Saint Louis University (SLU) was awarded as Outstanding Institutional Chapter of the Junior Social Workers’ Association of the Philippines (JSWAP) during the 51st Biennial Convention of the National Association for Social Work Education, Inc. (NASWEI), held on 26-28 November 2025, at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel in Iloilo City. This distinction reflects SLU’s commitment to student leadership, ethical practice, and community engagement, embodying the values of CICM advocacy, CEAP’s JEEPGY, and the sustainability goals of Laudato Si’.
With the theme “Reimagining Social Work Education: Innovating for an Inclusive, Intergenerational, and Sustainable Future,” the event gathered 93 social work schools and 178 delegates nationwide. The convention focused on strengthening social work education amid evolving societal, environmental, and technological challenges.
The three-day program featured keynote speeches, plenary sessions, and research forums led by national and international speakers. Topics included environmental sustainability, digital inclusion, intergenerational mental health, internationalization, culturally grounded community practices, and innovative helping strategies. These discussions aligned with global frameworks such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 10 and SDG 16), CICM advocacy on justice and peace, CEAP’s JEEPGY values, and Laudato Si’ principles on ecological and social responsibility.
Representing SLU was Florence H. Liccud-Ambeguia, PhD, Head of the Department of Social Work of the SLU School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) who presented a research study titled “Exploring the Challenges and Strategies for Sustaining the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Program Implementation.” The study emphasized the importance of peace-centered community development, inclusive participation, and resilient livelihood support—key elements of sustainable social work practice.
Through the convention, Louisian social workers were able to connect and network with social work educators from across the country, fostering professional collaboration and the exchange of innovative practices. The event further featured the ratification of the amended NASWEI Constitution and By-Laws (2025), providing updated governance structures to guide the association’s future.
Looking ahead, the 52nd NASWEI Biennial Convention will be hosted by Saint Louis University in Baguio City in partnership with King’s College of the Philippines (KCP) and Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC), continuing the tradition of collaborative social work education and professional development.
Overall, the 51st NASWEI Biennial Convention highlighted the profession’s collective commitment to revitalizing social work education through inclusive approaches, intergenerational collaboration, sustainable action, global perspectives, and leadership that drives meaningful change. (Article and Photos by F. Liccud)
