Global United Nations Association of the Philippines

25/05/2026

A Brief History of the United Nations Association of the Philippines

The United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNAP) was established to promote the ideals, principles, and programs of the United Nations among the Filipino people. Founded during the post-World War II era, the organization emerged as a national platform dedicated to advancing peace, internatio...

22/02/2026

UNA Philippines Leaders Honored at Eagles Excellence Awards and PAFTA Recognition Night
Manila, Philippines — A night of distinction and celebration marked a proud milestone for the United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNA Philippines) as its President, Dr. Nona Pinang Ricafort, and Vice President for Public Affairs and Strategic Communications, Tony Cama, received prestigious recognitions during the First Annual Philippine Eagle Excellence Awards held at the Manila Prince Hotel.

The awards ceremony was spearheaded by the Fraternal Order of Eagles - Philippine Eagles, Inc., under the leadership of National President Jason Masa. The Eagles Excellence Awards is the organization’s premier recognition program honoring individuals and institutions who exemplify the values of Leadership, Service, and Nation-Building.

Rooted in the principles of Brotherhood, Service, Unity, and Divine Power, the awards celebrate men and women who embody the true spirit of Eagleism — those who lead with integrity, serve with compassion, and inspire meaningful change within their communities. More than a ceremonial gathering, the Eagles Excellence Awards stands as a movement that elevates volunteerism, highlights Filipino excellence, and champions transformative service.

Also recognized during the evening were UNA Philippines Adviser and long-time partner Cecille Guidote Alvarez, Founder and CEO of Earthsavers DREAMS Ensemble and UNESCO Artist for Peace, as well as Shirley Licup, President of the Zonta Club of Greater Rizal II, an active partner of both UNA Philippines and TFOE-PE.
The celebration continued later that evening at the Manila Hotel Centennial Hall, where Dr. Ricafort and Tony Cama were again honored—this time by the Philippine Academy of Film and Television Arts (PAFTA).

Dr. Nona Pinang Ricafort received a Special Citation recognizing her exceptional global leadership and unwavering commitment to peacebuilding, women’s empowerment, education, and humanitarian service. PAFTA honored her as a leader whose work not only serves communities but shapes lives and influences global change. Through decades of visionary leadership across national and international institutions, she has strengthened global cooperation, amplified the voice of women, and transformed advocacy into concrete action that transcends borders. Her leadership, defined by courage, purpose, and measurable impact, continues to inspire generations of women and service leaders worldwide.

Meanwhile, Tony Cama was conferred the PAFTA Excellence in Media Leadership & Public Affairs Award, recognizing his distinguished service in media governance, strategic communication, and international public affairs. As Vice President for Public Affairs of UNA Philippines, Chair of the Rotarians On The Internet (ROTI) Breadbasket Editorial Board (2025–2027), and Chair of the Philippine Eagle Media Bureau, he has consistently championed responsible journalism, transparency, and informed public discourse. Through his leadership, media platforms have been strengthened as vital instruments of nation-building and global engagement.

These recognitions affirm UNA Philippines’ continuing commitment to principled leadership, service-driven governance, and transformative public engagement. The evening stood not merely as a celebration of individual achievements, but as a collective testament to the power of service, integrity, and collaborative nation-building.

UNA Philippines extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Fraternal Order of Eagles – Philippine Eagles, Inc. and the Philippine Academy of Film and Television Arts for these distinguished honors, and reaffirms its steadfast mission to advance peace, sustainable development, and global cooperation.

Congratulations to Dr. Nona Pinang Ricafort and Tony Cama on these well-deserved recognitions.

15/02/2026

Valentine’s Greetings from UNA Philippines
This Valentine’s Day, the United Nations Association of the Philippines extends warm greetings of love, peace, and unity to all. May we celebrate not only with words, but through meaningful action—serving others, advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, and uplifting our communities. Together as volunteers and partners, let us continue to share a love that inspires hope and builds a better future for all.

Dr. Nona Pinang Ricafort, President of UNA Philippines, shares: “Love is most powerful when translated into service. Let us continue to lead with compassion, empower our communities, and work together toward sustainable development for present and future generations.”

