The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Academy recently concluded a dynamic two-day knowledge-sharing session with 150 third and fourth-year accounting students and faculty from the University of San Carlos-Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA) last 9 and 10 January 2024 at the DSWD Auditorium. The event provided participants with an invaluable opportunity to observe and engage with the accounting systems of one of the country’s largest government agencies, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world business operations.
For the first day of the session, Atty. Justin Caesar Anthony D. Batocabe, Bureau Director of the Social Welfare Institutional Development Bureau (SWIDB), opened the event with an inspiring welcome message. He highlighted the unique intersection of public service and professional growth offered by DSWD. “As one of the largest government agencies in the Philippines, DSWD offers exciting career opportunities for accounting professionals who wish to combine their expertise with meaningful public service,” he said. Director Batocabe underscored the critical role accountants play in managing funds that directly impact millions of Filipinos through social protection programs. He encouraged students to consider a career in government accounting, where their skills could bring significant change to communities in need. Ms. Norilix M. Razalan, OIC-Division Chief of the Knowledge Management Division from SWIDB had delivered the opening message on behalf of Dir. Batocabe on the second day of the session.
To kick off each session, Ms. Allendale M. De Luna and Ms. Jane A. Baldino, Training Specialists III from SWIDB, both provided an overview of the DSWD’s organizational structure, emphasizing its major programs and flagship services. The presentation set the stage for students to appreciate the breadth of the agency’s work and its impact on society.
Ms. Jobele S. Rostata, Chief Accountant and Division Chief for Regular Programs at the Financial Management Service (FMS), delved into the intricacies of government accounting operations. She explained the principles of revenue management, public fund disbursement, and the budget cycle, showcasing the disciplined financial practices that drive the department’s accountability and transparency.
The final session led by the FMS head, Director Wayne C. Belizar offered a candid comparison of career paths in government and private sectors. He detailed the nuances of job security, workload, organizational culture, career advancement, and benefits between permanent employees and personnel under contracts of service (COS) and job orders (JO). His discussion painted a clear picture of the advantages and challenges of working in public service, giving participants practical insights into making informed career decisions.