FIELDS OF SOCIAL WORK - Social Work Code of Ethics: Social workers in

Philippines are bound by a code of ethics that

Social work in Philippines
outlines their professional responsibilities,
- Social work in Philippines is a profession that including confidentiality, respect for human
focuses on assisting individuals, families, and dignity, and a commitment to promoting social
communities to enhance their well-being and justice.
improve their overall quality of life. Social
The social work profession in Philippines is continually
workers in the Philippines play a crucial role in
evolving to address the changing needs and challenges
addressing various social issues and challenges
faced by the population. Social workers play a vital role
faced by vulnerable and marginalized
in supporting the vulnerable and promoting social
populations.
welfare in the country.
Here are some key aspects of social work in the
Fields of social work in the Philippines
Philippines:
Social work in Philippines encompasses a wide range of
- Education and Training: To become a licensed
fields and practice areas. Social workers play crucial
social worker in Philippines, one must earn a
roles in addressing various social issues and providing
Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW)
services to individuals, families, and communities in
degree from a Commission on Higher Education
need. Some of the key fields of social work in the
(CHED)-accredited institution. The program
Philippines include:
typically takes four years to complete and
includes theoretical and practical training in - Child Welfare: Social workers in this field focus
various social work areas. on the well-being and protection of children.
- Professional Regulation: The Professional They work with children at risk, those
Regulation Commission (PRC) oversees the experiencing abuse or neglect, and those in
licensure and regulation of social workers in the need of alternative care arrangements. Child
Philippines. Social workers need to pass the welfare social workers also assist in adoption
Social Workers Licensure Examination processes and support foster care placements.
conducted by the PRC to practice legally in the - Family and Community Development: Social
country. workers in this field work with families and
- Areas of Practice: Social workers in Philippines communities to enhance their capacity and
work in a wide range of settings, including promote self-sufficiency. They provide
government agencies, non-governmental counselling, support, and empowerment
organizations (NGOs), hospitals, schools, programs to strengthen family units and
community centers, and correctional facilities. community structures.
They address issues such as poverty, child - Health and Mental Health: Social workers in
welfare, domestic violence, mental health, this area provide psychosocial support and
substance abuse, and disaster response. counselling to individuals facing health
- Advocacy and Policy Development: Social challenges and mental health issues. They
workers in Philippines also play an essential role collaborate with medical professionals and
in advocating for social justice and social welfare other stakeholders to ensure holistic care and
policies. They work with policymakers to support for patients and their families.
develop and implement programs that address - Disability Services: Social workers working with
social issues and improve the lives of the individuals with disabilities aim to improve their
disadvantaged. quality of life and ensure their inclusion in
- Family and Child Welfare: Child and family society. They assist with accessing resources,
welfare is a significant focus area for social advocating for disability rights, and providing
workers in the Philippines. They work to protect support for independent living.
children’s rights, prevent child abuse and - School Social Work: School social workers work
neglect, and support families in crisis through within educational settings to address the
counselling and assistance programs. social, emotional, and behavioral challenges
- Disaster Response and Crisis Intervention: With that students may face. They provide
the Philippines being prone to natural disasters, counseling, crisis intervention, and support
social workers are actively involved in disaster services to students, teachers, and families.
response and crisis intervention efforts. They - Community Development: Social workers
provide psychosocial support and help affected engaged in community development focus on
communities to recover and rebuild. empowering communities, addressing social
- Community Development: Social workers issues, and promoting sustainable development.
engage in community development projects to They work with local leaders and stakeholders
empower communities, enhance their to identify community needs and implement
capacities, and promote self-sufficiency. They projects that enhance well-being.
work with local leaders and stakeholders to - Gerontology and Aging Services: Social workers
identify and address the unique needs of each specializing in gerontology provide support to
community. older adults and their families. They address
 issues related to aging, long-term care, elder members and establishing communication
abuse, and end-of-life planning. channels.
- Disaster Response and Humanitarian - Assistance in Recovery and Rehabilitation:
Assistance: Social workers play essential roles in Social workers work with communities to
disaster response and humanitarian efforts. develop recovery and rehabilitation plans. They
They provide psychosocial support, coordinate involve the affected community members in
relief efforts, and assist affected communities in decision-making processes and help in
rebuilding after disasters. rebuilding their lives and livelihoods.
- Criminal Justice and Rehabilitation: Social - Protection of Vulnerable Groups: Social workers
workers in this field work with individuals pay special attention to vulnerable groups like
involved in the criminal justice system. They children, elderly individuals, pregnant women,
focus on rehabilitation, reintegration, and and people with disabilities. They ensure these
supporting individuals to lead productive lives groups receive the necessary care and support,
after incarceration. protecting them from exploitation and abuse.
- Policy and Advocacy: Social workers also - Advocacy for Policy Change: Social workers use
engage in policy analysis and advocacy to their experiences from the disaster response to
influence social welfare policies and promote advocate for policy changes and improvements
social justice. They work with policymakers to in disaster preparedness, response, and relief
create programs and initiatives that address efforts at both local and national levels.
social issues effectively.
Pioneers of social work in the Philippines