Ric Cruz, Global UNA Philippines, adds: “This Valentine’s Day, may our shared commitment to volunteerism and unity strengthen our mission. When we serve with heart and purpose, we create lasting impact and real change.”

08/02/2026

Empowering Service, Protecting Purpose: UNA Philippines Presents the Magna Carta of Volunteers

The United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNA Philippines) formally presented the UNA Philippines Magna Carta of Volunteers, a landmark policy framework designed to uphold, protect, and empower volunteers as vital partners in nation-building and sustainable development. The presentation highlighted the Magna Carta’s role in institutionalizing ethical standards, defining rights and responsibilities, and strengthening the recognition of volunteer service across sectors. Attended by leaders from government agencies, civil society organizations, NGOs, and volunteer groups, the session fostered meaningful dialogue on creating an enabling environment where volunteerism thrives as a shared national commitment aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

In his message, Tony Cama, Author of the Magna Carta and UNA Philippines Vice President for Public Affairs and Strategic Communications, emphasized that volunteerism must be grounded in dignity, accountability, and purpose. “The Magna Carta of Volunteers is more than a policy document—it is a moral covenant that honors the selfless service of volunteers and affirms their indispensable role in advancing inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable communities,” Cama stated. He underscored that by safeguarding volunteers’ rights while elevating standards of service, UNA Philippines is laying a strong foundation for a culture of empowered citizenship, where service becomes a transformative force for both the volunteer and the community they serve.

01/02/2026

Under the UNA Philippines Magna Carta of Volunteers, institutional safeguards refer to the formal policies, standards, and systems put in place by UNA Philippines to guide and protect volunteer engagement. These safeguards clearly define the rights, responsibilities, and limits of both volunteers and volunteer-managing bodies, set ethical standards and codes of conduct, and provide fair processes for protection, complaints, and accountability. By requiring proper oversight, documentation, and performance monitoring, the Magna Carta ensures that volunteer service is carried out responsibly, ethically, and with real results—protecting volunteers from abuse or misuse while ensuring that their efforts create meaningful, lasting benefits aligned with UN principles and the Sustainable Development Goals.

01/02/2026

United for Progress: Celebrating 80 Years of UN–Filipino Partnership in Building Peace, Equity, and Sustainable Development

The United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office, in partnership with the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) and with the support of the United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNA Philippines), successfully opened the photo exhibit “United for Progress: 80 Years of United Nations Partnership with the Filipino People” on 26 January 2026 at the NAPC Office in Quezon City. The exhibit commemorated eight decades of collaboration between the United Nations and the Filipino people, highlighting milestones in poverty reduction, peacebuilding, social justice, and sustainable development. The program featured messages from key stakeholders, including NAPC officials, cultural leaders, and the UN Resident Coordinator, and concluded with the unveiling of the exhibit and a gallery walk celebrating shared achievements and Filipino cultural heritage.

“This exhibit is a powerful reminder that the United Nations is not distant from the Filipino people—it is present in communities, policies, and partnerships that uplift lives. UNA Philippines remains steadfast in advancing the UN’s mission by strengthening people-centered cooperation and ensuring that global commitments translate into meaningful action on the ground.” - Tony Cama, Vice President for Public Affairs & Strategic Communication, UNA Philippines

01/02/2026

Eight Decades of Solidarity: The United Nations and the Filipino People in Partnership
The United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office, in collaboration with the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), and with the invaluable support of the United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNA Philippines), represented by Prof. Alice Lucas, successfully held the Ceremonial Opening of the Photo Exhibit entitled “United for Progress: 80 Years of United Nations Partnership with the Filipino People.”
The ceremonial opening took place on 26 January 2026 at the National Anti-Poverty Commission Office, PCA Annex, Landbank Building, Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City. The exhibit commemorated eight decades of enduring partnership between the United Nations and the Filipino people, highlighting shared milestones in poverty reduction, peacebuilding, social justice, and sustainable development.
The program was hosted by Fritz Flores of the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office, who guided the audience through a meaningful and well-paced flow of messages and reflections. The opening message was delivered by Dir. Ana Cañeda from the National Anti-Poverty Commission, followed by a Message of Support from Tony Cama, Vice President for Public Affairs and Strategic Communication of UNA Philippines, who reaffirmed the organization’s firm commitment to advancing the ideals and mission of the United Nations at the national and community levels.
An inspirational message was then delivered by Mrs. Cecile Guidote Alvarez, UNESCO Artist for Peace and founder of the Earthsavers Dreams Ensemble, who emphasized culture, creativity, and collective responsibility as powerful forces in nation-building. This was followed by a keynote message from Mr. Arnaud Peral, United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Philippines, who highlighted the UN’s sustained partnership with the Filipino people and underscored the importance of inclusive development, equity, and multi-sectoral collaboration. The program was further enriched by the Key Message of Hon. Lope B. Santos III, Secretary of the National Anti-Poverty Commission, who stressed the vital role of government and civil society partnerships in addressing poverty and inequality.

