PASWI 76th NATIONAL CONVENTION PAVES THE WAY FOR BROADER REGIONAL COLLABORATIONS

Cebu City, Philippines – The 76th National Convention of the Philippine Association of Social Workers, Inc. (PASWI) at the Waterfront Hotel in Lahug, Cebu City, from November 22-25, 2024 concluded with a bang! Heralding this year’s theme, “Bridging Differences and Enhancing Cultural Synergy through Collaborative Endeavors,” the convention's goal of consolidating the social work profession in the Philippines and beyond was achieved.

With the participation of more than 1,000 social workers and the presence of representatives from Thailand, South Korea and Indonesia, the objective of convergence and collaboration between cities and countries was strengthened. President of PASWI, Lydia Del Rosario, expressed pride in hosting this significant event, noting, “The presence of thousands of social workers is heartwarming and confirms PASWI’s commitment to improving the profession in our home country while contributing to the broader ASEAN community through partnerships with Thailand and Indonesia.”

Former PASWI President Roy Luntayao highlighted the pioneering role of Filipino social workers in the ASEAN Region, stating, “Over the years, our efforts have begun to yield results. It’s essential that we nurture these investments for sustainable development.” Dr. Puchong Senanuch, Vice- President for International Affairs of the Social Work Professional Council of Thailand, underscored the necessity of establishing professional qualification and credential standards across the region. “Such standards will facilitate the sharing of resources and expertise, especially as the ASEAN Economic Community evolves.” Meanwhile, Eva P. Ponce de Leon, National Executive Director of PASWI, emphasized the Philippines’ wealth of experience in social work. “We have much to share with our counterparts and we too, have much to learn. Our collaborations will pave the way for a stronger relations among countries and ultimately, it will be beneficial to the communities we serve.”

Meanwhile, Rapeepan Paew Kumhom, President of the Social Work Professional Council of Thailand, acknowledged the importance of cooperation as evidenced by the initial outcomes from the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Thailand and PASWI. “This framework agreement must be followed by concrete actions to amplify its impact,” she stated. Vanpa Lukjeakthes, Secretary General of the Social Work Professional Council of Thailand, spoke about the success factors in social work exchanges, stressing that compassion, patience, and friendship play crucial roles in these initiatives. Sug Pyo Kim, President of the Daegu Council of Social Welfare in Korea, for his part, emphasized the importance of elderly care and community support linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the role of volunteers in providing quality care and cultural experiences to the elderly. Lastly, Dr. Puji Pujiono, President of the Indonesian Independent Association of Professional Social Workers (IPSPI), addressed the complex challenges facing ASEAN, urging high-level leaders to recognize the social work profession as a crucial agent for change. “Today, the signing of the MOU between PASWI and IPSPI marks an important step in enhancing collaboration among national associations to elevate our contributions to ASEAN,” he asserted.

The signing of the tripartite Memorandum of Understanding between PASWI, IPSPI, and the Social Work Professional Council of Thailand (SWPCT) was a highlight of the convention, along with the signing of the Cebu Declaration by the participants. The said declaration solidified the aims and purpose of the gathering and affirmed the commitment of all parties towards fostering unity and collaboration. The convention also featured a diverse lineup of experts and authorities from various sectors, both domestic and international who addressed pressing issues such as human rights, gender inclusion, population displacement, and other topics relevant to social work practice, thereby enriching the dialogue under the convention's theme.