The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is continuously making efforts to empower social work students toward ensuring that the future of social welfare in the country is on the right path.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian emphasized the agency’s commitment during the DSWD-led event titled, ‘Dialogue with Social Work Students,’ on Friday (January 24), simultaneously held through virtual platform and on-site event at the University of Cebu-Banilad Campus in Cebu City.

“You are the hope and future of our profession. And everyone from the DSWD is here to support you every step of the way,” Secretary Gatchalian said in his video message addressed to the attendees of the dialogue.

Bannering the theme, ‘Bridging the Gap between Theory and Practice,’ the event gathered social work students from a total of 11 universities in Region 7 (Central Visayas). It marks the first cluster of the series of dialogues lined up for the year, which are all geared at promoting and strengthening the social work profession throughout the country.

The DSWD chief said the dialogue is one way of boosting the morale of aspiring social workers, and assure them of full-support from the agency, particularly in its on-going efforts to amplify learning and development opportunities to the local social services workforce.

Among these is the upcoming launch of the newly-renovated DSWD Academy, which provides globally-competitive capacity-building opportunities by leveraging on international and local resource materials on social welfare and development as well as on social protection.

“Remember that every effort that you put into your studies, every skill you hone, and every value you uphold will shape the lives of countless individuals and communities. Never underestimate the power of your compassion, empathy and dedication to create positive change,” Secretary Gatchalian told the participants.

The dialogue convened subject matter experts, delving into the various career paths that may be pursued by social work degree holders. Parts of the discussions were also outlined to address misconceptions or stereotypes about the profession and emphasize its rewarding nature.

At the end of his inspirational message, Secretary Gatchalian thanked the students for choosing the field and embracing the challenging but ‘fulfilling’ path that comes with it.

The DSWD chief also called on the learners to finish their degree, obtain their licenses and eventually find their way to the aid of the poor, the vulnerable and marginalized sectors of the society.

“The road ahead may not always be easy but it is one filled with purpose and fulfillment. You are not just preparing for a profession, you’re preparing to make a difference in the lives of so many Filipinos,” Secretary Gatchalian pointed out.

Several DSWD officials were also present in the dialogue including Undersecretary Denise Florence Bernos-Bragas of the Standards and Capacity Building Group (SCBG), Director Justin Caesar Batocabe of the Social Welfare Institutional Development Bureau (SWIDB), Knowledge Management Division officer-in-charge (OIC) Norilix Razalan of SWIDB and Regional Director Shalaine Marie Lucero of Field Office (FO) 7 – Central Visayas. (LSJ)