The event culminated in the unveiling of the UN 80 Photo Exhibit, followed by a photo opportunity and gallery walk, allowing guests to engage closely with powerful images depicting the United Nations’ partnership with Filipino communities over the past eight decades. The program concluded with the serving of sumptuous Filipino kakanin delicacies, celebrating both global cooperation and Filipino cultural heritage.

01/02/2026

UNA Philippines and PNVSCA Forge Strategic Collaboration for the International Year of Volunteers 2026

The United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNA Philippines) delegation, led by Dr. Nona S. Ricafort, President, together with Tony Cama, Vice President for Public Affairs and Strategic Communication, Prof. Alice A. Lucas, Secretary General, and Mrs. Brenda Cama, paid a courtesy visit to the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) at the Philippine Sugar Center Building, North Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City. The visit marked the formal conferment of a citation and the presentation of the official logo of the United Nations International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY) 2026 to PNVSCA Executive Director Donald James D. Gawe, in recognition of the agency’s vital role in advancing volunteerism nationwide.

The engagement was conducted in line with the United Nations proclamation designating 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, a global initiative that seeks to elevate volunteerism as a strategic driver of inclusive development, social cohesion, and peacebuilding. Through this symbolic yet substantive conferment, UNA Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with national institutions to localize and operationalize the goals of IVY 2026 in the Philippine context.

Following the presentation, a policy-oriented dialogue was held between UNA Philippines and PNVSCA officials, highlighting a shared commitment to strengthening volunteerism as a central pillar of national development. Discussions focused on aligning national volunteer frameworks with United Nations standards while ensuring that Filipino volunteers are recognized, protected, and empowered. Dr. Nona Pinang Ricafort emphasized the importance of institutional collaboration, stating, “The International Year of Volunteers 2026 presents a timely opportunity to elevate volunteerism from goodwill to structured nation-building. Through partnerships with key government agencies such as PNVSCA, we can ensure that volunteer service is meaningful, measurable, and transformative.”

Both institutions reached a mutual agreement to pursue joint collaborative projects and national-level activities throughout IVY 2026, including policy dialogues, capacity-building initiatives, and nationwide advocacy campaigns. Among the major initiatives conceptualized was a National Volunteerism Summit scheduled for May 2026, envisioned as a platform that will convene civil society organizations (CSOs), non-government organizations (NGOs), volunteer groups, the academe, and government agencies. The summit aims to examine the structure, governance, and future direction of volunteerism in the Philippines, placing volunteers at the center of the country’s sustainable development agenda while strengthening systems for monitoring, evaluation, and impact measurement.

A key highlight of the dialogue was the discussion on the proposed National Volunteer Registry, a pioneering initiative conceptualized and authored by UNA Philippines Vice President Tony Cama. The registry is designed to systematically record, track, and monitor volunteer service hours across sectors and service areas. Through this mechanism, volunteer contributions can be formally documented, enabling the creation of a credit, merit, and incentive system to be recognized by various government agencies. The operational mechanics of this system will be further refined in coordination with concerned national agencies to ensure transparency, sustainability, and national applicability.

In this context, Vice President Cama shared that he has recently completed the UNA Philippines Magna Carta for Volunteers, a landmark policy framework aimed at institutionalizing the rights, protection, recognition, and incentives of volunteers in alignment with United Nations principles and Philippine development priorities. The proposed Magna Carta is scheduled for presentation to the UNA Philippines Board of Directors for review and approval, after which it will be advanced as a policy reference for partner institutions and government agencies. “This Magna Carta seeks to ensure that every act of volunteer service is valued, recorded, and translated into meaningful recognition—transforming volunteerism into a sustained and dignified pillar of nation-building,” Tony Cama emphasized.

