The Department of Social Welfare and Development in partnership with the ASEAN Social Work Consortium-Philippines (ASWC-Ph) led the celebration of the Filipino Social Worker’s Day on 19 June 2022 with the theme “Resilient Filipino Social Workers: Moving Toward the  New Socio-Economic, Political, Cultural and Environmental Challenges”. About 516 participants joined the celebration to recognize the indispensable role of social workers and their invaluable contribution to nation-building, especially in the implementation of the social protection initiatives of the government.

The activity provided a platform to discuss relevant and significant topics on Social Work such as the update in the implementation of the Hanoi Declaration on Social Work, Social Work Law Amendments, and Career Progression and Specialization Program. This year’s celebration recognized the 24 outstanding professional social workers. Meanwhile, Former Civil Service Commission Chairperson and DSWD Undersecretary Alicia Dela Rosa Bala, Former DSWD Undersecretary Florida R. Villar, and DSWD Division Chief Hannah A. Giray were recognized for their exemplary contributions to ASEAN. Under the leadership award category, three social workers who served as former chairpersons and official representatives to the ASWC-Ph were awarded namely Ms. Melba L. Manapol of the National Association of Social Work Education, Inc. (NASWEI), Ms. Annie Arlan T. Cayabat of the Association of Local Social Welfare and Development Officers of the Philippines, Inc. (ALSWDOPI), and Ms. Preciousa C. Macapuso of the Philippine Association of Court Social workers, Inc. (PASWI).

DSWD Secretary Joselito Rolando D. Bautista highlighted in his keynote message that despite the challenges that Social Workers face in the practice of the profession, they continue to stay dedicated to the values of their vocation to ensure the betterment of the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable sectors of society. 

The event was graced by the presence of the officials from the Professional Regulation Commission, Hon. Lorna C. Gabad, Hon. Ely B. Acosta, and Hon. Fe G.Sinsona;  ASWC-Ph Chairperson and National President of the Philippine Association of Court Social Workers, Annie Glee T. Suarez; and the Vice-Chairperson of the ASEAN Social Work Consortium Philippines, Ms. Glady Q. Bunao.