City of San Fernando, Pampanga – “Mahalaga ka at kailangan ka ng bayan (You are special, and our country needs you).” This is the message of Emelita S. Maralit, Chairperson of ASEAN Social Work Consortium-Philippines and President, AMSWPI, to over 500 Social Workers who celebrated the Social Workers’ Day in Central Luzon.

The said celebration revolves around the theme “Social Work Profession in the Philippines: Its Evolution and Resiliency through Changing Time.” From the delivery of palliative services to developmental services, Social Work is now known for efforts geared towards socio-economic sustainable development. The same was professionalized in 1965.

DSWD Secretary Rolando Joselito D. Bautista, through Undersecretary Florita R. Villar, acknowledged the essential contribution of the profession in bringing societal change. He also expressed immense support to the professionals, “rest assured that DSWD shall continue to support all the initiative and endeavors of social workers in both public and private social work organizations”.

Social work is now an established profession in the Philippines. In this era of dynamism, the challenge to the profession is to continue define and redefine its role in positive societal change.

In an interview with DSWD Region 3 director, Gemma B. Gabuya, stressed the positive impact of devolution. This has developed empowerment among the Local Government Units to initiate and implement social welfare and development programs.

The ceremony was concluded with an affirmation by Melba L. Manapol, President of NASWEI, that the “Social Workers are the true heroes of humanity”.

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