04 AUG 2004

PRESS RELEASE
JVP Celebrates its 25th Year of Service

Trina J. Pineda
Program Officer for Communications
Jesuit Volunteers Philippines Foundation, Inc.
(02) 9279060, 4265908
bpineda@admu.edu.ph

In a span of twenty-five years, the Volunteer Service Program of the Jesuit Volunteers Philippines (JVP) Foundation has sent hundreds of young college graduates and professionals to serve in social development institutions all over the country for at least a year.

JVP volunteers and other members of the Foundation will gather on August 8, 2004 at 9 a.m. at the Escaler Hall, Science Education Complex of the Ateneo de Manila University for the Foundation’s Annual General Assembly. The Assembly is a venue for members to be apprised of how JVP has been contributing to nation-building and how each can contribute to the continued growth of JVP in effectively carrying out its mission to serve.

This year’s Assembly is special in that JVP is celebrating its Silver Anniversary. A short lunch program will follow with keynote speakers Sen. Manuel Roxas and DSWD Secretary Corazon Soliman to speak about how volunteer efforts from the private sector complement the government effort towards national development. Fr. Danny Huang, S.J, Provincial of the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus; Fr. Ben Nebres, S.J., President of the Ateneo de Manila University; Mrs. Virginia P. Davide, Chairperson of the Philippine Association for Volunteer Effort; Mr. Joselito Rivera, a JVP donor and President of the Ateneo Alumni Association; and Ms. Nora Bandin, President of the Child Workers Rehabilitation Program which a current JVP volunteer helps to run, will speak in behalf of the JVP's partners and supporters. Fr. Bill Kreutz, one of the founders of JVP and President of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University, will give a short response to close the program.

The JVP is one of the longest running volunteer service programs in the country and has served as a model for other volunteer organizations established around the country. JVP started with nine brave souls sent to different Jesuit mission areas in Mindanao. Now, 24 years after, that small group of nine has grown to more than 600 young men and women that have been sent to over 200 schools, non-government organizations and parishes nationwide. JVP is dedicated to the task of nation-building by promoting volunteer service and forming effective, faith-driven agents of social change.

To RSVP for the GA, please email bpineda@admu.edu.ph, call (02) 9279060 or text 09176211120. For more information on how to volunteer or donate to JVP, please call (02) 9279060, (02) 4265908, or email jvpfi@admu.edu.ph. You may also log on to www.jvpfi.org.