Several individuals have played crucial roles as pioneers

of social work in the Philippines, shaping the
development and growth of the profession. Here are
some notable pioneers:
Example of social work in Philippines
- Concepcion A. Dadufalza (1896-
Disaster Response and Relief: 1991): Considered the “Mother of Social Work
in the Philippines,” Concepcion Dadufalza was a
- In the Philippines, social workers play a crucial social work educator and practitioner. She
role in disaster response and relief efforts, studied social work in the United States and
especially in a country prone to natural disasters returned to the Philippines in the 1920s to
like typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic promote the profession. Dadufalza founded the
eruptions. Department of Social Work at the University of
Example Scenario in social work in Philippines: the Philippines (UP) in 1937, becoming its first
chairperson. She was instrumental in
After a powerful typhoon strikes a coastal community, establishing social work as an academic
causing widespread damage and displacement, social discipline in the country.
workers are deployed to the affected area as part of a - Corazon Alma De Leon (1906-1994): Corazon De
disaster response team. Their primary goal is to provide Leon was a social worker and educator who
psychosocial support and assistance to the affected made significant contributions to the
individuals and families. professionalization of social work in the
- Needs Assessment: Social workers conduct Philippines. She was the first Filipino social
rapid assessments to identify the immediate worker to hold a doctorate degree in social
needs of the affected population. They interact work, which she earned from the University of
with survivors, families who lost their homes, Chicago in 1953. De Leon served as the Dean of
and individuals who may be emotionally the College of Social Work and Community
distressed due to the traumatic experience. Development at UP and actively promoted the
- Psychosocial Support: Social workers provide integration of social work principles in various
counselling and emotional support to survivors social welfare agencies.
who may be dealing with grief, loss, trauma, or - Clara M. Aragon (1917-2002): Clara Aragon was
anxiety. They create safe spaces for people to another pioneering figure in Philippine social
share their experiences and feelings, offering a work. She was a prominent educator and
listening ear and empathy. practitioner, recognized for her dedication to
- Access to Resources: Social workers facilitate the advancement of social work education.
access to resources such as emergency shelter, Aragon co-founded the Philippine Association
food, clean water, and medical services. They of Social Workers (PASWI) in 1952 and served
collaborate with other humanitarian agencies as its first president. Her efforts were
and government departments to ensure a instrumental in uniting social workers across the
coordinated response to the disaster. country and promoting professional standards
- Reunification of Families: In cases where in the field.
families have been separated during the  Mary Constance Pascual (1928-1999): Mary
disaster, social workers assist in reuniting family Constance Pascual was a social work educator
and advocate who contributed significantly to
 the development of social work education in the Philippines faced several major social issues that
Philippines. She served as the Chairperson of continue to impact the country’s population and
the Department of Social Work at UP and development. It is essential to note that the situation
played an essential role in expanding the social may have evolved since then, but here are some
work curriculum to address emerging social significant social issues that were prevalent at that time:
issues.
- Poverty: Poverty remains a persistent problem in
 Teresita Erestain (1929-2011): Teresita Erestain the Philippines, with a significant portion of the
was a renowned social worker and educator population living below the poverty line. Income
who made significant contributions to the inequality, lack of access to quality education,
advancement of social work in the Philippines. limited job opportunities, and inadequate social
She was one of the founding members of services are among the factors contributing to the
PASWI and served as its president. Erestain was prevalence of poverty.
also instrumental in establishing the Philippine - Education: Despite efforts to improve education,
Association of Schools of Social Work (PASSW) access to quality education remains a challenge,
to promote collaboration among social work particularly in rural and marginalized communities.
schools. Issues such as lack of school infrastructure,
teacher shortages, and low student retention rates
Philippine Association of Social Workers (PASW)
hinder the country’s progress in addressing
- The Philippine Association of Social Workers educational disparities.
(PASW) was established on November 12, 1947,
- Health Care: Access to adequate healthcare
and officially incorporated on April 18, 1948.
services is uneven across the Philippines. Many
Subsequently, it was re-incorporated with the
Filipinos still lack access to basic healthcare
Securities and Exchange Commission on
facilities, especially in remote and underprivileged
October 18, 1988, under the new name
areas. Health concerns such as communicable
“Philippine Association of Social Workers,
diseases, maternal and child health, and non-
Incorporated” (PASWI), which has now become
communicable diseases pose ongoing challenges.
widely recognized.
- Unemployment and Underemployment: The
Vision of PASWI
Philippines has struggled with high rates of
- PASWI envisions a humane and just Filipino unemployment and underemployment. Many
society that respects the dignity of the human people, especially the youth, face difficulty finding
person through the free and full exercise of stable and well-paying jobs that match their skills
her/his economic, social, political, and spiritual and qualifications.
rights and responsibilities.
o unemployment no job despite actively
Mission. As a professional organization PASWI commit seeking one
ourselves to the following: o underemployment having a job, but it's
not the right fit or doesn't provide enough
- To strengthen professional competence of
work.
social workers.
- To contribute to solutions to emerging social - Corruption: Corruption is a significant issue that
issues and trends. affects various sectors of Philippine society, from
- To promote a sense of accountability and government agencies to private businesses. It
responsibility among its leaders and undermines trust in public institutions, hinders
members; and economic growth, and perpetuates social
- To strengthen solidarity among its members inequalities.
and key partners in local and global
- Crime and Security: Crime rates and security
communities.
concerns have been a pressing issue, particularly
Services/Programs by PASWI: in urban areas. Issues such as drug-related crimes,
gang violence, and petty theft have been areas of
- Conducts Continuing Professional Education
concern for law enforcement and policymakers.
- Assist distress vulnerable groups specially
- Human Rights: The Philippines has faced
women and children in communities under
challenges related to human rights violations,
danger in times of calamities.
including extrajudicial killings, attacks on activists
- Link and connect social workers in need of and journalists, and the treatment of marginalized
medical support to government agencies groups, particularly indigenous peoples and
concern. LGBTQ+ communities.

- Lobby to legislative officials benefits of social - Environmental Degradation: Environmental

workers issues, such as deforestation, pollution, and
climate change, have severe implications for the
Major social issues in Philippine or issues about social Philippines’ ecosystems and natural resources.
work in the Philippines Natural disasters like typhoons, earthquakes, and
flooding also pose significant risks.
 - Trafficking and Exploitation: Human trafficking - Housing and Urbanization: Rapid urbanization has
remains a grave concern in the Philippines, with led to housing challenges, with many urban poor
many vulnerable individuals, including women and living in informal settlements with inadequate
children, being subjected to exploitation, and access to basic services and amenities.
forced labour.

BASIC CONCEPT OF SOCIAL WORK

SOCIAL WORK
 “Social work is a profession that is primarily concerned with organized social service activity aimed to
facilitate and strengthen basic relationships and the mutual adjustment between individuals and their
social environment for the good of the individual and society and by the use of social work methods.”
 The Social Work Law, also known as RA 4373, as amended by RA 10847, defines social work as follows:
Global Definition of Social Work by IASSW General Assembly and IFSW General Meeting In July 2014:
 “Social work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and
development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people. Principles of social
justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversities are central to social work.
Underpinned by theories of social work, social sciences, humanities and indigenous knowledge, social
work engages people and structures to address life challenges and enhance wellbeing.
NEED
 A condition or situation in which something necessary or desirable is required or wanted so that person
may function satisfactorily.
Basic Needs:
 Psychosocial Needs
 Safety and Security Needs
 Educational and Developmental Needs:
 Cultural and Identity Needs
 Advocacy Needs
PROBLEM
 a situation or question that presents uncertainty, perplexity, or difficulty; it arises when the client's
needs have not been met or there are obstacles to its fulfillment thus creating an imbalance between
the person and his environment and consequently threatening his capability to function satisfactorily.
 Paul B. Horton (1996) said that a problem is a situation that exists anywhere anytime and affects any
person. It creates hurdles in the life of a person. Sometimes the problem is solved by one's efforts but
sometimes he/she needs external help.

TWO KINDS OF PROBLEM

Intrapersonal Problem
 The dictionary meaning of intrapersonal is "in mind, or relating to internal aspects of a person,
especially the emotions."
 Intrapersonal is that problem which is related to one's own personality or self. It is the problem which
does not affect other people but the concerned person himself alone.
Interpersonal Problem
 The dictionary meaning of interpersonal is "between persons, or something concerning or involving the
relationship between people."
 Interpersonal is that problem which affects more than one person. It affects others as well.

