I am MAD (Making A Difference) Volunteers, Inc., a volunteer-powered nonprofit, marked its 15th year with a meaningful return to Baguio City, where its journey began. The MAD Meet Annual Volunteer Reunion & Anniversary Celebration featured the launch of its newest campaign, ‘I am Powered by Volunteer15m – I am MAD: 15 Years of Heartfelt M15sion.’
‘I am Powered by Volunteer15m‘ launch during MAD Meet Annual Volunteer Reunion & Anniversary Celebration in Baguio City.
This year’s theme, “I am Powered by Volunteer15m,” celebrates the unwavering spirit that fuels every outreach. It’s a tribute to the passion, commitment, and love of every volunteer who powers its mission to make a difference in the lives of Filipino children and communities.
The gathering became a full-circle moment for founders Maco Ravanzo and Christian Marx Rivero, who first conceptualized I am MAD in 2009 amid the cool breeze and pine-lined streets of Baguio. From just two passionate volunteers, the organization has since evolved into a nationwide movement with nearly 1,000 active “MADmates” dedicated to reaching underserved communities across the Philippines.
“What began as a simple dream has grown into a thriving community of changemakers,” Ravanzo shared. “Being back here with our volunteers is a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come—and the greater impact we can still create together.”
Honoring Beacons of Volunteerism and breaking new ground
As part of the celebration, I am MAD honored 15 exceptional volunteer leaders with the ‘Alab ng Puso’ Beacon of Volunteerism Award, a special tribute to their selfless contributions over the years. The awardees were 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 event also recognized the dream team leaders behind last year’s outreach efforts with individual and group citations, celebrating their vital role in executing I am MAD’s 2024 programs and events. Other major milestones included the onboarding of 63 new volunteers and the launch of new initiatives that reached entire communities for the first time. Notably, I am MAD expanded its school outreach in Rizal and Palawan, supporting two schools per province—a first in its history.
A special highlight of the evening was a powerful cultural performance by the Uschong Cultural Ensemble, showcasing the richness of local heritage and community spirit. The celebration culminated in an emotional tribute to the founders, who were surprised with photo memorabilia and words of deep appreciation from fellow volunteers.
MAD Meet Cordillera 2025 was organized and hosted by MADmates from Rizal and made possible through the generous support of Power Mac Center / The Loop, FH Commercial, The Dağli, OK Custom Gifts, The Engravers, Creative ADOBO, KFC, Fudgy and Pepper, and MMA Jr.
100th outreach to build next-gen volunteer leaders
I am MAD also celebrated a historic milestone with its 100th MAD Camp, held in the upland village of Barangay Puguil, Santol, La Union. The three-day outreach, which also served as the 2nd Builders Camp after 10 years, brought together around 40 children and dozens of volunteers for a weekend of values formation, storytelling, and community bonding at Liguay Elementary School.
Beyond outreach, the Builders Camp doubled as an immersive training ground for aspiring volunteer leaders: Aldrine Anzures, Anna Ricka Nacasabog, Beezus Abesamis, Emmanuelle Jasper Relativo, Heini Borromeo, Jahnnela Faith Bonilla, Jalilah Sarip, Lourielaine Garcia, Marco Sayas, and Michelle Del Rosario. Carefully selected from over a hundred applicants, these emerging “builders” received free training on both the technical and relational aspects of running a MAD Camp. They gained hands-on experience in program facilitation, logistics, and community engagement. Senior volunteers also played a key role, offering inspiration, mentorship, and behind-the-scenes support—equipping the next wave of changemakers with both heart and skill.
Despite the steep terrain and rough roads, volunteers arrived with full hearts and a shared mission: to uplift lives in underserved areas. Signature segments like MAD Talks Padayon created safe spaces for healing and reflection, with a message that resonated deeply: “Do it because God allows you to do it.”
Local officials, including La Union Governor Rafy Ortega-David, lauded the initiative and pledged continued support to improve access and infrastructure in remote communities like Puguil.
Join the mission to make a difference
The ‘I am Powered by Volunteer15m’ campaign invites more Filipinos to be part of a growing mission of hope, service, and change.
Registration is now open for MAD Camp, the organization’s flagship outreach volunteer program that focuses on values formation, education, and community-building for children aged 10 to 12. Camps are scheduled this year in Marinduque, Masbate, Surigao del Sur, Capiz, Zambales, Camarines Sur, Davao del Sur, and Davao Occidental. As part of the campaign launch, I am MAD is releasing a music video to inspire youth and professionals to get involved. Sign up at bit.ly/MADcamp2025reg.
Each MAD Camp is powered by BIDA Eskwela (Bigay Ayuda para sa Eskwela), a fundraising drive that provides every child with a “Bag of Dreams”—school supplies and tokens of encouragement. Support the cause by donating at bit.ly/bidadonate.
To learn more, volunteer, or explore partnerships, visit fb.com/IamMakingADifference or email iammadph@gmail.com.
