Sustaining the gains in advocacy work

It was a productive meeting  for the officers  of the National Association for Social Work Education, Inc. (NASWEI)- Western Visayas   yesterday  at the Department of Social Work, Central Philippine University (CPU).  Among others,  we made an early preparation for the celebration of the Social Work Week in Western Visayas  on June 13-19, 2013.

The celebration commemorates the anniversary of the Republic Act 4373, otherwise known as the Social Work Law. The passage of the Social Work Law on June 19, 1965 has regulated the practice of social work and the operation of social welfare agencies in the Philippines. Subsequently, it has created a new interest in social work and in the field of social welfare. Incidentally, the date falls on the birthday of the Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal.

The institutionalization of the celebration is one of the gains in advocacy work of NASWEI. It was in 2005 when  the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Council) of Iloilo and other provinces and major cities in the region declared  June 13-19  as Social Work Week . Enacted  as a  response  to the initiatives of social workers  led by NASWEI-Western Visayas, the declaration is  a  recognition of   the role of social workers in nation building.

For this year’s celebration, we intend  to adopt  the theme of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) in the United States for  their celebration of  National Professional Social Work in March. That is, if we get their nod to our request.   The theme “Weaving Threads of Resilience and Advocacy: The Power of Social Work” is relevant to our context .   Social work is a helping  profession. It gives hope for others  to move on, to move  forward, using their personal strengths,  to create a vision and a plan for what life can be.

The theme is also  consistent  with  our advocacy  work. Likewise,  the celebration is an opportunity to  promote the  profession  to the public, especially to the youth. Many  still have misconceptions about social work. Some have associated or confined  it  to  acts of  charity, welfare and dole outs.  Others do not know that social work is a profession with a  broad scope of social work of practice.

Social work offers a broad variety of settings including: public and private agencies, hospitals, schools, private businesses, industry and labor, child-caring institution, nursing homes, corrections, court systems, law enforcement agencies, rehabilitation centers, adoption agencies, hospices, centers, homes, shelters for various special groups, and many others. Some  are managers, supervisors, and administrators. Others  are also elected political leaders and legislators.

As a social worker, you will work with a variety of people such as infants, children, youth,  women, persons with disabilities, older persons, drug dependents, released prisoners, other needy adults, emergency/disaster victims, indigenous communities, farmers, fisherfolks, migrant workers, urban poor, rural communities, and a lot more.

By all indications, Social Work is  a noble  profession. But more than that, Social Work is a vocation. The last parable in the Gospel of Matthew (25:31-46) appears to confirm  the lasting impact of  social work.  In the final end,   the chaff is separated from the grain  and the division of all the world's people into the blessed and the cursed takes place. This division is entirely based on the acts of kindness and mercy done by people to their disadvantaged fellow human beings like “feeding the hungry, giving water to the thirsty, visiting the prisoners, putting on cloth  to  the naked, inviting  strangers to their homes. “

Jesus identifies such acts  with kindness towards himself when he said: “… inasmuch as you have done it unto one of  the least of these  my brethren, you have done it unto  me.” ( Matthew 25:40)

Incoming college students  who have not decided yet on what course to take are encouraged to try social work. In the same way that  bachelor’s degree holders of any four year course  are welcomed to the profession. There are two options. You may  proceed to  Master of Science in Social Work  or take Bachelor of Science in Social Work  as second course. You can visit the nearest social work school in your area for details of their respective programs. Should you decide to enroll at Central Philippine University, you can also communicate with us through this blog.

Social Workers: Today's Heroes*

Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog

Our beloved social workers, active partners from social work sector, dynamic officers and members of the Philippine Association of Social Workers, Inc. (PASWI)-Iloilo Chapter, fellow public servants, friends, ladies and gentlemen.

I am glad that you have gathered today to celebrate and share the significance of social work. This noble endeavor is truly commendable as we work together for the promotion of people’s welfare especially for the underprivileged.