TYPES OF PROBLEM
Physiological Problems
 are related to the physique of the person, i.e., the bodily impaired functioning problems.
Psychological Problems
- Psychology is the study of mind and behavior. It is the study of what we think and what we do.
Psychological problems occur when a person is disturbed by some external circumstances.
Psychological problem is the outcome of environment and circumstances.
Economic Problems
 Every individual in this world is facing economic problems. Economically the society is divided into
three groups. Each of them is further divided into three subgroups: Upper Class, Middle Class, Lower
Class.
Relationship Problem
 Human being is a bio-psycho-social entity. Man lives in the society. He is engaged in different
interpersonal relationships. When a person encounters these problems, he then comes to an agency
where he is given helped by social worker or other professionals.
Relationship Problem
 Human being is a bio-psycho-social entity. Man lives in the society. He is engaged in different
interpersonal relationships. When a person encounters these problems, he then comes to an agency
where he is given helped by social worker or other professional

ISSUES
 In social work refer to broad, systemic challenges that impact the well-being of individuals, families,
and communities. These issues are often rooted in social inequalities, injustices, and lack of access to
resources. They go beyond individual problems and represent larger societal concerns that require
collective action and systemic change.

 Poverty
 Homelessness
 Systemic Racism
 Mental Health Stigma
 Climate Change
 Gender Inequality
 Mass Incarceration
 Access to Healthcare
 Education Inequality
 Food Insecurity
PROVISION PROGRAMS And SERVICES
Provision – how society meets the needs of its Services - Specific activities or support provided
members. directly to individuals, families, or communities to
meet immediate needs.
Society responds to unmet needs or
problems through the following ways:  Public Welfare Programs Provide
financial assistance and essential
1. Individual and group efforts.
services to those in need.
 These refer to systematic and  Health and Mental Health Services
voluntary efforts undertaken by Improve physical and mental health
individuals and/or groups in response outcomes.
to the unmet needs of people in a  Child and Family Services Protect and
community. support children and families.
 Community Development Empower
2. Major Societal Institutions
communities to improve social and
 have their designated roles and economic conditions.
responsibilities for meeting human  Education and Youth Services Enhance
needs. educational attainment and youth
development.
 Family provides emotional support,
 Employment and Workforce
nurtures individuals, and is often
Development Improve employability
the primary unit for socialization.
and economic self-sufficiency.
 Church: Offers spiritual guidance,  Elderly and Disability Support
community support, and moral independence and quality of life for
frameworks. older adults and people with
disabilities.
 Government: Establishes laws,
 Crisis Intervention and Disaster
provides public services, and
Response Provide immediate support
maintains order.
during crises and disasters.
 Cooperatives: Facilitate collective  Justice and Legal Services Promote
economic activities, promoting social justice and protect the rights of
mutual benefit among members. vulnerable populations.
 Advocacy and Policy Development
 Labor Unions: Advocate for
Influence public policy to create
workers’ rights and interests, aiming
systemic change.
to improve working conditions and
wages
3. Social Agency. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

 Major provision for helping people  in social work refers to the ethical
with their problems; integral part of obligation of social workers to
community’s institutionalized network contribute positively to society and
of services for its members. address social issues at both individual
and community levels meets the needs
of its members.
This concept encompasses several key principles:  Human rights are those rights that
belong to all people; humanity is their
Advocacy for Social Justice
only requirement. Human rights are
 Social workers are committed to unlike the rights that citizens possess
advocating for the rights of due to birth or naturalization in any
marginalized and oppressed groups, particular country: human rights are
challenging systemic inequalities, and universal and internationally
promoting social justice. guaranteed; they focus on the inherent
dignity and worth of all human beings,
Empowerment of Individuals and Communities:
and they can neither be given nor
 Social workers focus on empowering taken away; also—and critically—they
individuals and communities to impose obligations on states (and
achieve self-determination, improve other large actors, like corporations) to
their well-being, and enhance their respect, protect, and fulfill them. In
capacity to address their own needs. the modern world, they also represent
a body of law, a bureaucracy, and a
Promoting Human Rights
field of practice.
 Upholding and protecting human
THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN
rights is central to social work,
RIGHTS (UDHR)
ensuring that all individuals are
treated with dignity and respect.  was adopted by the United Nations
member states in 1948. It declares that
Ethical Practice:
all people have basic, inalienable rights
 Social workers must adhere to a code that must be respected. The UDHR
of ethics that prioritizes the well-being sets limits on how leaders can treat
of clients, confidentiality, and informed their citizens, rejecting the idea that
consent while also considering the any government has the right to be
broader social impact of their actions. cruel or unjust to its people. concept
of human rights and the problems and
Collaboration and Community Engagement:
criticisms associated with it be
 Social responsibility involves working carefully examined.
collaboratively with other
VIENNA DECLARATION (1993)
professionals, organizations, and
community members to create  states that all human rights begin with
sustainable solutions to social human dignity, and humans are the
problems. central subject of human rights and
basic freedoms. To develop a human
Environmental Sustainability:
rights basis for social work requires
 Increasingly, social workers recognize that the concept of human rights and
the importance of addressing the problems and criticisms associated
environmental issues as they impact with it be carefully examined.
the wellbeing of communities,
Social workers believe that everyone has basic
particularly those who are most
rights just because they’re human. These rights
vulnerable to environmental hazards.
come from a higher power or are a natural part of
being human. They include:
 Right to Life and Safety: Everyone
should be able to live and be safe.
HUMAN RIGHTS
  Freedom of Thought and Belief: SOCIAL WELFARE
People can think, believe, and practice
 According to Walter Friedlander (1984),
their religion freely.
social welfare is an organized system of
 Freedom of Speech and Assembly:
social services and institution designed to
People can express their opinions and
aid individuals, groups, and communities
gather peacefully
to attain satisfying standards of life and
 with others.
health, and personal and social
 Equality Under the Law: Everyone
relationship which permit them to
should be treated equally by the law.
develop their full capacities, and to
 Right to Own Property: People can
promote their well-being in harmony with
own things like a house or land.
the needs of their families and the
 Right to Work and Education: People
community.
should have the chance to work and
 As defined by Elizabeth Wickenden (2013),
learn.
social welfare includes those laws,
 Right to a Decent Life: Everyone
programs, benefits and services which
should have enough food, clothes, a
assure or strengthen provisions for
place to live, and
meeting social needs recognized as basic
 medical care. This includes help if
to the well-being of the population and
someone can’t work because of old
the better functioning ot the social order.
age, disability, or other reason
 Social Work in Asia (2011) defined social
welfare, is concerned with the problems
of poverty, illiteracy, unemployment,
CLIENT
malnutrition, disease, squalor, and many
 The person in social work terminology other aspects of social development. Is an
is called the 'CLIENT' The client is an organization, public or private which
individual (man, woman, or child), a employs social workers to provide
family, small group or community who programs and services to promote the
finds himself or is found to need help wellbeing of individuals, groups, and
in some aspects of his economic, social communities.
and emotional living.
SOIAL AGENCY
 The bulk of social work clients are the
poor, the destitute, homeless, disabled Public social agencies (governmental agency)
or handicapped of many Third World
 are funded and operated by government
cities, orphaned, neglected, abused
entities, such as local, state, or federal
and abandoned children, or dis-
agencies. planned and implemented by
advantaged women who have been
the professionals Responsible for
deserted by their husbands and left
providing essential services to the general
without any means of support.
population, often focusing on vulnerable
 Many social workers deal with out-of-
groups like low-income families, seniors,
school youth, with beggars and
and individuals with disabilities.
vagrants apprehended by the police,
and with young offenders placed Private social agencies (non-governmental
under their supervision by the courts. organization)
 The Philippines is often struck by
 Supported by the public donations. A
natural disasters as it is situated in the
private social agency is a non-profit or for-
so-called "typhoon belt" hence relief
profit organization that provides social
operations by the government's
welfare agency is a regular occurrence.
 services to individuals and communities,
independently of government funding.
Fields of Social Work Practice Systems level/size: micro, mezzo, & macro