The visit concluded with the identification of multiple potential joint programs and long-term initiatives, reinforcing the strong synergy between UNA Philippines and PNVSCA. Both institutions expressed optimism that this partnership will significantly contribute to strengthening the volunteer ecosystem in the Philippines and positioning the country as a regional model for inclusive, structured, and impact-driven volunteerism during the International Year of Volunteers 2026 and beyond.

12/01/2026

Global UNA Philippines Leads National Launch of the UN International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development 2026
By Tony Cama-Secretary, Global UNA Philippines

The Global United Nations Association of the Philippines (Global UNA Philippines) formally launched the United Nations International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY) 2026 on January 7, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the residence of Ms. Rosalind Wee in North Forbes Park, Makati City. The landmark event featured the presentation of the UN General Assembly Resolution and the official IVY 2026 logo, symbolizing the Philippines’ strong commitment to advancing volunteerism as a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable development. Serving as keynote speaker was Mr. Matija Kovac, Head of Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Philippines, whose presence affirmed the UN’s strong partnership with Philippine civil society, volunteer organizations, and government institutions.

In his address, Mr. Kovac underscored that volunteerism is a strategic force that strengthens institutions, empowers communities, and accelerates the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. He emphasized that IVY 2026 is not merely a symbolic observance but a global call to translate service into concrete policies, multi-sectoral partnerships, and measurable outcomes—anchoring development efforts on people-centered action, inclusion, and shared responsibility.

As part of the program, UNAP National President Dr. Nona Ricafort formally presented the IVY 2026 Citations to distinguished leaders, institutions, and partner organizations in recognition of their exemplary contributions to volunteerism, peacebuilding, and sustainable development. Citation recipients, presented in accordance with protocol, included H.E. Mohammad Sarwar Mahmood, ndc, Ambassador of Bangladesh to the Philippines; Secretary Lope Santos III, National Anti-Poverty Commission; Senators Cynthia A. Villar and Nikki Coseteng; Chairperson Atty. Leah Armanento, National Amnesty Commission; NCIP Chairperson Dr. Marie Grace T. Pascua; Ambassador Grace Relucio Princesa; Assistant Secretary Beth De Leon of the Department of the Interior and Local Government; Dir. Margarita Consolacion C. Ballesteros, Director IV for External Partnerships Service and the International Cooperation Office, Mrs. Cecile Guidote Alvarez, UNESCO Artist for Peace; Atty. Marco Cicero F. Domingo representing CHED-NCR; Dr. Gwenn, Secretary General of the Philippine Red Cross; Dr. Reynaldo Ramos, President of the Technological University of the Philippines; Brig. Gen. Cherisse Manzano of the Philippine Marine Corps; Bing Carrion of the National Council of Women of the Philippines; Imelda Umlas Marcaida, President of GPEAS; Kristine Brown of Chalkboard Philippines; Ms. Maritina Romulo of the Carlos P. Romulo Foundation; Shirley Licup, President of the Zonta Club of Greater Rizal 2; Jason Masa, National President of The Fraternal Order of Eagles–Philippine Eagles, Inc.; Dr. Mildred Vitangcol, Rotary Public Image Coordinator Zone 10A; Joey Concepcion of Go Negosyo; and Rosalie C. Pinon, National President of KALIPI, among others.

In his message, Ric Cruz, President of Global UNA Philippines, called on institutions and policymakers to elevate the status of volunteers nationwide. He emphasized the need to recognize, protect, and empower volunteers by supporting the passage of a Magna Carta of Volunteers, which will clearly define their rights, duties, and responsibilities while institutionalizing state support for volunteer service. “Volunteers are the moral backbone of sustainable development,” Cruz stated. “IVY 2026 challenges us to give due recognition to those who serve selflessly and to help craft policies and laws that ensure volunteerism is protected, dignified, and sustained for generations to come.”

The event concluded with a renewed call for cross-sector collaboration, positioning the Philippines as a proactive and committed contributor to the global IVY 2026 movement, and reaffirming Global UNA Philippines’ role in advancing volunteerism as a powerful force for peace, inclusion, and sustainable development.