In line with strengthening and promoting the Social Work Profession in the Philippines, the Department, through the DSWD Academy, convened the 9 member organizations of the ASEAN Social Work Consortium Philippines in a consultation and workshop planning held on 3-7 February 2025 at Oracle Hotel and Residences, Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City. Highlights of the activity include the discussion of the proposed Mutual Recognition Agreement for countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), proposed amendments to the Magna Carta Law for Social Workers, plans for 2025-2028 and updates on DSWD Academy’s initiatives.
The event brought together nine (9) prominent social work associations representing diverse fields, namely the Philippine Association of Social Workers, Inc. (PASWI), Philippine Association of Court Social Workers, Inc. (PACSWI), Association of DSWD Social Workers, Inc. (ADSWI), Association of Child Caring Agencies of the Philippines (ACCAP), National Council for Social Development Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. (NCSD), National Association of Social Work Education, Inc. (NASWEI), Department of Health (DOH) League of Medical Social Workers, Inc. (DOH-LMSWI), Association of Local Social Welfare and Development Officers of the Philippines (ALSWDOPI), and Association of Medical Social Workers in the Philippines, Inc. (AMSWPI).
This workshop served as a pivotal step in refining the Mutual Recognition Agreement that would allow mobility and recognition of practice of Social Work Profession across ASEAN Countries. Assistant Secretary Janet P. Armas of the Regulatory Services and Institutional Development Group (RSIDG) led the important discussion on the proposed amendment of the Magna Carta for Social Workers. The plans for 2025-2028 of the Consortium were articulated and highlighted their role in addressing the five (5) priority areas set by ASEAN Social Work Consortium. Areas for partnership with the DSWD Academy were among the key topics that opened opportunities for more meaningful engagements in building Social Work competencies. Undersecretary Denise FB Bernos-Bragas of the RSIDG emphasized the support of the DSWD Academy to the efforts of the Consortium. The results of this workshop go beyond the Philippines, setting the stage for continuous development and collaboration across the ASEAN region.