Locus of practice: direct and indirect practice Micro Social Work

- Refers to the specific setting where social - Microsocial work is meeting with individuals,
workers provide services families, and small groups to assist them in
Direct practice: identifying and resolving mental, emotional,
- Helping individuals and families social, behavioral, and/or financial issues that
- Direct practice is about working directly with are affecting their well-being and standards of
people living.
Examples: - The purpose of micro social work is to provide
- Theraphy one-on-one guidance and emotional support
- Family Counseling to vulnerable people.
- Case management
Micro Social Workers Tasks:
Goal: The goal of direct practice is to empower people
to overcome challenges and feel better 1. Individual and family counseling.
2. Resource connection and navigation services.
Indirect practice: 3. Helping clients develop skills to address
- Making bigger changes emotional and social difficulties.
- Focuses on improving client well-being 4. Intervening in situations in which clients
without direct contact encounter a crisis or severe distress.
Examples: Ex: School violence, domestic abuse, severe substance
- Community organizing abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc.
- Policy advocacy
- Program Evaluation Mezzo Social Work
- Mezzo social work entails the creation and
Goals: The goal of indirect practice is to fix problems execution of social service programs on a local
that affect many people. and small-community level.

Example: schools, neighborhoods, and city districts

Mezzo social workers, like micro social workers, begin
to socialize closely with the people they want to help.
Primary and Secondary Settings
•Mezzo social workers, on the other hand, provide
Primary settings are those agencies whose programs assistance to groups of people at a time rather than
and services are direct purview of social work. providing individual counseling and support.
Examples of which are:
- Save the Children Examples of projects that mezzo social workers
- Hospicio de San Jose
- Department of Social •Establishment of a free local clinic to help
- Welfare and underserved members of the community
- Development among others •Local workshops to guide unemployed individuals
through the processes of applying for jobs and
Secondary settings are agencies, institutions or unemployment benefits.
organizations whose primary function is not to
provide social welfare services but employ social Macro Social Work
workers to support/strengthen/complement their •Macro social work differs from micro and mezzo
own services. social work in that it aims to assist vulnerable groups
Examples of which are: in a more indirect and large-scale manner.
- Hospitals •Macro social workers are usually in charge of one or
- Family courts more of the following tasks:
- Nutrition centers
- Schools 1. Investigation of the origins, persistence, and effects
- Corporations of citywide, state, and/or national social problems.
Social workers who investigate these problems often.
work at universities and other social research F. Military:
institutions. Describe the role of social workers in providing
mental health services and support to service
2. Creation and implementation of human service members, veterans, and their families.
programs to address large scale social problems. Highlight the importance of advocacy for policies
Social workers who engage primarily in this area of and programs promoting military well-being.
macro social work may work in government G. Industrial/Corporate:
departments, non-profits, and other organizations Explain the role of social workers in promoting
that have the resources and infrastructure to create, employee well-being, workplace culture, and social
deliver, and evaluate the effectiveness of human responsibility.
service programs. Emphasize the role of social workers in corporate
social responsibility initiatives and advocating for
3. Advocacy to encourage state and federal ethical business practices.
governments to change policies to better serve
vulnerable populations, and/or to create programs
that address social ills. Macro social workers who
engage in policy advocacy may work at human rights e. Sector-Based Client Population: Farmer,
groups, pro-bono law firms, think-tanks, and non- Fisherfolks, Women, Peasants, Laborers, OFW and
profit organizations. Migrant Workers, and Urban Poor

Farmers
d. Contexts: hospitals, court, welfare institutions, More than half of the Philippines' 100 million
schools, church, military, industrial/corporate people live in rural areas, and more than a third of
them are poor. Agriculture is the primary source of
I. Introduction income for poor rural people, and the only source for
Briefly define social work as a profession and its many of the poorest households.
multifaceted nature.
Problems/Issues Faced by Farmers:
II. Social Work in Diverse Settings High Input Cost
A. Hospitals: Lack of Post-Harvest Facilities
Describe the roles and responsibilities of social Climate Change
workers in hospitals. Land Rent
Explain how social workers provide counseling, case Market Forces
management, and advocacy. Covid-19
B. Courts:
Explain the role of social workers in legal Fisherfolks
proceedings. Fishing has historically been one of man's earliest
Emphasize the contribution of social workers to known occupations. It evolved from a modest and
successful reintegration into society. undeveloped beginning into a sophisticated industry
C. Welfare Institutions: with contemporary machinery and facilities.
Explain the role of social workers in administering
and delivering social services. Women
Emphasize the advocacy role of social workers for In its operational definition, women are individuals
social justice and economic equity. whose declared sex is female. Women used to have
D. Schools: fewer opportunities in the past, such as being
Describe the role of social workers in supporting discriminated against when it came to employment.
students' academic, social, and emotional well-being. Before, only men had this privilege and women were
Emphasize the advocacy role of social workers for confined to their own homes.
inclusivity and equity within schools.
E. Churches: Peasants
Explain the role of social workers in faith-based Peasants are still a big problem in the Philippines
organizations. even if our country is implementing agrarian reform
Highlight the importance of providing counseling, laws for some time now. They are farmers who do not
support groups, and referrals. have their own land to cultivate, even though they
have been working with their landlord for a long
period of time.
 in their area. They might also provide scholarships or
Laborers financial assistance to students from low-income
The Labor sector is one of the most important families to help them continue their education.
sectors in a society. These are the people who work in
order that the system of life moves, or the economy 3. Infrastructure:
of a society will work and function. • Explanation: LGUs are responsible for maintaining
local roads, bridges, and other infrastructure within
their jurisdictions. They also work with the
OFW and Migrant Workers Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on
The migrant workers or the Overseas Filipino larger infrastructure projects that benefit their
Workers is one of the main employment opportunities communities.
of the Filipino people.
• Example: When Typhoon Paeng struck
Urban Poor Maguindanao del Norte, the Nituan Bridge was
All throughout majority of developing Asia, damaged, affecting many people. The river became
urbanization has been accompanied with slums and impassable, forcing cars and trucks to take an
shelter deprivation, informality, decline of living alternate route through Matanog-Barira-Buldon to
circumstances, and increased hazards owing to Nituan Bliss. The local government, in partnership
climate change and exclusionary urban structures. with the Department of Public Works and Highways
Unlike rural poverty, urban poverty is complex and (DPWH), immediately worked to repair the bridge.
multidimensional, extending beyond a lack of income
or consumption to include the poor's vulnerability as a 4. Public Safety:
result of Inadequate access to land and housing • Explanation: LGUs have their own local police forces,
economic and livelihood sources, health and fire departments, and emergency response teams.
education facilities, social security networks, and the They are responsible for maintaining law and order,
ability to speak up and be heard. responding to emergencies, and ensuring the safety of
their residents.
• Example: A city government might have its own
police force that patrols the streets, responds to crime
incidents, and enforces local ordinances. They might
f. Types of Organizations work with: LGU, NGO, also have a fire department that provides fire
GO,CIVIL SOCIETY AND PO protection services and responds to emergencies.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL SERVICES LGU 5. Social Welfare:

1. Healthcare: • Explanation: LGUs are responsible for implementing
• Explanation: LGUs are responsible for managing social welfare programs for vulnerable populations
local health centers and clinics, providing basic within their areas. They work with the Department of
healthcare services to their residents. They also work Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to provide
with the Department of Health (DOH) to implement financial assistance, healthcare, and other support
health programs and initiatives within their services.
jurisdictions. • Example: A municipality might have a program to
• Example: A municipality might have a local health provide financial assistance to indigent families,
center or the Rural Health Unit (RHU) that provides elderly individuals, or people with disabilities. They
primary healthcare services, including check-ups, might also run programs to support children in need,
vaccinations, and treatment for common illnesses. such as providing food, clothing, and educational
They might also run programs to promote maternal opportunities.
and child health, family planning, and disease
prevention. 6. Environmental Protection:
• Explanation: LGUs have a role in implementing
2. Education: environmental protection policies and programs
• Explanation: LGUs manage public elementary and within their jurisdictions. They work with the
secondary schools within their areas. They are Department of Environment and Natural Resources
responsible for hiring teachers, providing educational (DENR) to enforce environmental regulations, manage
materials, and ensuring the quality of education for waste, and promote sustainable practices.
students. • Example: The Simuay River or Simuay Bridge is
• Example: A city government might have a network located in the municipality of Crossing Simuay, Sultan
of public schools that offer basic education to children Kudarat (SK). In the past, people and vendors often
disposed of their waste into the river. However, the • Example: During the 2013 Typhoon Haiyan that
local government of SK has now banned the dumping devastated parts of the Philippines, NGOs like World
of garbage into the river. Vision and Oxfam provided emergency relief to
affected communities. They distributed food, water,
and shelter materials, and they also provided medical
NGO BASED HERE IN COTABATO ( additional) care and psychological support to those who had lost
Maguindanao Peace Advocates (MPA): This loved ones or homes.
organization is explicitly listed as a non-governmental
organization (NGO) in Cotabato City and focuses on 3. Community Development:
peace advocacy and development. It has a network of • Explanation: Community development involves
member organizations, further demonstrating its local working on projects to improve the lives of people in
influence and commitment to peacebuilding. local communities. NGOs often focus on areas like
● Al Hayat Foundation, Inc.: As education, healthcare, economic development, and
mentioned earlier, this organization is based in environmental protection.
Cotabato City and focuses on various development • Example: An NGO like Habitat for Humanity works
initiatives, including pre-school education, to provide affordable housing for low-income families
peacebuilding, and adult literacy. It serves the local in the Philippines. They partner with communities to
community and works with community-based build houses, provide training in construction skills,
organizations in the area. and promote sustainable housing practices. This helps
● Kadtuntaya Foundation, Inc. (KFI): to improve the living conditions and quality of life for
Although operating across Maguindanao province and families in need.
Cotabato City, KFI's headquarters is in Cotabato City,
making it a significant local NGO. Its focus on socio- IIMPORTANCE OF NGO
economic programs and community development • Addressing gaps in government services: In the
directly benefits the residents of Cotabato City. Philippines, Doctors Without Borders provides
Unyphil Women is a women's rights organization medical care in conflict zones and remote areas where
based in Cotabato city and its primary goal is to cater access to healthcare is limited. The government may
and mobilize women and girls who are experiencing not have the resources to reach these areas
different forms of violence these women are effectively, so NGOs like Doctors Without Borders step
representative of groups of women who are mothers, in to fill the gap and provide essential medical
senior citizens,indigenous peoples, and especially services.
women who have special needs. • Promoting citizen participation: The Philippine
Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) empowers
EXAMPLE OF WHAT NGO’s DO citizens to participate in civic engagement by
1. Advocacy: providing investigative journalism and promoting
• Explanation: Advocacy involves raising awareness transparency and accountability in government. They
about important issues and lobbying for policy often expose corruption and abuse of power, which
changes to address those issues. NGOs often work to encourages citizens to hold their leaders accountable
influence government policies, public opinion, and and demand better governance.
corporate practices to create positive change. • Providing a voice for the marginalized: The Rural
• Example: In the Philippines, an NGO like Bantay Reconstruction Movement (RRM) works to empower
Bata 163 advocates for the rights and protection of rural communities in the Philippines by providing
children. They raise awareness about child abuse, education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities.
exploitation, and neglect, and they lobby for stronger They often work with indigenous communities and
laws and policies to protect children. They also work other marginalized groups who may not have access
to educate the public about child rights and to to traditional channels of influence, giving them a
empower children to speak out against abuse. voice and helping them advocate for their rights

GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS
WHAT DSWD(GO) provides
2. Humanitarian Aid:
• Explanation: Humanitarian aid involves providing
relief and support during emergencies and crises, such
as natural disasters, conflicts, or pandemics. NGOs 1. Formulating policies and plans:
often provide essential services like food, water, ● Example: The DSWD plays a crucial
shelter, medical care, and psychological support to role in developing and implementing the National
those affected by these events. Social Welfare and Development Plan (NSWDP). This
plan sets the overall direction for social welfare and together various sectors to reflect on the issue of
development in the Philippines, guiding the DSWD poverty and identify ways to address it. The summit
and other agencies in their work. sparked a sense of collective action and led to the
formation of the ZEP2030 coalition.
• The movement's overarching goal is to create a
2. Developing and enriching programs: Philippines where no one lives in extreme poverty.
● Example: The DSWD is responsible for This means ensuring that all Filipinos have access to
a wide range of programs targeting specific groups, basic necessities like food, safe water, sanitation,
including: healthcare, shelter, education, and information.
● Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program
(4Ps): This conditional cash transfer program provides • The movement envisions a Philippines where every
financial assistance to poor families, encouraging Filipino enjoys human dignity, security, and engaged
education and healthcare. citizenship. This goes beyond simply meeting basic
● Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP): needs; it aims to create a society where everyone has
This program helps poor families develop income- the opportunity to thrive and contribute.
generating activities to improve their livelihoods.
● Child Protection Program: This 2. Key Features:
program aims to protect children from abuse, • Collective Impact Strategy: ZEP2030 operates on the
exploitation, and neglect. principle of collective impact, where multiple
● Senior Citizens Program: This program organizations work together with a shared agenda,
provides support services to elderly individuals, common metrics, and coordinated actions to achieve
including financial assistance, healthcare, and a large-scale social change.
recreational activities. • Multi-Sectoral Approach: The movement tackles
poverty from various angles, focusing on eight
3. Social Protection: thematic areas: health, education, environment,
● Example: The DSWD is at the livelihood and employment, agriculture and fisheries,
forefront of social protection efforts in the Philippines. housing and shelter, peace and human security, and
It implements various programs that provide safety social justice.
nets for the poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged • Empowerment and Social Justice: ZEP2030
sectors, including: emphasizes the importance of empowering
● 4Ps: This program acts as a safety net communities and promoting social justice. It aims to
for poor families, providing them with financial create a more equitable society where everyone has a
assistance to meet basic needs. fair chance to succeed.
● Emergency Assistance: The DSWD • Collaborative Partnerships: The movement actively
provides emergency assistance to families affected by collaborates with national and local government
natural disasters or other [Link] agencies, as well as businesses and academic
● Social Pension for Indigent Senior institutions, to leverage diverse resources and
Citizens: This program provides monthly financial expertise.
assistance to indigent senior citizens.
3. How ZEP2030 Works:
Civil society organizations: networks, national and • Thematic Clusters: The movement is organized into
international NGOs, grassroots organizations, trade thematic clusters, each focusing on a specific area of
unions, policy development and research institutes, poverty reduction. This allows for targeted
media, community- based organizations. interventions and expertise.
• Local Convenors: ZEP2030 has local convenors in
CIVIL SOCIETY ZEP 2030 different regions who act as the movement's
The ZEP2030 Movement, or Zero Extreme Poverty representatives on the ground. They facilitate
Philippines 2030, is a collaborative effort by civil collaboration and coordination among member
society organizations (CSOs) in the Philippines to organizations within their areas.
eradicate extreme poverty by the year 2030. It's a • Program Implementation: Member organizations
powerful example of how civil society can come contribute to the movement by implementing
together to address a major societal programs and projects that align with ZEP2030's goals.
These programs can range from providing education
and skills training to promoting sustainable agriculture
1. Origins and Goals: and improving access to healthcare. [2]
• The ZEP2030 Movement emerged from a 2015
National Poverty Summit. This summit brought 4. Examples of ZEP2030 Initiatives:
• Education Cluster: The education cluster focuses on 4. Urban Poor Organizations:
increasing access to quality education for children and • Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay): A
youth, particularly in marginalized communities. They national organization that advocates for the rights of
work to reduce the number of out-of-school children urban poor communities, including access to housing,
and youth and provide opportunities for skills land, and basic services.
development and employment. [5] • Concerned Citizens for Housing (CCH): An
• Peace and Human Security Cluster: This cluster organization that works to address the housing crisis
works to address the root causes of poverty and in the Philippines, advocating for affordable housing
conflict, particularly in areas affected by armed and the right to adequate shelter. [8]
conflict or violence. They promote peacebuilding,
reconciliation, and human rights. [3] 5. Women's Organizations:
• Gabriela: A women's rights organization that
5. Significance: advocates for the rights of women and children,
The ZEP2030 Movement is a significant example of including ending violence against women, promoting
civil society's role in driving social change. It women's economic empowerment, and advocating
demonstrates the power of collaboration, multi- for reproductive health rights.
sectoral partnerships, and a commitment to achieving • League of Filipino Women (LFW): A national
a shared vision. The movement's focus on organization that works to promote the advancement
empowering communities and promoting social of women in all aspects of society, including
justice makes it a powerful force for positive change in education, employment, and political participation.
the Philippines.

PEOPLES ORGANIZATIONS
Here are some examples of people's organizations in Important Considerations:
the Philippines, focusing on those that are active and • Diversity: People's organizations in the Philippines
have a history beyond the Marcos era: are incredibly diverse, representing a wide range of
interests, ideologies, and approaches.
1. Farmers' Organizations: • Local Focus: Many people's organizations are rooted
• Federation of Free Farmers (FFF): Founded in 1946, in specific communities, working on issues that are
the FFF is one of the oldest and largest farmers' relevant to their local context.
organizations in the Philippines. They advocate for • Collaboration: People's organizations often
land reform, fair prices for agricultural products, and collaborate with each other and with NGOs to amplify
government support for farmers. [1] their voices and achieve their goals.
• Anakpawis: A leftist organization that advocates for
the rights of peasants and farmers, promoting land Remember that this is just a small sample of the many
reform and agrarian justice. [2] people's organizations that exist in the Philippines. To
learn more about specific organizations, you can
2. Labor Unions: search online, contact local community groups, or
• Kilusan ng Manggagawang Pilipino (KMP): A major attend events and meetings related to social justice
labor federation that advocates for workers' rights, and development.
including fair wages, decent working conditions, and
collective bargaining. [3]
• Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP): PO MARCOS EXPLANATION
Another large labor federation that represents a wide
range of workers in different sectors. [4] People's organizations (POs) are considered organs o f
power o f the marginalized sectors of society. Their
3. Indigenous Peoples' Organizations: main objective is to be able to chart their own future
• Katribu: An alliance of indigenous peoples' and shape reality' in accordance with their own
organizations that advocates for the rights of aspirations. In the Philippines, POs have evolved as a
indigenous communities, including land rights, reaction to the Marcos anti-democratic and repressive
cultural preservation, and self-determination. [5] regime. The more revolutionary and politically
• Kalipunan ng mga Katutubong Mamamayan ng oriented organizations are exemplified by the Kilusang
Pilipinas (KAMP): A national organization that Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), the national umbrella
represents indigenous peoples from different regions organization of nationalist, democratic and militant
of the Philippines, working to protect their rights and peasant organizations, and the Bagong Alyansang
promote their interests. [6] Makabayan (BAYAN),a national'federation'of
organizations of peasants, workers, urban poor
communities, students, professionals and cultural - By using force or intimidation
minorities. Although the 2().year Marcos dictatorship - When the women is deprived of reason or otherwise
has begun to be dismantled, the challenge remains for unconscious
POs to con- tinue effecting changes in the present - When the woman is under twelve years old, even
political setup which is still largely dominated by though neither of the circumstances mentioned above
the traditionalelites and politicians. shall be present.

