Free two-day event by iVolunteer Philippines and SM Cares brings together nonprofits and everyday people, making it easier to discover where and how to give back.
Many Filipinos want to help but often have one question in mind. Where do I start?
That is the idea behind the return of the GO! Volunteer Expo, which aims to give people a chance to meet nonprofit organizations, discover advocacies that resonate with them, and explore volunteer opportunities that fit their interests and schedules.
The two-day event will be held on July 25 and 26 at the SM North EDSA Activity Center. Organized by iVolunteer Philippines in partnership with SM Cares, the expo comes as the world marks the United Nations’ International Year of Volunteers 2026, putting fresh attention on the role that everyday people can play in strengthening communities. Admission is free, making it easy for anyone to drop by, learn about different causes, and meet the people behind them.
The Manila gathering follows a successful GO! Volunteer Expo held in Davao City last June, where around 13,000 people visited the event. This weekend, the organizers are hoping to welcome about 15,000 visitors over the course of the two-day expo as more Filipinos explore opportunities to give back.
Founded in 2009, iVolunteer Philippines has spent the past 17 years connecting Filipinos with meaningful ways to serve. Beyond matching volunteers with organizations, it also works with schools, companies, and nonprofits to encourage volunteerism and help groups build stronger volunteer programs.
Since launching the GO! Volunteer Expo in 2016, the organization has welcomed thousands of visitors. Some came simply because they were passing by the mall. Many eventually signed up to volunteer. A few even grew into leaders of the very causes they first encountered at the event.
That is exactly the audience iVolunteer hopes to reach.
“We intentionally put it in the mall because we want to reach ordinary mall-goers,” JB Tan, co-founder of iVolunteer Philippines, told Tayo Mismo. “People get curious, talk to us and our NGO partners, then discover ways they can help.”
Tan believes volunteering does not have to revolve around major commitments.
“We don’t expect everyone to become hardcore volunteers,” he said. “As long as you’re doing something good, we’re happy. Even if you volunteer just once a year, that’s already meaningful.”
This year’s expo will feature 16 nonprofit organizations, alongside iVolunteer Philippines, with talks, activities, raffles, and opportunities to speak directly with advocacy leaders about the work happening behind the scenes. Visitors can learn what drives each organization, ask questions, and find opportunities that match the time and skills they can offer.
Sometimes, making a difference begins with showing up. A conversation at a booth could lead to a cause that stays with you for years.
If a few hours of your weekend can open the door to helping others, imagine what your family, workplace, school, or circle of friends could accomplish together. Visit the GO! Volunteer Expo, learn about a cause that speaks to you, and take that first step toward giving back.
Tayo Mismo is proud to be a media partner of the GO! Volunteer Expo. We hope this story inspires you, your organization, or your community to support a cause, volunteer your time, or encourage someone else to do the same. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, can inspire someone else to take that first step.
