The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in partnership with Saint Louis University (SLU), Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC), and Kings College of the Philippines (KCP), successfully held a dialogue with social work students on 02 September 2025 at Crown Legacy Hotel, Baguio City.
With the theme “Bridging the Gap between Theory and Practice,” the event gathered 295 social work students from SLU, CCDC, and KCP, who were given the opportunity to engage with theoretical knowledge, emerging practices, and real-world experiences from social workers in diverse fields. The learning sessions allowed students to clarify questions about their prospective areas of practice while also expressing their perspectives and suggestions for social work practice and social welfare reform.
SLU had a strong presence with 111 social work students and five faculty members. Their participation highlighted the University’s commitment to preparing future social workers through active engagement with stakeholders and practitioners.
Highlighting the event, Assistant Secretary Janet P. Armas, Regulatory Services and Institutional Development and a proud SLU alumna, underscored the roles of social workers within DSWD, emphasizing how they continue to shape and implement programs that uplift communities. Regional Director Maria Catbagan-Aplaten of DSWD FO–CAR, meanwhile, encouraged social work students to complete their program and become future agents of change, stressing the urgent need for dedicated professionals in the field.
During the dialogue, Louisian students raised thought-provoking questions, such as: “To what extent do LGUs use participatory development in their program planning and implementation?” and “Do we use group work and community organizing methods in industrial social work?” These inquiries showcased both the wide scope of the profession and the students’ strong interest in bridging classroom learning with practical applications.
In the panel discussions, Mr. Ken James Lucio, a third year SLU Social Work student, represented the University alongside student leaders from CCDC and KCP. The discussions centered on topics including:
- Challenges of being a social work student,
- How to improve the image of the social work profession,
- Policy reform suggestions for social work, and
- Factors that would encourage social work students to continue practicing in the Philippines.
Meanwhile, Mr. John Paredes, Field Instruction Coordinator, presented the challenges encountered in Field Instruction, emphasizing the importance of mentoring, institutional support, and sustained collaboration between schools and agencies to ensure meaningful fieldwork practicum.
By combining the expansive experience of the resource speakers with timely updates on the social work profession, the dialogue proved to be an enriching learning experience. It not only equipped students with competencies and expectations for their future practice but also strengthened partnerships between DSWD, academic institutions, and private practitioners—working hand-in-hand to advance the welfare of students, uplift the image of the profession, and inspire more individuals to take on this noble field. This iniative is aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education), Good Health and Well-Being (3), and Partnerships for the Goals (17). (Article by Florence Liccud-Ambeguia | Photos by the Department of Social Work, STELA and DSWD Academy)
