Ian Dave Serbado, a first-year social work student at the University of Cebu, was one of the 250 students who attended the ‘Dialogue with Social Work Students’ organized by the Social Welfare Institutional Development Bureau (SWIDB) of DSWD-7. (DSWD-7 photo)
CEBU CITY, Cebu (PIA) — Eighteen-year-old Ian Dave Serbado was uncertain about his career path until his mother brought up the possibility of him doing social work as a career choice.
“I was undecided, but my mother introduced this course to me. I researched social work, and I liked it because I want to help poor people,” Serbado said.
Now in his first year as a social work student at the University of Cebu, Serbado’s passion for social work was further amplified after attending the ‘Dialogue with Social Work Students’ organized by the Social Welfare Institutional Development Bureau (SWIDB) of the DSWD in Central Visayas.
“Mas na-strong pa gyud ang akoang kagustuhan nga mag-work sa DSWD tungod kay na-encourage ko ani nga program (dialogue) activity,” he said.
(My desire to work at DSWD became even stronger because I was encouraged by this activity.)
Serbado was one of the 250 social work students from 11 universities in the region who attended the dialogue.
After listening to the discussions during the dialogue, he is more confident that DSWD is the best agency for him to pursue his career after he finishes his studies.
“Sa DSWD, daghan og opportunity and daghan programs and services gi-provide nga makatabang gyud siya sa mga tawo,” he said.
(At DSWD, there are many opportunities and programs and services that can really help people.)
Bridging theory-practice gap
The Visayas dialogue was the first in a series of dialogues conducted by DSWD7 this year to bridge the gap between academic theories and real-world social work practices.
The dialogue was conducted in a hybrid format, allowing students from other provinces in the Visayas to participate.
With the theme, ‘Bridging the Gap Within Theories and Practice,’ DSWD Usec. for Standards and Capacity Building Group, Denise FB Bernos-Bragas, highlighted the significant role of social workers in fostering social welfare and development within communities.
“Today, we come together to discuss not only the fundamental functions of our profession but also how social workers can contribute meaningfully to improve the well-being of individuals, families, and communities,” Bragas said.
The dialogue tackled the roles of social workers in various settings, including the DSWD, courts, medical institutions, local government units (LGUs), and non-government organizations (NGOs). It also addressed common misconceptions and stereotypes about the social work profession.
In his video message, DSWD Sec. Rex Gatchalian reminded students that social work can leave a big impact in the lives of the people that they help.
“Remember that every effort you put into your studies, every skill you hone, and every value you uphold will shape the lives of countless individuals and communities,” he said.
In the same activity, DSWD-7 regional director Shalaine Marie Lucero said DSWD is where students whose goal is to make an impact on people’s lives can turn their dreams into reality.
“Working with DSWD, you have the biggest opportunity to serve the biggest number of Filipinos,” said Lucero.
Serbado encouraged high school students who are still undecided on their career choice to consider exploring the Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) strand in senior high school.
“Gamay ra ang nikuha ani (social work course) but daghan opportunities. Nindot pud siya sa feeling nga makatabang gyud ka,” he said.
(Few students enroll in the social work course, but there are many opportunities here. It feels great to truly help others.)
The students who joined the dialogue come from the University of Cebu, University of Southern Philippines, Eastern Samar State University, Leyte Normal University, and Southern Leyte State University. (JJT/PIA 7)
