Saint Louis University (SLU) took part in the Regional Independent Monitoring Committee (RIMC) Field Visit held from 28 September to 01 October 2026, in Banaue, Ifugao.
SLU was represented by Florence Liccud-Ambeguia, PhD, MSW, LPT, Head of the Social Work Department of the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA).
The field visit was organized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development – Field Office Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD FO-CAR), in partnership with representatives from the academe, private sector and civil society organizations.
The RIMC serves as the private sector counterpart to the advisory council of government agencies. It works to ensure transparency, accountability, equity, and participation in implementing the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
As a duly recognized member of the RIMC-DSWD Field Office CAR, the activity aimed to deepen the knowledge of RIMC members as they are tasked to monitor the inter-agency implementation of the program and to support program monitoring and the observation of critical issues that may arise.
Field Activities
The participants were divided into two teams that conducted interviews and field observations across several sites in Banaue. Among those interviewed include Barangay Local Government Units of Barangays Ujah, Bocos, and Bangaan; Gohang National High School and Banaue Central School Principal and 4Ps Focal Person; Barangay Health Workers; 4Ps beneficiaries, including Parent Leaders, a previously Not-Attending-School (NAS) child, and an exemplary child; and Municipal Operations Office Staff (MOOS).
Observations were held on the facilitation of Family Development Sessions (FDS) and the Gulayan sa Barangay/Paaralan Project of 4Ps beneficiaries.
The field visit concluded on the fourth day with the teams presenting their findings, observations, and recommendations to representatives of the Mayor and Vice Mayor of Banaue, Ifugao. Both offices were receptive to the key findings and recommendations, and assured the team that they would do their best to addressthe concerns raised.
SLU’s Participation and Reflections
As a social worker, field visits and direct engagement with communities are greatly missed. While on the ground, parents, children, teachers, health workers, and local officials were listened to, and the ways programs like 4Ps touch the lives of familieswere witnessed firsthand. As a result, knowledge, values, and skills in working with communities and groups were deepened.
The importance of community immersion in social work education and practice was also reaffirmed by the experience. Insights that no textbook or classroom discussion can fully capture are offered by hearing directly from program implementers and beneficiaries, particularly on the realities of access to education, health, and social services in remote and geographically challenging communities. Such initiatives align with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education), 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). (Article by F. Liccud-Ambeguia | Photos by Department of Social Work)
