Recognizing the crucial role of social workers in disaster risk reduction and climate change resilience (DRRCR) across the ASEAN region, the Philippines is set to host a hybrid celebration of the ASEAN Social Work Day 2025 on Tuesday (March 25).

As the designated Philippine Senior Officials Meeting on Social Welfare and Development (SOMSWD) Leader, the DSWD will spearhead the celebration which will be attended by ASEAN Member States and development partners, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

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 (AMMSWD) 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,” DSWD Secretary Gatchalian said on Friday (March 21).

The event will carry the theme: “Recognizing the Vital Role of Social Workers in DRRCR”, highlighting the role of social workers as one of the first responders during natural and human-induced disasters.

Launch of regional guidance on social workers’ role in DRRCR

A key highlight of the ASEAN Social Work Day 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 (DRRCR).

Developed under the leadership of SOMSWD Philippines, DSWD Undersecretary for International Affairs, Attached and Supervised Agencies and SOMSWD Philippines Permanent Focal Point Emmeline Aglipay Villar said this framework is designed to help policy makers and other key stakeholders in mainstreaming the involvement of social workers in disaster preparedness and response strategies.

“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,” Undersecretary Villar pointed out.

The Regional Guidance not only seeks to enhance awareness of social workers’ roles but also advocates for stronger institutional support, ensuring that social workers are equipped to handle the growing complexities of disaster scenarios linked to climate change.

This celebration not only serves as a platform to honor the dedication and sacrifices of social workers but also reinforces the Philippines’ leadership role in advancing social welfare and development initiatives within the ASEAN.

“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,” Undersecretary Villar said. #