The Social Work Department of Saint Louis University’s (SLU) School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) completed three research studies aligned with the Department of Social Work and Development (DSWD) Research and Evaluation Agenda 2023–2028. Two of the studies involved a collaboration with third-year Social Work students while the third study was a collaborative research with the Social Welfare and Development Learning Network (SWDLNet) Members, funded by DSWD Field Office–CAR. All three studies were recognized by DSWD FO-CAR during the 2025 Research and Recognition Forum held on December 2 2025, at Lafayette Luxury Suites, Baguio City.
The first study, “Empathy at a Cost: Exploring the Impact of Emotional Labor on the Psychosocial Health of Social Workers,” was completed in May 2025. Led by Mr. John Paredes with third-year Social Work researchers, the study examined how emotional labor affects the psychosocial well-being of social workers serving at DSWD Field Office–CAR. The findings highlight critical insights into the emotional demands of social work practice and their implications for worker wellness.
The second student-based research study, “Exploring the Challenges and Strategies in Sustaining the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) Program Implementation in Dalupirip, Itogon, Benguet,” was led by Florence H. Liccud-Ambeguia. PhD. This study documented sustainability challenges in implementing the PAMANA peace-promoting program and identified community-based strategies for strengthening long-term program outcomes. It was also presented during the 51st NASWEI Convention in Iloilo City, highlighting its contribution to social work practice at the national level.
The third study was part of a collaborative initiative under SWDLNet, a DSWD-established network composed of agencies, academic institutions, organizations, and practitioners engaged in capacity-building initiatives on social welfare and development nationwide. This study, funded by DSWD Field Office–CAR, focused on enhancing the accessibility, efficiency, and impact of social welfare programs. The research team includes representatives from SLU (Florence Liccud-Ambeguia, PhD), Baguio Central University (Michael Sebullen, PhD), University of the Philippines (Liza Ngiao), RACCO-CAR (Janet Jose), and DSWD FO-CAR Policy and Planning Development Section personnel (Shamah Ponasen and Merchie A. Labuguen, LPT).
Through these research endeavors, the Social Work Department reaffirms its commitment to producing relevant, timely, and evidence-based studies that contribute to the enhancement of social welfare programs and the strengthening of social work practice in the Cordillera region and beyond. (Article and Photos by F. Liccud)
