supervising Officer
and recorded in the Supervision Case Notes of client.
9. VPA attends and performs allied supervision activities and accomplishes VPA
Monthly Reports

WHAT ARE THE INCENTIVES/AWARDS GIVEN TO THE VPAs?

A VPA may be entitled to receive the following incentives and awards:

1. Plaque of recognition shall be awarded to VPAs who have rendered

invaluable contribution in the rehabilitation of clients.
2. Certificate of Appreciation to VPAs who obtained a Very Satisfactory
(VS) Rating for two (2) consecutive rating periods.
3. VPAs shall be entitled to any support/assistance or benefits (such as
discount in transportation, health and accident insurance) that may be
negotiated with participating agencies or organizations.

MAY THE APPOINTMENTS OF THE VPAs BE RENEWED?

Yes, the VPA appointment may be renewed for the following reasons with
consent of the VPA concerned:

1. The VPA has successfully served/performed the duties and functions as

Volunteer for a period of two (2) years.
2. The VPA has sustained interest in volunteer work and actively participates
in the activities of the Agency.
 3. The VPA has obtained a satisfactory performance rating based on the
evaluation of the Chief Probation and Parole Offcier for three consecutive
rating periods.
4. The VPA does not violate any of the reasons for the revocation of
appointment.

WHAT ARE THE STEPS FOR RENEWING THE VPA APPOINTMENT?

1. One month prior to expiration of appointment, the Chief Probation and Parole
Officer or Supervising Officer reviews the performance of the VPA.
2. If satisfactory, Chief Probation and Parole Officer or Supervising Officer
seeks written consent of VPA to continue with volunteer service and option to
renew appointment.
3. Chief Probation and Parole Officer recommends renewal of appointment of
VPA to the Regional Director.

MAY THE APPOINTMENTS OF THE VPAs BE REVOKED?

Yes, the VPA appointment may be revoked for any of the following or similar
reasons:

1. Commission of offense
2. Violation of any function or disclosure or misuse of confidential information
3. Undue personal interest with the client
4. Abuse of authority as VPA
5. Unauthorized use of resources for personal benefit
6. Extortion
7. Unwarranted meddling in the affairs/activities of personnel and other VPAs
8. Physical and mental illness or incapacity

WHAT ARE THE STEPS FOR REVOKING THE VPA APPOINTMENT?

1. Supervising Officer reports to Chief Probation and Parole Officer any

information about possible reason or ground for revocation.
2. Chief Probation and Parole Officer validates report or information and if
confirmed, prepares a report with supporting documents, if necessary.
3. Chief Probation and Parole Officer recommends revocation of
appointment of VPA through the Regional Director
4. Regional Director indorses recommendation of Chief Probation and Parole
Officer to the Administrator.
5. Administrator officially notifies VPA of revocation of appointment and
termination of volunteer services.
HOW IMPORTANT ARE VPA ORGANIZATIONS ?

The establishment of local and national level VPA organizations is of vital

importance for effective promotion, utilization and sustainability of the VPA program.
The basic purpose of establishing a VPA organization is to provide a support group for
the individual VPA members that can cater to their needs such as training, gathering of
resources, etc., as well as those of the clients. The vision is to have an empowered VPA
organization that will eventually be able to function independently and provide for its
own needs.

Most of the activities related to the rehabilitation of clients are done at the unit
level. It is therefore necessary to have a volunteer organization at this level to foster the
spirit of community membership.

WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO ESTABLISH VPA ORGANIZATIONS AT THE

UNIT LEVEL?

1. If there are at least ten (10) VPAs in one locality (barangay or municipal
level), or field office, the field office may encourage such volunteers to form
their organization at their option. This is in line with the grassroots-level
approach of organizing volunteers.
2. VPAs may undergo training on “Team Building” and/or “Organizing” before
forming an organization.
3. Field office shall provide guidance and assistance in forming the VPA
organization.
4. When the VPA organization is formed, all members shall meet and elect
officers composed of at least of the three (3) core positions of Chairman or
President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
5. Upon election of officers, committees with specialized responsibilities may be
formed, such as:
a. Community Resource Committee – responsible for generating the
resources needed for the various programs of the organization;
b. Training Committee – responsible for conducting trainings and
workshops and coordinating with concerned agencies for such
activities;
c. Recruitment Committee – responsible for disseminating information
and attracting new volunteers;
d. Social Services Committee – responsible for developing and
facilitating programs for the client’s and/or family’s basic social needs;
e. Secretariat Committee – responsible for documentation and
administrative services; and
 f. Special Affairs Committee – responsible for special projects, activities,
including drafting of constitution and by-laws, policies, and rules and
regulations governing their organization.
6. If the VPA organization wishes to formalize its independent legal nature to
acquire juridical personality, it may register with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) as a non-profit, non-stock organization with the following
suggested objectives:
a. Offer advice, upon request of the PPA, in developing constructive
policies, standards, procedures, and programs as well as on matters
relating to the improvement of volunteerism methods and to the
solution of problems confronting the VPA program;
b. Promote among the members through assembly, study and discussion,
uniform and consistent interpretation and application of volunteerism
policies and practices;
c. Serve as a clearing house of information among members and between
members and the PPA, and provide a system of feedback between the
community and the PPA;
d. Advocate the use of methods of volunteerism and resources that will
contribute most to good governance;
e. Assume an active role in crime prevention and community relations;
f. Provide assistance and facilitate various VPA activities that will
advance the aims and objectives of volunteerism; and
g. Organize activities for the continuous formation of VPAs and
recommend mechanisms for selection and awarding of outstanding
VPAs.

The field office shall have minimum supervision on this matter; however, it may
help facilitate the accomplishment of the registration requirements and other basic
registration procedures. The VPA organization may also seek accreditation with the
Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA), subject to its
requirements.
WHAT IS THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF VPA ORGANIZATIONS?

The national federation of VPA organizations will be instituted as an umbrella

organization for the unit volunteer organizations and shall act as the National
Organization of VPAs. It acts as support group for the unit organizations in terms of
resource generation and training for VPAs. An interim board shall be constituted to
comprise the national federation of VPA organizations. It shall act as governing body of
the unit organizations. Initially, PPA shall take the lead in the recruitment of popular,
reputable, and influential personalities as “catalysts” to become members of the interim
board. The objective is to have respected and charismatic leaders who can lend prestige,
color and status to the organization. The members of the interim board shall continue to
hold office until such time that the unit organizations are in place, and a new set of
officers from among the VPA organizations are elected.

On January 18, 2007, the National Federation of VPA Association was officially
organized in University Hotel, UP Diliman Campus. VPA Gideon “Ike” Patricio of
Region VI was elected president along with Cesar L. Villanueva of Region IV as
Executive Vice President, Jovito A. Jolo, Sr. of Region IV as Vice President for Luzon,
Jacinto V. Torres of Region VI as Vice President for Visayas, Olivita A. Alvaro of
Region XI as Vice President for Mindanao, Brigid S. Tan of Region VI as Executive
Secretary, Virginia M. Peralta of Region IV as Assistant Secretary, Rodolfo P. Serrano of
Region VIII as Treasurer, Ma. Linda A. Alcid of Caraga as Assistant Treasurer, Benjamin
G. Leano of Region IV as Auditor, Allan A. Santillan of Region V as Assistant Auditor,
Jovencita C. Balut of Region II as Public Information Officer of Luzon, Rodrigo B.
Miranda of Region VII as Public Information Officer of Visayas, Edgar G. Sola of Region
XI as Public Information Officer of Mindanao, and Timoteo M. Olaer of Region XI as
Business Manager.