The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Philippine Association of Social Workers, Incorporated (PASWI), headed by Mr. Rosauro Luntayao, and the Association of Local Social Welfare and Development Officers of the Philippines, Incorporated (ALSWDOPI), led by Ms. Marybeth Ortiz, on April 22 to ensure the continuous advancement of the social work practice in the Philippines.

The PASWI is a professional organization committed to strengthen professional competence of social workers to be able to contribute to solutions to emerging social issues and trends, promote a sense of accountability and responsibility among its leaders and members, and strengthen solidarity among its members and key partners in local and global communities.

Meanwhile, the ALSWDOPI is a professional organization of social welfare and development workers which envisions a strong, viable and proactive association with functional provincial, municipal and city chapters and members highly capable of pursuing professional standards in the practice of the social welfare and development work and management with active partnership of agencies, professional groups, and non-government organizations.

In his message during the event, DSWD Secretary Rolando Joselito D. Bautista highlighted the influence of social workers as key players in the provision of social welfare and development.

“Social workers are the primary key players in influencing the social welfare and development landscape of the Philippines and in making an impact on the lives of many. Armed with both the sciences – taking into account realities, policies, and theories in the provision of evidence-based recommendations and interventions for the betterment of the people – and the arts – valuing the importance of human relationships and interactions – social work practitioners are catalysts of positive change of our country,” the Secretary said.

Secretary Bautista also expressed his gratitude to the two associations for teaming up with the Department in promoting and enhancing the social work profession for an effective delivery of social services and in protecting the well-being of Filipinos.

“To the officials and members of PASWI and ALSWDOPI, thank you for being our allies in safeguarding the development of social workers. Your support in this endeavor will not only help our practitioners attain personal and professional growth but also guarantee more effective delivery of services and, in turn, uplift the living conditions of the poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged,” Secretary Bautista added.

With the upcoming implementation of the Mandanas Ruling, the DSWD, through the Social Welfare Institutional Development Bureau (SWIDB), will collaborate with PASWI and ALSWDOPI in crafting Learning Development Interventions (LDIs) for social workers, and in providing technical assistance to support and promote development programs and projects to local government units (LGUs).

The Department will continue to become active partners of social work organizations in strengthening and improving the social work profession in the country. ###