The social work profession may be her second choice. But her work as a social worker is second to none.

This sums up the story of Irene Orine, a dedicated social worker of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Central Office, who serves clients of the agency’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.

Catering to hundreds of in-need Filipinos daily, one would never think that Irene initially veered away from social work as she initially resisted to follow the footsteps of her mom who used to work at the DSWD.

“Actually, second choice ko siya kasi yung mother ko nag work siya dito (DSWD) dati. So, parang dahil nagpupunta ako dito sa DSWD that time, nagkaroon ako ng idea dun sa profession at siya din mismo nag-encourage sa akin pero dahil may sariling decision college time, computer science talaga ang first choice but eventually po napunta ako sa social work,” Irene narrated to the Kwentong Angels in Red Vest (ARV), the online documentary of the DSWD’s Strategic Communications.

Passing the social work board exam soon after graduating in 1999, Irene was thankful that she had no trouble finding a job.

Before working in the DSWD, Irene spent two
years in an office at a local government unit (LGU), and 15 years as a social worker of the Asian Student Christian Foundation, a non-government organization (NGO).

Although social work was her second choice, Irene learned to love the work that gives her the opportunity to help others.

More than that, working in the NGO also led Irene to open her family’s home to one of the foundation’s foundling children, Angelina, whom she adopted.

Adopting Angelina is a testament of Irene’s big heart, which is also reflected in her own family.

Irene shared: “Isa lang po siya sa mga bata, kapag may occasions po, ina-allow namin ang mga bata na mag spend ng time sa family. Siya po ang laging naiiwan doon. Sa foundation po ang tawag nila sa akin ay mommy Ai so yung in-approach niya ako kung pwede siyang mag-spend ng vacations sa amin, ayun po nagtuloy tuloy na.”

Married to an overseas Filipino worker (OFW), Irene shared the hardships she experienced in raising her three children, being both the mother and the father to her kids.

Aside from playing dual roles, there were times Irene found it hard which to prioritize – the kids or her work. Admittedly, with the number of clients waiting to be served, the social work profession takes up too much of her time away from her family.

“Mahirap po talaga lalo sa pag-didisiplina, may pagkakataon katulad nung naging teenager na may mga bagay na hindi ko naiintindihan. At the same time dahil sa nature of work na marami yung times sa trabaho, so nahihirapan din ako lalo sa school occasions, na kailangan kong mamili kung saan ako pupunta, sa office po ba or sa mga
anak ko,” Irene narrated to the Kwentong ARV team.

Despite the hardships, Irene weathered the storms with the help of her mother, Veronica, who understood the demands of the work, having served in the DSWD.

With a twinkle in her eye, Irene continued: “Salamat na lang din kay Lord kasi yung nanay ko simula noong nag-asawa ako, sa amin na siya nag-stay so yung mga pagkakataon na nahihirapan ako nandyan naman siya para umagapay sa akin.”

Briefly after happily expressing her gratitude, the mood became somber as Irene told the Kwentong ARV of another pain she had to go through in performing her work as a social worker.

When her mother, Nanay Veronica, was hospitalized, Irene hardly had the time to care for her and this caused her much heartbreak.

With her voice breaking with emotion, Irene recounted: “Napakahirap, nung nasa hospital na siya, yung mga bata ang full time na nandun kasi nandito ako kailangan kong magwork.”

Having lost her beloved mother who practically helped her raise her kids, Irene said they are still in the process of healing.

And despite the pain which accompanied her story, Irene still managed to see something beautiful in the situation, an epitome of a true social worker – the bearer of positivity.

“Natutuwa lang ako sa mga bata kasi wala yung husband ko wala talaga ako mapagkunan ng lakas pero nandun sila para ipakita yung pagmamamhal sa lola nila at sa amin. Naiintindihan nila na sa kabila ng lahat, may kailangan din akong role na kailangang gampanan,” Irene said.

In addition, Irene finds comfort in the knowledge that her Nanay Veronica understood her predicament of choosing to serve the clients over personal issues, whenever needed.

After all, it was Nanay Veronica, a fellow DSWD worker, who taught and influenced her to love others sincerely and serve wholeheartedly.

Perhaps, it was fate that made Irene choose to study another course before committing to social work.

By not giving in to the prodding of her mom who used to work in the DSWD at that time, her eventual journey towards as a social worker became a personal and a committed choice. A
personal calling that is now more than a profession, but a way of life.

As she continues to fully embrace and love her ‘social worker’ role, Irene is able to treat her personal hardships as continuing lessons which make her best understand and serve the Filipinos in most need of her service.

With all humility, Irene said: “Eto din po talaga ang calling na ibinigay ni Lord. Ako din po ay higit na nagpapasalamat sa naging karanasan ko, kasi mas lumawak pa lalo ang pang unawa ko sa kung ano yung pinag-dadaanan ng kliyente natin.”

With such a positive perspective in life, Irene is, indeed, a certified angel donning the red vest of the DSWD, always ready to assist clients with extra love and extra care.

The Kwentong ARV is hosted by Director Lara Duran of the Traditional Media Service (TMS) airing every Monday over the DSWD Facebook page. (GDVF)