“I was undecided, but my mother introduced this (course) to me. I researched social work, and I like it because I want to help poor people,” said Ian Dave B. Serbado, a first-year student taking a Bachelor of Science in Social Work at the University of Cebu (UC) Main Campus.

Mr. Serbado is one of the students who attended the first Dialogue with Social Work Students in Region 7 initiated by DSWD, themed “Bridging the Gap Within Theories and Practice.” This activity sparked his passion for helping individuals living in poverty and allowed him to explore the various opportunities that a career in social work can provide.

Serbado, who hails from Bohol and studied here in Cebu City, already participated in activities that helped sectors in society. He was in the parish youth ministry and also part of programs and services in his community that helped poor children and senior citizens.

“In the future, I envision myself working in the DSWD office. Mao na gyud akong plano, mao pod ang recommendations sa akong mother and mas nastrong pa gyud ang akoang kagustuhan nga (magwork) sa DSWD tungod kay naencourage ko ani nga program (dialogue activity). Sa DSWD daghan og opportunity, and daghan programs and services giprovide nga makatabang gyud sya sa mga taw (That is my plan and that is also my mother’s recommendation. And this activity, the dialogue with Social Work Students encourage me more to pursue this career because of the opportunities in DSWD, they have a lot of programs and services that really helped people).”

The Dialogue with Social Work Students, is the first of its kind activity conducted by the Social Welfare Institutional Development Bureau (SWIDB) of Department of Social Welfare and Development. DSWD FO 7 – Central Visayas hosted in coordination with the University of Cebu (UC).

This activity aims to highlight the importance of the theories the students learned in school and the reality the social workers do in the real world. It will prepare the students once they graduate, pass the board exam, and become future social workers.

Secretary Rex Gatchalian, in his video message, highlighted the importance of social workers in the society and his deep appreciation for the work they do.

Undersecretary Denise FB Bernos-Bragas of Standards and Capacity Building Group, aims to empower the students and hope to drive a positive change.

Atty. Justin Caesar Anthony D. Batocabe, SWIDB Director encouraged the students to speak out. “This is a safe space to share your thoughts, your voice is your power,” said Batocabe.

To give students more ideas on the various areas for social work employment, Resource Persons from different fields of social work discussed their roles and functions.

Regional Director Shalaine Marie S. Lucero talked about myths and misconceptions of a social worker in DSWD, as well as the challenges.

For the Social Worker in court, Ms. Annie O. Llauderes, Vice-president of Visayas Philippine Association for Court Social Workers Inc. (PACSWI) dig deeper into its roles and responsibilities.

Mr. Schyler Oliano, President of the Association of Medical Social Welfare of the Philippines, Inc., shared the benefits of social workers in the medical institutions.

Mr. Abel A. Tolero, National Secretary for the Association of Local Social Welfare and Development Officers of the Philippines, Inc. (NASWEI), shared some tips and advantages of working in the Local Government Unit.

Students also shared their thoughts and asked questions during the interview. Most of them were inspired by the science of helping the poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged in society. Like Serbado, who, at a young age, already grasps the importance of this work.

He also encouraged senior high school students who are undecided on what course to take or those into The Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) to try it. “Gamay ra ang nikuha ani (SW course) but daghan opportunities, nindot pod sya sa feeling nga makatabang gyud ka (Only a few took this course but there’s a lot of opportunities. Also it is nice to be able to help).” expressed Serbado. ###

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