ELS student-volunteers join Volunteerism, Ethics seminar

Report and Photo by Lexter Kian Pamintuan

Student-volunteers from the English Language Studies (ELS) program attended the “Volunteerism 101” and “Ethical Volunteer Work: A Project Aytalakad Overview” seminar on November 6, 2025, at the Tarlac State University (TSU) Main Campus – College of Engineering Building, Audiovisual Room.

Spearheaded by the Tarlac State University – Linguistic Society (TSU-LingSoc), the seminar aimed to nurture ethical and culturally sensitive volunteers for sustainable community engagement.

Dr. Francelle L. Calub, English Language Studies professor, head of the Volunteerism Management Department, and overall project head of “Aytalakad Ing Lahi”—a two-year extension service program for the Ayta Mag-Anchi community—led the seminar.

The event was divided into two sessions: “Volunteerism 101 and Ethical Volunteer Work,” which focused on the ethics and technicalities of volunteerism, and “A Project Aytalakad Ing Lahi Overview,” which discussed the program’s history and community impact.

Dr. Calub emphasized the importance of cultural sensitivity and avoiding a “saviorist” mindset when working with indigenous communities.

“Your attitude shapes your path… Kapag hindi ka sure sa terms na gagamitin mo, mag-research ka muna,” she said, underscoring the value of respect and awareness in community immersion.

She also discussed the Three T’s of volunteerism—Time, Talent, and Treasure—as the foundation of meaningful community service.

Dr. Calub reminded the students to avoid producing exploitative media content and to refrain from “poverty porn,” urging them to empower rather than pity communities.

In an interview, she described the Aytalakad Ing Lahi project as beneficial to both students and partner communities.

“For the students, this is for their well-being as well. It’s an avenue where they can share their Time, Talent, and Treasure—it’s more of an intrinsic reward,” she said.

She added that the impact of the project would soon be visible through initiatives such as crafting reading materials for the Ayta Mag-Anchi community, in partnership with the College of Arts and Social Sciences.

Mr. Henry Mateo Andres, a university lecturer under the ELS department, also shared insights on the true spirit of volunteerism.

“Today, volunteerism is not just about giving—it’s about sharing, building communities, empowering lives, and nurturing empathy. It’s an ethical practice rooted not in reward, but in the sincere desire to make a difference,” Andres said.

He commended the ELS students’ commitment to learning about volunteerism, calling their participation itself an act of service.

“The moment they attended the seminar is a testament that they are truly committed. I hope they are reminded that volunteerism is ethical work grounded in the sincerest desire to make change,” he added.

ELS student-volunteers are set to mobilize an outreach program at Sitio Manabayukan, Capas, Tarlac, on November 22, offering literacy and language teaching services to the local community.