CHILD AND FAMILY

FAMILY
g. SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE WITH SPECIFIC CLIENT It is the basic social institution; it is the single and
POPULATION WITH SPECIAL NEEDS AND most important source of security, belongingness,
CIRCUMSTANCES emotional and economic growth of its members.
WOMEN
- Disadvantaged who have limited no access to COMMON PROBLEMS OF FILIPINO FAMILIES
education, maternal care, livelihood participation, self Moving house,
enhancement Separation or divorce
Common problems: Parenting issues
Unemployed Unemployment and financial problems
Unskilled Illness or disability of a family members
Limited education Death of a family member
Abused and others Domestic violence

What is the Role of Social work to women? FAMILY WELFARE PROGRAM SECTOR
- Help ensure that women will achieve empowerment Target Beneficiaries
and equality, their rights are highly recognized and Socially disadvantaged families like parents, surrogate
honoured and will be free from all types of abuse. parents, solo parents, who belong to the low income
What are the social welfare programs and services for group, families with problems in relationships,
them? unemployed families and other needy adults.
a. Social communication skills and development
- Enhancement of communication skills Programs/Services/Activities/Modalities
b. Personal/Maternal and Child care Social Service for Solo Parents
- Provision of knowledge and skills, teaching of values Marriage Counseling Service
on self-care, care of children and family, nutrition, Responsible Parenthood Service
education and environmental sanitation. Parent Effectiveness Services
c. Livelihood Planned Responsible Parenthood Service
- Provision of opportunities to engage in productive Family Casework Service
undertakings.
d. Self-enhancement Child
- Provision of opportunities Refers to persons below 18 years of age or those over
Of women to discover their strengths and limitations but unable to fully take care of themselves from
and to develop and enrich their potential based on abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation or discrimination
their needs and aspirations because of a physical or mental disability or condition.
(RA 7610 Art. 1 Sec. 3)
What are the Laws that protect the right of women?
R.A. 6725 “an act strengthening the prohibition on Child Welfare
discrimination against women with respect to terms Policies and programs that focus on the needs of
and conditions of employment, amending for the children, youth, and families which are developed and
purpose article 135 of labor code”. implemented within the context of society, and
R.A. 7192 “an act promoting the integration of women community attitudes and values, awareness about
as full and equal partners of men in the development needs, and the availability of resources.
and nation building and for other purposes”.
R.A. 8353 “includes marital rape an act expanding the Services for Children
definition of the crime of rape”. [Link] Care and Placement Services
RA 8353 Anti-Rape Law of 1997 Provides for alternative parental care to children
whose parents cannot provide the minimum standard
Rape is committed by having carnal knowledge of a care due to extreme poverty, illness, lack of parenting
woman under any of the following circumstances: skills.
[Link] Social Services for Children in Situations of R.A. 7658
Armed Conflict An act prohibiting the employment of children
Children in situations of armed conflict are those below 15years old in public and private undertakings
below 18 years old and are either displaced, physically
weakened, abandoned, orphaned, traumatized or Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL)
disabled. 
Basic Social Services are: Refers to a child who is alleged as, accused of, or
Direct Social Services adjudged as, having committed an offense with the
Community Mobilization law.
After Care services CAR or Child at Risk refers to a child who is
Critical Incidence Stress Debriefing vulnerable to and at the risk of committing criminal
offenses because of personal, family and social
3 .Special Social Services for Working Children circumstances.
Children below 15 years of age who are employed,
permitted, or compelled to work in any public or The Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (JJWA) of 2006
private establishment and are victims of child labor does not consider child offenders, criminals. Instead,
when conditions of work are hazardous or exploitive. it also sees them as victims brought about by their
bleak experiences and the negative effects of the
4. residential Care physical environment.
For abandoned, abused and neglected children Programs and Services for CICL
An alternative form of family care which provides BCPC -Barangay Council for the Protection of Children
24-hour residential group care to children on -To take steps to juvenile delinquency and to assist
temporary basis, whose needs cannot, at the time be children with behavioral problems so that they can
adequately met by their biological parents or get expert advice.
extended family Bahay Pag-asa -24-hour child-caring institution
These children are: established, funded and managed by local
Abandoned children government units and licensed and/or accredited
Children with behavioral problems who cannot meet NGOs providing short-term residential care for CICL
the demands/expectations of family living who need who are above 15 but below 18 years old who are
therapeutic awaiting court disposition of their cases or transfer to
other agencies or jurisdictio
Laws that Protects the Rights of Children Diversion Programs -Refers to program that the child
R.A. 7610 in conflict with the law is required to undergo after
Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, he/she is found responsible for an offense without
Exploitation and Discrimination Child Prostitution and resorting to formal court proceedings.
other sexual abuse
Child Trafficking Obscene publications (malalaswa) Laws for CICL
and Indecent Shows RA 9344 Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006
Other acts of Abuse Covers different stages involving children at risk and
Working Children children in conflict with the law from prevention to
Children of Indigenous Cultural Communities reintegration.
Children in Situations or Armed Conflict
R.A. 8043 Role of Social Worker
Inter-Country Adoption Act of 1995 a. Advocate
To provide every neglected and abandoned with a b. Counselor
family that will provide such child with love and care c. Change Agent
and opportunities for growth and development. d. Facilitate
The state shall ensure that inter- country adoptions e. Educator
are allowed when the same shall prove beneficial to
the child’s interest.
R.A 9262
Anti-violence Against Women and Their Children Act SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL AND PHYSICAL ABUSE
of 2004 Physical abuse
Physical Violence - Happens when a person uses physical force against
Sexual Violence another person like simple pushing to choking.
Psychological Violence Economic abuse Sexual Abuse
Battery
- Undesired sexual behavior by one person upon
another. It is often perpetrated using force or by WHAT ARE THE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF HUMAN
taking advantage of another. RIGHTS?
• EQUALITY
Programs and Services for Survivors of Physical and • DIGNITY
Sexual Abuse • RESPECT
Psychosocial Services • FREEDOM
O Emergency Shelter • JUSTICE
O Counseling
O Free legal services LGBTQI+
O Medical and psychological services
O Livelihood skills training This people around the world face violence and
O Educational Assistance inequality and sometimes torture, even executions
O Skills Training because of who they love, how they look, or who they
O Programs to ensure protection, healing, recovery love.
and social reintegration. Sexual orientation and gender identity are integral
aspect of our selves and should never lead to
Laws for Survivors of Physical and Sexual Abuse discrimination.
RA 8505
- Rape Victims Assistance and Protection Act of 1998 What is the role of the Social Worker?
- Provision of assistance and protection to rape
victims. Must have the shared commitment to promote laws,
Psychological Counseling policies and programs that affirm, support, and value
Medical and Health Services LGBT individual, family and for community.
Free legal assistance Key allies in the necessary efforts to ensure wellness,
Investigation support and safety and equity for all LGBT persons.
Recovery Programs
HIV-AIDS
ELDERLY PWDS
To tap and mobilize the potentials and resources of is a disease that destroys the human body’s natural
persons with disabilities, senior citizens and their defenses against sickness.
families.
are public health concerns that have wide-ranging,
SERVICES FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES AND THE social, political, and economic repercussions.
SENIOR CITIZENS Responding to HIV and AIDS epidemic is therefore
• ASSISTANCE FOR PHYSICAL RESTORATION imbued with public interest.
• AFTER-CARE AND FOLLOW UP PROGRAM LAWS AND PROGRAMS

INDIGENOUS PEOPLE The Philippines HIV and AIDS act R.A 8504 or the
Group of people or homogeneous societies identified Philippines AIDS prevention and control act of 1998:
by self- ascription.
14 to 17 million of Indigenous People belonging to 110 An act promulgating policies and prescribing
enthno-linguistic groups. measures for the prevention and control of AIDS and
HIV information, Education program establishing a
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES RIGHTS ACT OF 1997 comprehensive HIV/AIDS monitory system,
• Rights to Ancestral Domains strengthening the Philippine national AIDS council for
• Cultural Integrity other purposes.
• Social Justice and Human Rights
DISASTER SURVIVORS
PROGRAM AND SERVICES
• Education Program • Skill Training A sudden event, such as an accident or a natural
• Medical Services catastrophe that causes great damage or loss of life.

