The Philippines will host the ASEAN Social Work Day 2025 on March 25, with a hybrid celebration recognizing the vital contributions of social workers in disaster risk reduction and climate change resilience (DRRCR) across the ASEAN region.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), under its role as the designated leader for the Philippine Senior Officials Meeting on Social Welfare and Development (SOMSWD), will lead the event, as ASEAN member states, development partners, and the United Nations Children’s Fund will join the celebration.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, as the head of the lead social welfare agency of the Philippines and as the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting for Social Welfare and Development Leader of the Philippines, emphasized the importance of acknowledging social workers’ efforts in providing essential services to affected families and individuals during calamities such as typhoons, floods, and other emergencies.
“As we always say in the DSWD, being a social worker is more than a profession; it is a calling, and for many, a lifelong commitment to uplift the lives of those in need, yet their roles are rarely recognized nor integrated into climate change adaptation or disaster planning frameworks. It is high time we recognize their contributions to building resilient communities,” he said in a statement on Friday, March 21.
With the theme, “Recognizing the Vital Role of Social Workers in DRRCR,” the event will focus on the significant role social workers play in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.
A key feature of the celebration will be the launch of the Regional Guidance for ASEAN Member States on the Role of Social Workers and the wider Social Service Workforce in Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Resilience.
Developed under the leadership of SOMSWD Philippines, the framework is designed to help policymakers and stakeholders integrate social workers into disaster preparedness and response strategies, said DSWD Undersecretary for International Affairs, Attached and Supervised Agencies and SOMSWD Philippines Permanent Focal Point Emmeline Aglipay Villar.
“We envision the Regional Guidance to be the basis for ASEAN Member States in crafting nationally relevant guidelines and action plans, tailored to each country’s unique context and challenges,” Villar explained.
The Regional Guidance will enhance awareness of the essential role of social workers and advocate for stronger institutional support, ensuring social workers are equipped to handle the growing challenges posed by climate change.
The ASEAN Social Work Day 2025 celebration not only honors the dedication of social workers but also reinforces the Philippines’ leadership in advancing social welfare and development initiatives in the ASEAN region.
“With the ASEAN Social Work Day 2025, the DSWD, as the lead social welfare agency in the Philippines, will continue to champion the empowerment and recognition of social workers as key pillars of community resilience, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of disaster response and recovery efforts,” Villar said.