Your theme "Responding to the Changing Times: Together, We develop the Agenda in Social Work and Social Development" is certainly timely and significant in the light of pressing issues and concerns affecting the masses relative to the improvement of their living condition.

Indeed, social workers are today’s heroes who carry the great task and responsibility in responding to the basic social needs of the underprivileged.With this wonderful and meaningful celebration, I am certain that you will be able to accomplish smoothly and fruitfully the objectives and goals of caring, extending a helping hand and touching the lives of those in need.

Participants listen to the Welcome Remarks of the chairman of
 Steering Committee for the celebration

It is very pleasing that more and more Ilonggos are enthusiastic and very dedicated to social work in our common effort to help provide basic social services and uplift the plight of the less fortunate.

Rest assured that the City Government will always extend full support to social work initiatives to address the needs of our underprivileged constituents.

So let’s work together for the successful implementation of social work programs for us to achieve our shared goal to cultivate a vibrant, peaceful and progressive community for all.

Again, and in behalf of the people of Iloilo City, I warmly commend all of you for actively participating in this worthwhile undertaking. Thank you and a pleasant morning.
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*Excerpts of the message of Hon. Jed Patrick E. Mabilog, Iloilo City Mayor, during the Opening Program of the 8th Social Work Week in Iloilo held at the City's Freedom Grandstand on June 13, 2012. The message was delivered by Ding Co, Executive Assistant for Tourism, as the mayor was on official trip to  Canada on same date.

Distinctively, Centralian Social Workers

In my other blog, the role of social workers from Western Visayas was highlighted  in the national celebration of the Social Work Week in the Philippines every June 13-19. Likewise, the tradition set by Ilonggo social workers in the history of the social work profession was emphasized. Started by Josefa Jara Martinez, the first and foremost among Filipino social work pioneer, more contributions have been done.

Victor Salmon (extreme right), 1998  TOSWP together with
Atty. Ma. Dolores Nalumen, PASWI National President.
The blog author, Iloilo Chapter President, holds the award
the 1998 Most Outstanding Chapter Award for the association

Martinez was joined by Carmen Montinola-Luz and Felicidad A. De Silva in the list of seven pioneers that formed the first association of social workers in the Philippines, the Philippine Association of Social Workers, Inc. (PASWI). The social worker-senator who authored the RA 4373, Dr. Maria Kalaw- Katigbak, had an Ilongga heritage. Since then, social workers in Western Visayas follow the tradition of leadership and excellence.

The Ilonggo social workers  elected in the PASWI National Board were as follows: Atty. Dolores Nalumen, Sr. Sandra Alejo and the blog’s author. Atty. Nalumen was even elected as president. After their  term, another three followed, namely: Mr. Rubin Magno, Miss Mary June Quanico and Sr. Enriqueta L. Legaste. They were succeeded by Prof. Feli Sustento, Mrs. Lulu Magbanua and Mrs. Lucita Villanueva. Interestingly, except for Atty. Nalumen and Sr. Sandra, all others in the list are Centralians.

Record also shows that of the four Ilonggo  recipients of the Ten Outstanding Social Workers in the Philippines Award,  three are Centralians, namely Mr. Victor Salmon (BSSW ’73) in 1998;  yours truly in 2004; and Mrs. Nina Joy Tanada, (BSSW ’79) in 2010. Mrs. Tanada was also recipient of the  Outstanding Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer award given by the Association of Local Social Welfare and Development Officers of the Phil., Inc. (ALSWDOPI) in 2010 and 2012.

Nina Joy Tanada displays
her 2012 award as Most
Outstanding Municipal Social
Welfare  and Development Officer

Other Centralians who have distinguished themselves  in the social work profession are as follows: Mr. Lazaro Petinglay (BSSW ’89) was adjudged as  2001 Most Outstanding DSWD Rehabilitation Workers in the Philippines by the Department of Justice. In 2005, he was also awarded as Outstanding Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer by the ALSWDOPI. The same award was received by Dr. Neneth Pador (BSSW ’76)  in 2008. Another Centralian, Mrs. Adela Talamor, was awarded in the same year as Outstanding Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer.

