The Department of Social Welfare and Development together with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' Social Work Consortium and the ASEAN Secretariat successfully hosted the 11th and 12th ASEAN Social Work Consortium Conference on December 6 – 7 via virtual conference.

With the theme, "Strengthening the Role of Social Work: Responding to the Changing Socio-Economic, Environmental, and Political Landscapes in the ASEAN," the ASWC Conference provided a venue for social work educators, practitioners and advocates from the ASEAN Member States to convene and further reinforce cooperation and solidarity highlighting key progress in advancing social work practice and education in the ASEAN region.

At the opening session of the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Social Welfare and Development Philippines, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian expressed his support for the continuing development of the social work profession.

"In our pursuit of a more standardized and responsive delivery of social services in the ASEAN region, special emphasis is required to plan, develop, and support the workforce. Clearly defined and evidence-based frameworks and strategies are essential to ensure that social workers and the wider social service workforce are equipped to address emerging issues and are able to navigate the rapidly changing landscapes of social welfare and development," the DSWD chief said.

"In light of this, we need to continue to strengthen the social work profession by establishing sustainable social protection systems and delivering an inclusive, multidisciplinary, sustainable, and responsive system of care and support for the vulnerable and marginalized sectors in the ASEAN region," Secretary Gatchalian pointed out.

The ASWC also discussed updates on the implementation of the ASWC Work Plan 2021-2025, which details the cooperative actions highlighting the role and commitment of the ASWC in the promotion and strengthening of social work education and practice in the ASEAN.

The work plan incorporates the crucial activities and actions contributing to the realization of priority areas provided in the roadmap to implement the Hanoi Declaration on Social Work, the first regional framework adopted by ASEAN State leaders for the strengthening, recognition, and advancement of social work in ASEAN.

During the session, the participants from the ASEAN Member States articulated issues and provided recommendations in line with the five priorities of the ASWC Work Plan, which are: strengthening education and regulations of social work in ASEAN; strengthening the capacity of social workers in ASEAN; promoting knowledge development and management; strengthening regional and national social work and social welfare institutions; and building positive public perceptions of social work.

As the focal agency representing the Philippines in the ASEAN Sectoral Body on Social Welfare and Development, the DSWD hopes that the conference will strengthen regional solidarity towards the mainstreaming and advancement of the condition of social work practice amid the changing socio-economic, environmental and political landscapes in the ASEAN.