I am MAD (Making A Difference) Volunteers, Inc., a volunteer-powered nonprofit, celebrated its 15th anniversary with a return to its roots in Baguio City—where the movement first took shape. The annual MAD Meet Volunteer Reunion & Anniversary Celebration served as the launchpad for its latest campaign: “I am Powered by Volunteer15m – I am MAD: 15 Years of Heartfelt M15sion.”
This year’s theme, “I am Powered by Volunteer15m,” honors the enduring passion, love, and dedication of MAD’s volunteers. It’s a tribute to the thousands of selfless individuals who fuel the organization’s mission to bring hope and change to Filipino children and communities.
For founders Maco Ravanzo and Christian Marx Rivero, returning to Baguio—a place where they first envisioned the movement back in 2009—was a full-circle moment. What began as an idea between two passionate volunteers has since grown into a nationwide force with nearly 1,000 active “MADmates” serving marginalized communities across the country.
“What started as a simple dream has become a thriving community of changemakers,” said Ravanzo. “Being back here reminds us of how far we’ve come—and how much more we can do together.”
Honoring volunteer champions and expanding impact
As part of the festivities, I am MAD honored 15 exceptional volunteers with the ‘Alab ng Puso’ Beacon of Volunteerism Award—a recognition of their outstanding service and dedication over the years. This year’s awardees included: Ramona Rivero, Raymark Estael, Big Jay Lagang, Jake Villanueva, Ruth Dağli, Kevin Conrad Tansiongco, Erwin Dela Cruz, Mayo Ceazar Mendoza, John Martin Recio, Lester Lim, Julian Robert Obamos, Carmela Magbanua, Ymari Kristia Pascua, Ralph Laurence Manubay, and Lyman Hansel Gerona.
The organization also recognized last year’s outreach leaders with citations for their efforts in executing MAD’s 2024 programs. Highlights from the past year included the onboarding of 63 new volunteers and new community outreach efforts in Rizal and Palawan—marking the first time MAD supported two schools in each province.
A cultural performance by the Uschong Cultural Ensemble brought local heritage to life, while an emotional tribute to the founders capped off the evening, featuring surprise photo memorabilia and messages of gratitude from fellow volunteers.
MAD Meet Cordillera 2025 was hosted by MADmates from Rizal and made possible by partners including Power Mac Center / The Loop, FH Commercial, The Dağli, OK Custom Gifts, The Engravers, Creative ADOBO, KFC, Fudgy and Pepper, and MMA Jr.
Building the next generation of volunteer leaders
I am MAD also marked a major milestone with its 100th MAD Camp—a three-day outreach held in Barangay Puguil, Santol, La Union. This also served as the second-ever Builders Camp, a leadership training program for emerging volunteer leaders.
Around 40 children and dozens of volunteers gathered at Liguay Elementary School for a weekend of values formation, storytelling, and community engagement. Selected from over 100 applicants, ten future leaders participated in immersive training covering program facilitation, logistics, and community work. The camp also emphasized emotional and spiritual connection through signature segments like MAD Talks Padayon, reinforcing the message: “Do it because God allows you to do it.”
Local officials, including La Union Governor Rafy Ortega-David, praised the initiative and expressed continued support for underserved communities like Puguil.
Be part of the mission
With the launch of “I am Powered by Volunteer15m,” I am MAD invites more Filipinos to join its growing mission of hope, service, and change.
Registration is now open for the next round of MAD Camps—the organization’s flagship outreach program focused on values formation and education for children aged 10 to 12. This year’s camps are set for Marinduque, Masbate, Surigao del Sur, Capiz, Zambales, Camarines Sur, Davao del Sur, and Davao Occidental.
To inspire more youth and professionals to get involved, I am MAD is also releasing a special music video as part of the campaign.
Each camp is supported by BIDA Eskwela (Bigay Ayuda para sa Eskwela)—a donation drive that equips children with a “Bag of Dreams” filled with school supplies and motivational tokens. You can contribute at bit.ly/bidadonate.
Want to volunteer, donate, or partner with I am MAD? Visit fb.com/IamMakingADifference or email iammadph@gmail.com. You can also sign up for MAD Camp at bit.ly/MADcamp2025reg.