However, the various distinctions of Centralian Social Workers are just  continuation of the legacy  set by social work pioneers in Central Philippine University.   Prof. Irene Ortigas, the pioneer of the Department of Social Work, was national awardee in 1999.  Having garnered the Regional Award for Individual Category in Western Visayas, she was  finalist for the Bayaning Pilipino- National Level.  Her successor head of the Department, Prof. Ruth C. Corvera was also adjudged Top 5 Finalists in the Ramon Aboitiz Award for Exemplary Individual during the 2nd RAFI Triennial Awards for the Visayas and Mindanao in 2002.

Dr. Nenneth Q. Pador receives Most Outstanding
Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer  award in 2008

          Aside from the pioneering work and national awards, Centralian Social Worker  perform well in the Social Work Board Examinations.  Record from the Department of Social Work, as validated by the Registrar’s Office,  shows the following achievers, corresponding their rank and year of examination: Erlinda Baldeviso (5th),1975; Rosie Adayon-Dimamay (4th), 1978; Nema Andong-Villan (7th),1979; Romeo Guanzon (7th), 1982; Sr. Trinidad Edullan (5th),1984; Hope Hervilla (2nd ), 1987; Raul Bunda ( 18th ), 1989; Sr. Lerma Pangantihon (14th ),1990; Ernesto Arellano (7th),1993; Cherrylyn Calinawagan ( 9th ),1994; Rosalina Lorque ( 8th) and Elizabeth Cubillos (10th ), 1995;Jinkee Gargarita (18th ),1998; and Sheen Faminialan (10th ),2010.  The  1st placer in 2001 board examination,  Melea Cianel Pabiona-Ellorin, is also a Centralian. While she finished her BSSW degree  from Lourdes College in Cagayan, she took her first two  years of Social Work from Central Philippine University.

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The list is not exhaustive. If you know of other Centralian Social Workers who have excelled in particular fields, feel free to send information to the author, if possible with corresponding photographs.

Social Work Week celebrations: Keeping up with the Tradition

The previous blog highlights the role of social workers from Western Visayas in the national celebration of the Social Work Week in the Philippines every June 13-19. Likewise, it mentions the tradition set by Ilonggo social workers in the history of the social work profession. Started by Josefa Jara Martinez, the first and foremost among Filipino social work pioneer, more contributions have been done. Martinez was joined by Carmen Montinola-Luz and Felicidad A. De Silva in the list of seven pioneers that formed the first association of social workers in the Philippines, the Philippine Association of Social Workers, Inc. (PASWI). The social worker-senator who authored the RA 4373, Dr. Maria Kalaw- Katigbak, reportedly traced her roots from Molo, Iloilo City. Since then, social workers in Western Visayas follow the tradition of leadership and excellence.

While the list is still incomplete, this is a good start of historical record to remind the succeeding generations of our tradition. This may even encourage social workers from other regions to trace the historical contributions of respective pioneers.In 2000, history seems to repeat itself when three members of the elected PASWI National Board came from Western Visayas, namely: Atty. Dolores Nalumen, Sr. Sandra Alejo and the blog’s author. Atty. Nalumen was even elected as president. After our term, another three followed, namely: Mr. Rubin Magno, Miss Mary June Quanico and Sr. Enriqueta L. Legaste. They were succeeded by Prof. Feli Sustento, Mrs. Lulu Magbanua and Mrs. Lucita Villanueva.