SURVIVORS OF HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS PROGRAMS AND SERVICES FOR DISASTER SURVIVORS
the person who has experienced a severe human
rights violation, is referred to as either survivor or as Emergency Assistance Program:
victim.
intended to provide relief, restoration and requires social workers to continually develop them
rehabilitation services to victims of natural calamities, throughout their career.
social disorganizations, as well as prepare people and
the community to cope with disasters to prevent loss 10 Characteristics and Skills of Successful Social
of lives and property. Workers
1. Empathy
1. Disaster Preparedness 2. Communication
2. Emergency Relief 3. Organization
3. Critical Incidence Stress Debriefing 4. Critical thinking
4. Core Shelter Assistance 5. Active listening
5. Food/Cash for work 6. Self-care
7. Cultural competence
OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS (OFW) 8. Patience
9. Professional commitment
Refers to a person who is to be engaged or has been 10. Advocacy
engaged in a remunerated activity in a state of which
he/she is not a legal resident to be used MAIN TOPIC:
interchangeable with OFW Functions, Roles, and Skills of Social Work in Various
Settings
What is the role of the social worker?
1. Hospitals (Medical Social Work)
R.A 8042 Migrant workers and overseas Filipino act of Functions:
1995: - Assess patients' psychosocial needs
- Coordinate discharge planning and post-hospital
“an act to institute the policies of overseas care
employment and establish a higher standard of - Provide emotional support and counseling to
protection and promotion of the welfare of migrant patients and families
workers, their families and OFW in distress and other - Advocate for patients' rights and access to
purposes”. resources
Roles:
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) - Patient advocate
- Case manager
Is a government agency tasked to promote and - Crisis intervention specialist
protect the welfare of OFW’s and their beneficiaries. - Liaison between medical team and patient/family
Skills:
- Knowledge of healthcare systems and medical
terminology
- Crisis intervention and trauma counseling
- Advocacy and negotiation
- Interdisciplinary collaboration

h. FUNCTIONS, ROLES AND SKILLS OF SOCIAL WORK 2. Court (Forensic Social Work)
IN DIFFERENT SETTINGS. Functions:
- Assist in child custody evaluations
INTRODUCTION: - Provide expert testimony in legal cases
Each setting demands a unique combination of skills, - Conduct risk assessments for offenders
but all social workers share a commitment to - Support victims and perpetrators in the justice
advocating for and supporting individuals and system
communities in need. Roles:
Social workers in these various settings must adapt - Expert witness
their skills and knowledge to meet the unique needs - Mediator in disputes (e.g., child custody)
of the populations they serve, always with a focus on - Case investigator (abuse, neglect, etc.)
promoting well-being, social justice, and human - Rehabilitation counselor for offenders
rights. Skills:
Social work is a dynamic and demanding profession - Knowledge of legal systems and court procedures
that requires a variety of skills and qualities. Whether - Interviewing and report writing
these skills are innate or acquired, success in the field - Risk assessment and forensic evaluation
 - Mediation and conflict resolution - Advocate for social justice through a faith-based
lens
3. Welfare Institutions (Community Social Work) Skills:
Functions: - Spiritual counseling and guidance
- Develop and manage social welfare programs - Program development for faith-based services
- Advocate for vulnerable populations - Crisis intervention in faith-based settings
- Conduct needs assessments and provide resource - Understanding of religious and cultural dynamics
referrals
- Monitor compliance with welfare policies 6. Military (Military Social Work)
Roles: Functions:
- Policy advocate - Provide mental health support for active-duty
- Case manager for individuals in need of assistance personnel and veterans
- Program developer and coordinator - Address issues like PTSD, trauma, and family
- Outreach worker reintegration
Skills: - Support service members through transitions
- Program development and evaluation (deployment, reintegration, retirement)
- Resource coordination and case management - Advocate for veterans' benefits and services
- Community outreach and organizing Roles:
- Advocacy and policy development - Mental health counselor for military personnel and
families
4. Schools (School Social Work) - Advocate for military and veteran services
Functions: - Crisis intervention specialist (suicide prevention,
- Address students' social, emotional, and behavioral trauma care)
issues - Transition support coordinator
- Provide individual and group counseling
- Support at-risk students through crisis intervention Skills:
- Coordinate with teachers, parents, and - Trauma-informed care and PTSD counseling
administrators - Familiarity with military culture and systems
Roles: - Advocacy for veterans’ benefits and services
- Counselor and mental health support - Crisis intervention and stress management
- Advocate for students' needs
- Conflict mediator among students, teachers, and
families
- Case manager for special education or at-risk
students
Skills:
- Counseling and emotional support
- Behavioral intervention and management
- Advocacy for student welfare
- Collaboration with educational professionals

7. Industrial or Corporate Settings (Occupational

Social Work)
5. Church (Faith-Based Social Work) Functions:
Functions: - Address employee mental health and wellness
- Provide counseling based on spiritual and (stress, work-life balance)
emotional needs - Develop employee assistance programs (EAPs) -
- Develop faith-based community programs (e.g., Mediate workplace conflicts - Promote diversity,
food pantries, homeless shelters) equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives
- Support congregants in crisis situations Roles:
(bereavement, illness) - Employee assistance program (EAP) counselor
- Address issues such as addiction or family conflict - Mediator for workplace issues (conflict resolution)
within the faith community - Trainer or facilitator for mental health and DEI
Roles: programs
- Counselor with a faith-based perspective - Advocate for employee rights and wellness
- Community organizer for church-based services Skills:
- Spiritual support and guidance provider - Conflict resolution and mediation
- Program development for employee wellness
-Counseling and support for workplace stress
- Organizational development and change
management

Social workers have a broad range of professional

duties and responsibilities that aim to improve
people's well being. While roles vary, core social work
activities involve assessing needs, building
relationships, advocating, counseling, case
management and intervening in crisis situations.
Social workers perform these duties in diverse settings
like schools, hospitals, communities and government
agencies. They work with populations of all ages and
background.