The Filipino spirit of bayanihan remains a cornerstone of community service, emerging as a powerful force that sustains the country’s nonprofit sector, according to the newly released Philippines Charity Insights Report 2025.

As the nation marks National Volunteer Month this December, the report highlighted how Philippine charities continue to draw strength from volunteers who consistently step up to help communities in need.

In a news release on Wednesday, the Association of Foundations (AF), the country’s largest network of non-government organizations (NGOs) and foundations, reported that local organizations find it easier to recruit and retain volunteers compared to global averages – a testament to the deeply rooted culture of collective action among Filipinos.

This year’s celebration also aligns with global preparations for the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development 2026, a United Nations initiative designed to elevate volunteerism in development work.

A paper from the International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE) noted that creating supportive environments and increasing recognition and investment in volunteer work are vital to maximizing its impact, especially in countries like the Philippines, where bayanihan is embedded in community life.

“Our volunteers have shown their commitment time and again in disasters, in communities, and through countless acts of service,” Philippine Coalition on Volunteerism (PhilCV) president Phoebe Carrera said.

“It’s important we match their bayanihan spirit with the investment and enabling environments they deserve.”

Growing needs, rising community response

The report found that 75 percent of charities expect greater demand for their services next year, with NGOs anticipating increased requests for educational support, community health programs, and disaster relief.

The AF and the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) presented the results during an online launch on Nov. 21 as part of the global World Giving Report, which studies trends in generosity and giving worldwide.

Even as needs grow, the sector remains resilient not only in organizational strategies but also in the everyday acts of cooperation that characterize Filipino volunteerism.

The Filipino concept of bayanihan refers to the tradition of communal unity and collective action, where community members voluntarily come together to help one another, especially in times of need.

Funding pressures

Despite prevalent funding challenges, 72 percent of NGOs said the sector remains “fairly healthy,” surpassing the global average of 52 percent.

CAF Head of Research Alex Plumb noted that increasing demand for charitable services puts pressure on organizations around the world.

“There’s a lot of pressure put on charities,” Plumb said, adding that groups with more diverse income sources feel better equipped to expand their work.

Nearly half of Philippine NGOs surveyed said they were confident in the diversity of their funding streams.

Yet even with financial constraints, the bayanihan spirit has proven to be a stabilizing force.

Nearly 75 percent of groups reported that they find volunteer recruitment and retention easy, which is an advantage that helps them continue responding to community needs.

AF Communications Officer Milet Aquino said strong NGO leadership and a culture of continuous learning may be contributing factors that help volunteers feel supported and valued.

She added that while public trust in charities remains high, organizations may be underestimating how aware communities are of their work.

Enhancing visibility and demonstrating impact, she said, could encourage even more people to join collective efforts.

“Ultimately, the NGO sector can do more through bayanihan. It’s this collective strength that will enable NGOs to meet growing demands,” Aquino said.

As National Volunteer Month continues, organizations encourage Filipinos to channel the same spirit of shared responsibility by lending their time and skills to support programs that uplift communities nationwide.

On Dec. 5, 1998, former president Joseph Ejercito Estrada issued Proclamation 55, declaring the month of December of every year as National Volunteer Month to recognize the significant contributions of volunteers to the improvement of welfare and the realization of people’s aspirations, and to promote volunteerism as a tool for national development. (PNA)