The tradition of excellence is manifested in the initial list of national awardees from social workers in Western Visayas. The fate of Josefa Jara Martinez was duplicated by Sr. Teresa Mabasa in 2000 when she was awarded as Outstanding Professional in the Field of Social Work by the Professional Regulation Commission. Sr. Mabasa served as first president of PASWI-Iloilo. Five Ilonggos are recipients of the PASWI Ten Outstanding Social Workers in the Philippines Award, namely Mr. Victor Salmon in 1998; Mrs. Herminigilda Duarte in 2000; yours truly in 2004; Mrs. Adela Talamor in 2008; and Mrs. Nina Joy Tanada, in 2010. Mr. Lazaro Petinglay was adjudged as the 2001 Most Outstanding DSWD Rehabilitation Workers in the Philippines by the Department of Justice while Dr. Neneth Pador was awarded Outstanding Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer in 2008 by the Association of Local Social Welfare and Development Officers of the Phil., Inc. (ALSWDOPI).

Other national awardees from the region are Prof. Irene Ortigas, finalist for the Bayaning Pilipino- National Level in 1999 having garnered the Regional Award for Individual Category. Prof. Ortigas is the pioneer of the Department of Social Work, Central Philippine University. Her successor head of the Department, Prof. Ruth C. Corvera was also adjudged Top 5 Finalists in the Ramon Aboitiz Award for Exemplary Individual during the 2nd RAFI Triennial Awards for the Visayas and Mindanao in 2002.

(to be continued)

Social Work Week celebrations: Finding the ruby, gold is not far behind

The annual celebration of the social work week in the Philippines stemmed from the Ruby Anniversary of the Social Work Law in June 19, 2005. With the paradigm shift on policy advocacy, as a challenge during the National Convention of two major social work organizations, a series of joint meetings and regional consultations of social workers in Western Visayas were held in Iloilo City. Participants exhaustively looked for ways and means in pooling resources to deliberately and systematically promote the Social Work profession and its significant role in effecting social transformation.

In the process, we found out that 2005 is the 40th year of the Social Work Law. Otherwise known as Republic Act 4373, the law was passed on June 19, 1965. However, it was noticed that the significance of the date of the passage of the Social Work Law had not been officially observed unlike other social welfare legislations which were passed even later. So, we thought of making the occasion a good opportunity to unite in promoting our profession.

With such discovery, we were very excited to think of activities to maximize the celebration. We thought of coming up with a resolution requesting then Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to declare June 13-19 as Social Work Week in Western Visayas, as it would be within our area of work. It gained strong support from other social work-led organizations and alliances in the region, as well as government officials and NGO leaders in the Regional Development Council. However, the Regional Development Council, which endorsed our resolution, opted for the national declaration as the Social Work Law is national in scope. Hence, the declaration should benefit other provinces in various regions.

Getting the clue from people in the authority, we informed both the national board of Philippine Association of Social Workers, Inc. (PASWI) and National Association of Social Work Education, Inc. (NASWEI) of this discovery and subsequent move to solicit support either thru endorsement of the resolution or making a national resolution related to the regional resolution. While it failed to get the declaration from the Philippine President for some technicalities, the PASWI National called for the celebration nationwide. In Western Visayas, we succeeded in our advocacy as all provinces and major cities have institutionalized the celebration by respective resolutions/ordinances. Since then, while the degree and focus vary the event has been celebrated every year.

Later, in our research, we realized that our initiative is just a continuation of the tradition of the contribution of Ilonggo social workers in the history of the profession.

The first and foremost among Filipino social work pioneer is an Ilongga- Josefa Jara Martinez. Martinez was the first executive secretary of the Associated Charities, considered to be the forerunner of social work in the Philippines. She was also the founder and first director of the first school of social work in the Philippines, now known as Philippine School of Social Work which was affiliated with the Philippine Women's University. In 1978, she was awarded as Social Worker of the Year Award by the Professional Regulations Commissions.

Martinez was among the 7 pioneers that formed the first association of social workers in the Philippines. Joining her were two Ilongga social workers, namely: Carmen Montinola-Luz and Felicidad A. De Silva from Capiz. It was reported that the social worker-senator who authored the RA 4373 Dr. Maria Kalaw- Katigbak reportedly traces her roots from Molo, Iloilo City.

(to be continued)