Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman reiterated the important roles of social workers in addressing the vulnerable sectors in society.
In the 20th National Convention and General Assembly of the Association of Local Social Welfare and Development Officers of the Philippines Inc. (ALSWDOPI), the Secretary reminded thesocial workers in helping those in crisis and helping them moved out of the crisis whether it is economic, physical and psychological.
The social worker should capacitate them and enable them to gain back their dignity, confidence and power as individuals, families and community, she said.
The hands in the department’s logo symbolizes the social workers daily work in helping the communities, speaking to families, caring for the abused and the oppressed, she said.
“Many communities and people that we served are vulnerable to injustices. Vulnerability to injustice equals continuing poverty. Continuing poverty means further victimization, marginalization and oppression,” said Secretary Soliman.
In the said event, wherein social workers from all-over the country gathered at SMX Bacolod City, Secretary Soliman likewise recognized the positive impact brought by the department’s programs and services in the ground.
Secretary Soliman highlighted the behavioral change among the beneficiaries of the different programs and services of the government, citing the testimonies of Kalahi-CIDSS community volunteer and PantawidPamilyang Pilipino Program parent leader.
According to her, a female community volunteer in Negros Oriental was surprised when male laborers respected her in the flood control project they are building in. “Babae ako pero nirespeto nila ako.”
While, the parent leader was proud enough to say that she gained confidence in speaking and facing people after serving the community. She used to stay in her home and doing nothing.
“These are the stories of positive change, the empowerment of people and new found confidence,” she said.
“This is the product of the effort of the social workers.”
“One of the social workers mandate is to capacitate and enable them to grow as active as participants in the positive changes necessary to gain back their dignity, confidence, power as individuals, families and community, “ she stressed.
The positive stories heard from the beneficiaries contradict the allegations that the government has no heart for the people..# (Maricar Calubiran//dswd6)