As part of its commitment to strengthening and promoting the social work profession in the Philippines, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the Social Welfare Institutional Bureau (SWIDB) successfully held a significant event entitled “Dialogue with Social Work Students”, at the University of Cebu, Banilad, Cebu City last 24 January 2025 with almost five hundred (500) social work students actively participating both online and onsite.
Themed “Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice”, the event aimed to foster deeper engagement and collaboration between academic learning and real-world application in the field of social work. The dialogue sought to inspire future social workers by providing them with valuable insights into the profession by promoting partnerships between academic institutions and the DSWD.
The activity, attended by fourteen (14) universities from Cebu and nearby provinces with participants spanning all academic levels from first year to fourth year social work students. Dr. Rex Argate, Assistant Campus Administrator of University of Cebu, warmly welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of such initiatives.
In her opening message, Undersecretary Denise FB Bernos-Bragas of the Standards and Capacity Building Group underscored the vital roles of the social work profession, encouraging the social work students to share their insights, and recommendations in building a more compassionate and equitable society.
Furthermore, an inspiring video message from Secretary Rex Gatchalian resonated deeply with attendees as he reflected on his personal experiences with social workers within the department. He conveyed that social work is not merely a profession, but a calling, emphasizing the invaluable impact of social workers. He urged the students to continue their journey with passion and dedication, serving as beacons of hope in society.
Throughout the event, distinguished resource persons from diverse social work fields such as Professional Regulatory Board, medical, court, and local government unit settings, generously shared their expertise, offering students a comprehensive view of the many career opportunities within the profession. The discussions highlighted the vast array of settings in which social workers can make a meaningful difference, providing students with a broad perspective on the potential paths they can pursue.