In a key milestone for disaster response, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian, alongside ASEAN representatives, launched the Regional Guidance on the Role of Social Workers and the Wider Social Service Workforce in Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Resilience (DRRCR) on Tuesday, March 25, during the hybrid celebration of ASEAN Social Work Day 2025.
The newly launched policy document is a key framework aimed at enhancing the integration of social workers in disaster management and climate change adaptation efforts across ASEAN member-states.
It provides clear guidance on the critical role social workers play in all stages of disaster risk reduction, response, and recovery, particularly in building climate resilience and managing disaster-related risks.
During his speech, Gatchalian praised the selfless contributions of social workers, as he highlighted their dedication even in the face of personal adversity.
"The engagement of social workers is crucial at all stages in disaster response management, from mitigating its devastating effects through providing humanitarian aid during response efforts, to providing psychosocial interventions to help those affected in rebuilding their lives. Even when their families are also affected by calamities, social workers step out of their homes to help those in utmost need,” he said.
The ASEAN Regional Guidance serves as a vital tool to ensure social workers are fully recognized and empowered within disaster response frameworks.
It outlines strategic actions necessary to implement the Ha Noi Declaration on Strengthening Social Work Towards a Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN Community, a regional framework endorsed by ASEAN State Leaders to enhance the recognition, development, and advancement of social work.
“This is another milestone in our collective work as a united ASEAN body and a breakthrough recognition of the role that social workers play in the overall disaster response management of every nation,” Gatchalian said.
The event was attended by various key figures, including ASEAN diplomats and leaders from international organizations.
Among them were Ambassador Agus Widjojo of Indonesia, Ambassador Dato Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino Anthony of Malaysia, Ambassador Constance See of Singapore, and Ambassador Lai Thai Binh of Vietnam.
Other dignitaries included Ambassador Sonexay Vannaxay of Laos, Ambassador San Yu Kyaw of Myanmar, and UNICEF Philippines Ad Interim Country Representative Behzad Noubary.
Also in attendance were Dr. Glady Bunao, Chairperson of the ASEAN Social Work Consortium (ASWC) Philippines, and Prak Kim Hong, Deputy Secretary General of the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM) of Cambodia.
ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn also delivered the keynote address, where he highlighted the importance of strengthening social workers' roles in disaster response efforts.