Olongapo City, November 30, 2023 – The Central Luzon Social Work Consortium (CLSWC), in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region III, successfully convened the 2nd Consortium Day at Anne Raquel’s Resort in Olongapo City, which brought together more than 300 social work practitioners and educators from the region to foster solidarity, exchange insights, and explore future possibilities for the social work profession.
Inspired by the initiatives of the ASEAN Social Work Consortium-Philippines (ASWC-Ph), the CLSWC aims to strengthen solidarity and cooperation among social work practitioners and educators, as well as schools of social work in the Central Luzon region.
With the theme “Social Work Profession: Today’s Realities and Future Possibilities,” the Consortium Day served as a platform for professionals to network, delve into the latest trends and innovations, and share best practices in the field. Attendees gained new perspectives on common challenges and opportunities, listened to inspiring speakers and social work leaders, and expanded their knowledge and skills through engaging plenary sessions.
The event commenced with an acknowledgment of participants by Melanie M. Barnachea, the OIC-Division Chief of the Policy and Plans Division and the Secretariat of the Central Luzon Social Work Consortium. Her remarks set the tone for a day of collaboration and shared learning.
Dir. Venus F. Rebuldela, the Regional Director of DSWD Field Office 3, delivered the welcome address, expressing gratitude for the dedication of social workers in the region. She highlighted the importance of the event in fostering a sense of community among social work professionals and highlighted the call for the continuation of their dedication in achieving the country’s long-term vision for 2040.
“Let us continue to uphold the vision that our profession is committed to social development that seeks to create opportunities for individual groups and communities to develop their potentials to provide for their own well-being and contribute to national development. Let us sustain our unwavering grit as one of the driving force in pushing for the country’s long term vision for 2040, ang isang ‘Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Buhay’ where Filipinos enjoy a strongly rooted, comfortable, and secure life,” Rebuldela remarked.
Highlighting the important role of social workers in the effective delivery of social workers to the people, Undersecretary Denise Florence B. Bernos-Bragas, MD, delivered the message of Secretary Rex Gatchalian of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
Throughout the day, attendees engaged in various activities, including discussions and interactive sessions. The diverse range of topics covered aimed to enhance the participants’ skills and knowledge, ensuring they were well-equipped to navigate the dynamic landscape of social work.
In an engaging and informative series of sessions, Hon. Rosetta G. Palma, a member of the Professional Regulatory Board for Social Workers, presented a comprehensive discussion on Career Progression and the Specialization Program, along with insights into the Credit Accumulation and Transfer System (CPSP-CATS). She delved into the concept of Career Progression and the CPSP-CATS and the attendees had the opportunity to gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape of social work and the avenues for career growth.
Following this enlightening discussion, ASec. Janet P. Armas, Assistant Secretary for Standards and Capacity Building Group from DSWD Central Office, took the stage to focus the discussion on the Social Work Development Act (SWDA) Bill and updates on the Amendment of the Magna Carta for Public Social Workers or the Republic Act No. 9433, which provided a comprehensive overview of legislative changes impacting the field. Among the salient features highlighted were the inclusion of social workers whose services are engaged through job orders or contracts of service, an increase in the salary grade of entry-level positions (Social Welfare Officer I) from Salary Grade 11 to Salary Grade 13, broadening the definition of public social workers and to provide and expand the compensation package and other benefits which includes the expansion of hazard allowance, pandemic special risk allowance and the introduction of Mental Health/Self-care Leave where an additional 24 leave day credits are proposed to be added on top of the existing annual leave benefits, specifically earmarked for the well-being and self-care of social workers.
Post-lunch, the spotlight turned to the meaningful theater presentation of PREDA Foundation, Inc. as they advocated child protection and empowerment. Marybeth M. Ortiz, MSWD Officer of the Municipality of Guagua, Pampanga led Session III which centered on the Mandatory Appointment of Local Social Welfare and Development Officers (LSWDOs) Bill. Ortiz’s presentation shed light on the importance of structured appointments in ensuring the security of tenure of social workers, preventing displacements and political barriers especially those who are in municipal governments.
Session IV featured Atty. Ma. Karla Danielle V. Sanqui, Attorney III, from the Legal Unit of DSWD Field Office 3. She presented a comparative analysis of two vital legislative acts, RA No. 7877 (Anti-Sexual Harassment) and RA No. 11313 (Safe Spaces Act), emphasizing the implications of social workers in the broader community.
As the event reached its pinnacle, Jefran P. Olingay, Chairperson of the Central Luzon Social Work Consortium, presented the concept paper for the Social Work Specialization Certification Program. Olingay provided a blueprint that underscore the dual purpose of promoting solidarity and advancing the specialization within the social work profession in the region
“We should be guided by the noble aim of the Consortium which is to promote solidarity among social workers and to continue to promote the Social Work profession itself through specialization certification programs,” Olingay stated.
The consortium concluded with a closing message from Dir. Maribel M. Blanco, Assistant Regional Director for Administration from DSWD Field Office 3, and the CLSWC Consultant. Dir. Blanco expressed gratitude for the enriching discussions and highlighted the importance of collaboration and continuous learning in social work.
Served as a platform for social workers to deepen their understanding of legislative updates, career progression opportunities, and specialization programs, the consortium fosters a stronger and more informed social work community and is poised to have a lasting impact on the professional landscape, empowering social workers to navigate challenges and contribute meaningfully to societal well-being.
Representing the forefront of social work advocacy, social work professional organizations such as the Philippine Association of Social Workers, Inc., National Association of Social Work Education, Inc., Philippine Association of Court Social Workers, Inc., Association of Medical Social Workers of the Philippines, Inc., Association of Local Social Welfare and Development Officers of the Philippines, Inc., Association of DSWD Social Workers. Inc., and Area-Based Standards Network, representing Social Welfare and Development Agencies attended the activity.
The event also witnessed the participation of the social work schools in Central Luzon, including Baliuag University, Bulacan State University, Columban College, Olongapo City, Bataan Peninsula State University, City College of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, Colegio de San Gabriel Arcangel, Inc., Sapang Palay, Bulacan, Don Honorio Ventura State University, Bacolor, Pampanga, La Verdad Christian College, Apalit, Pampanga, La Consolacion University-Philippines, City of Malolos, Bulacan and Wesleyan University-Philippines, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija.
The event, facilitated by Philip Carlo M. de Leon of Don Honorio Ventura State University and Ronsan M. Pelariza of Department of Tourism-Region 3, coincides with National Social Welfare Week, as Proclamation No. 1205, Series of 1973 proclaimed.
