Addressing the shortage of social workers in the country, Laguna 2nd District Rep. Ruth Mariano-Hernandez recently proposed a government scholarship program that aims to support deserving students in pursuing a career in social work.
The legislation, titled House Bill No. 6910 or “An Act Establishing a Social Work Scholarship Program (SWSP) for Deserving Students”, is a response to the dwindling number of social workers available to serve disadvantaged communities across the nation. “There is a shortage in the number of social workers who are urgently needed to provide dedicated service to the disadvantaged sectors and communities across the country,” read the bill’s explanatory note.
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Notably, social workers play a crucial role in the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) by actively working towards improving the living conditions of the poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged populations.
As of July 31, 2022, a mere 6,796 registered social workers were available to serve the entire country, as revealed by the DSWD’s inventory of employees. However, the Civil Service Commission highlighted a staggering 9,541 social welfare positions within the government bureaucracy. This indicates a deficit of 2,010 positions that were unoccupied as of June 30, 2022.
The unfilled roles range from licensed roles like Social Welfare Officers, Social Workers, and Development Officers, to non-licensed roles such as Social Welfare Assistants and Aides.
Rep. Mariano-Hernandez has emphasized that her SWSP proposal is a sustainable solution that ensures the continuity of DSWD initiatives and other associated programs in the nation. Through the SWSP, students would have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a profession that addresses pivotal socio-economic challenges impacting the Filipino populace.
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Under the proposed legislation, scholarship beneficiaries would receive comprehensive financial support, covering expenses such as tuition, school-related fees, prescribed textbooks, uniforms, accommodation, transportation, training, licensure review, medical insurance, and other essential allowances.
For students to qualify for the program, they must pass the entrance examination and meet the specific requirements for admission into a Social Work Degree program at an accredited public or private institution. This would be overseen by both the Commission on Higher Education and DSWD.
Scholars under the SWSP would be obligated to maintain a satisfactory academic standing, with grades above 80 percent. Post-graduation, they are expected to take the board examination within one year and subsequently serve in social welfare roles within their home provinces. This provision ensures that the investment in their education translates to tangible benefits for the communities they represent.
The proposed scholarship program underscores the nation’s commitment to strengthening its social welfare sector and acknowledges the integral role that social workers play in uplifting the lives of Filipinos.
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