DAVAO CITY –In observance of the World Social Work Day, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in partnership with the Philippine Association of Social Workers, Inc. (PASWI) – Davao City Chapter, will host an Advocacy Forum on Social Protection on March 26, at SM City Annex at one in the afternoon.

At the DSWD flag raising ceremonies on Monday, PASWI Davao President and DSWD Social Welfare Officer 4 Estrella D. Brigole enjoined all social workers to participate in the said forum and gain additional knowledge as progressive social work practitioners.

Brigole said PASWI has also invited social workers of Local Government Units (LGUs), Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), Other Government Agencies (OGAs), Academe (Ateneo de Davao University, Holy Cross of Davao College, University of Mindanao, Jose Maria College and Assumption College of Davao), and other stakeholders in Social Protection.

Resource person is Director Gemma B. Gabuya of the Policy Development and Planning Bureau (PDPB), DSWD Central Office who will discuss the DSWD Social Protection Framework.

Gabuya will also present the DSWD Response to Super Typhoon Yolanda Disaster in terms of relief, recovery and rehabilitation.

According to the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW), World Social Work Day is the annual opportunity to advocate a social work perspective in political systems that effect the wellbeing of peoples and to celebrate the social work contribution to societies.

Theme for this year is “Social and Economic Crises – Social Work Solutions,” which aims to “step up and take action against growing inequalities and the worldwide dynamics that perpetuate poverty and oppression.”

Further, IFSW stressed that among the social work solutions are Promoting Equality and Equity, Enabling People to Living Life Sustainably, Building Participation, Facilitating Caring Communities, and Respecting Diversity – Connecting People.

Meanwhile, as culminating event for Women’s Month, DSWD will treat its women and gents staffs to a free foot massage, manicure and pedicure on March 28^th following an Orientation on Sustaining Health During Stress Time. (DSWD)