The DSWD Field Office XI through its Social Welfare and Development Learning Network (SWDLNet) held its Social Welfare and Development (SWD) Forum cum Research Congress last 25 April 2023 at the World Palace Hotel, Ecoland, Davao City. This activity is aligned with the steering function of the Department that provides technical assistance to partners and stakeholders executing programs on SWD and Social Protection. On the other hand, the Research Congress was aligned with the role of the Department as monitor on the implementation of SWD legislations. The event was participated by all Universities and Colleges offering Bachelor of Science in Social Work in Region XI, National Government Agencies (NGAs), Local Social Welfare and Development Offices (LSWDOs), Non-government Organizations (NGOs), and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and other people's organizations.
The Research Congress was conducted to support the design of effective welfare policies and programs. It facilitates the dissemination of research findings and promote evidence-based policymaking. The participation of different organizations is essential as welfare policies and programs affect a wide range of stakeholders, including individuals, families, communities, and the broader society. It is also intended to facilitate the engagement of stakeholders, especially those from higher education institutions in the region. This encourages the generation of new knowledge and understanding about social welfare policies and programs, best practices in the provision of social welfare and the impacts of policies and programs on individuals and communities.
Assistant Secretary Janet P. Armas of the Standards and Capacity Building Group highlighted that these researches are needed to support lobbying of bills or propositions that the Department is pushing in the Congress and the Senate for the improvement of Social Work practice in the Philippines. She likewise emphasized the role of the Department to facilitate and provide assistance to the students and to employees aspiring to enroll in Social Work, whether it is a Bachelor, Masters or Doctoral degree especially now that the Department has already embarked in operating the DSWD Academy.
The concerted effort of the SWDLNet XI with its Chairperson, CSWDO Head of Panabo City - Ms. Chareina Joy G Lacuin, MSSW, Ex-officio Dr. Melba L. Manapol , and members of the research committee: Dir. Mae Fe Ancheta Templa, Ms. Joanaros Fahit, MSSW, Ms. Kristi Lou Taming, Ms. Estrella Dayoan Brigole, MSSW, KM Focals Diana O. Mejorada and John Ruzzel Sampiano, CBS Staff - SWO III Julius C. Sazon, and Irish Joy F. Paulo made the event successful and meaningful. In closing, Ms. Lacuin stated that they hope to sustain and expand their partnerships with DSWD, as the SWD Learning Network serves as a vehicle for knowledge exchange to maintain the culture of sharing good and best strategy for communities of praxis.