MANILA, Philippines – Social workers are at the heart of community transformation, working tirelessly to protect children’s rights, empower families, and advocate for systemic change. Their efforts go beyond providing aid—they shape policies, challenge inequalities, and ensure that the most vulnerable have a voice. On ASEAN Social Work Day, stakeholders across the region come together to celebrate these changemakers and recognize their vital role in building a just and inclusive society.
Reframing Social Work: Beyond Charity, Towards Systemic Change
Social work is often misunderstood as mere assistance—handing out relief goods or responding to crises. But it is so much more. At the recent Mainstreaming Children’s Agenda with Academe and Practitioners of Social Work roundtable organized by Child Rights Coalition Asia (CRC Asia), experts and social workers emphasized the need to shift this perception.
“We need to reframe our understanding of social work,” said Professor Lourdes Balanon, former Undersecretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. “It’s not just about charity—it’s about addressing the root causes of vulnerability and pushing for systemic change. Social workers must be equipped to advocate for policies that ensure children’s survival, development, protection, and participation.”
Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice
One of the biggest challenges in social work is the disconnect between academic training and real-world practice.
“Theories are important, but they must be applied,” she shared. “We need continuous dialogue between academia and practitioners to make sure that social work education reflects real-life challenges – especially those that impact children the most,” said Amihan Abueva, Regional Executive Director of CRC Asia.
This call was echoed by Professor Florence Flore-Pasos, who stressed the need to integrate child rights education into social work curricula. “Social workers are not just caregivers; they are policymakers, organizers, and advocates,” she said. “They need the
right tools and knowledge to influence social transformation and real change. That means starting with the children; they are the most important human capital of society.”
The Power of Advocacy: Creating Impact from the Ground Up
Professor Mary Lou L. Alcid of the UP College of Social Work and Community Development highlighted the structural barriers social workers face. “There are already many capacity-building activities, but we need advocacy to address deeper issues – such as inadequate funding, excessive workloads, and the lack of plantilla positions for social workers in local government. Without addressing these, social workers remain overworked and underpaid,” she said.
Social workers are often at the frontline of advocacy, working within systems that are slow to change. Ma. Kristina C. Ramos, Social Welfare Officer of Valenzuela City, shared how persistence and strategic engagement helped social workers in Valenzuela City establish a social work program at a local university.
“Our persistence paid off,” she said. “We engaged in ‘table battles’—negotiating with policymakers and presenting evidence—until we institutionalized social work education in our city. This is the kind of change we need more of.”
Strengthening Child Protection in Legal Systems
Social workers also play a vital role in the legal system, ensuring child-friendly judicial processes. Jennifer Sanggoyod, a social worker from Iligan City, raised concerns about the lack of specialized court facilities for children, which can lead to re-traumatization.
“Children face unnecessary distress when they encounter their perpetrators in court due to the lack of proper spaces,” she explained. “While laws exist to protect them, resource constraints often hinder implementation.”
She emphasized that stronger collaboration between social workers, legal professionals, and local governments is essential in making the justice system truly child-friendly.
Moving Forward: Collaboration, Learning, and Professional Growth
A key takeaway from the roundtable was the importance of continuous learning and collaboration. Participants called for stronger partnerships between universities, civil society organizations (CSOs), and local government units to enhance training and professional development.
“We must document best practices, share knowledge, and create networks where social workers can learn from one another,” said Prof. Evelyn Balais-Serrano, President of BUKAL Inc. “This profession is built on collective action, and together, we can push for more systemic change.”
This commitment is further strengthened by ASEAN’s recognition of social work through the Hanoi Declaration on Strengthening Social Work Towards a Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN Community, which underscores the need to enhance social work services, strengthen policies, and invest in professional development to effectively address emerging challenges.
Honoring the Social Workers of ASEAN
Social workers are the backbone of social justice, working every day to ensure no child is left behind. As ASEAN Social Work Day is celebrated across the region, communities, policymakers, and organizations are encouraged to recognize their contributions, amplify their voices, and support their mission to create lasting change.
Change starts with all of us—advocating, learning, and working together for a more just and inclusive society for and with children.