A total of eighteen participants joined the Academic Field Activity (AFA) and Knowledge Sharing Sessions with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Academy on 5 December 2025 at the Protective Services Bureau (PSB) Conference Room. The delegation included BS Social Work students from the University of the Philippines-Diliman, led by Asst. Prof. Hazel S. Cometa-Lamberte, Ph.D. of the UP College of Social Work and Community Development. The visit aimed to deepen the students’ understanding of the Department’s programs, services, and case management processes, particularly those implemented in residential care settings.
In welcoming the group, Atty. Justin Caesar Anthony D. Batocabe, Director IV of the DSWD Academy, provided an insightful overview of the Centers and Residential Care Programs. He highlighted that social work practice within these facilities demands patience, thorough assessment, and a profound respect for each client’s inherent dignity. He further stressed that these core values guide social workers in their daily efforts to deliver meaningful support to individuals in vulnerable circumstances.
Ms. Efian E. Casanes, Social Welfare Officer III and Focal for the Older Persons Sector from the Center Development Office, served as the session’s resource person. She discussed the various residential and non-residential care facilities nationwide, elaborating on admission requirements, sector-specific staffing needs, and the critical role of social workers in conducting assessments prior to placement in Centers and Residential Care Facilities (CRCFs).
The activity was facilitated by Ms. Allendale M. De Luna, Training Specialist III from the DSWD Academy, who also conducted a brief orientation on the Department’s major programs and services. Her discussion provided students with a broader understanding of how DSWD initiatives respond to the diverse needs of individuals and communities across different sectors