Fetalvero: What we need today

HOW many of our politicians were engaged in social work prior to entering the world of politics? Most of them were successful businessmen, if not lawyers, before elected into office.

What does this statistic imply? Dr. Nancy A. Humphreys, DSW, ACSW, who founded the Institute for the Advancement of Social Work Practice at the University of Connecticut School of Social Work, wrote: “I do not want social workers to be handmaidens of politicians and we will be unless we agree that some of us should run for office, get elected and serve.”

Humphreys said that a direct “insider” effect on the world of politics is necessary.

“Politicians can change policy that will either help or hurt clients therefore social workers are obligated to be among those who are making policy.”

In my Internet research, I learned that the role of a social worker encompasses almost every field that involves social reforms. That is just what we need in today’s society, especially in the Philippines. While I agree that our country needs economists to improve our financial standing with the rest of our Asian neighbors I believe we also need social workers who in their professional and academic discipline will certainly “improve the quality of life and well being” of Filipinos.

Wikipedia characterizes a social worker as someone who can intervene through research, policy, community organizing, direct practice and teaching on behalf of those afflicted with poverty or any real or perceived social injustices and violations of human rights.

According to Humphreys, social workers are trained to assess people, situations, communities and organizations and they know how to actively listen and translate people’s statements into concrete plans of actions, advocate for the interest of the disadvantaged and vulnerable.

Dr. Dinky Soliman, who heads the Department of Social Welfare and Development, has reported its agency’s involvement through Pantawid Pamiliya’s biometric payout in Maguindanao, the Poverty Alleviation Program, Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan, and in Barug Katawhan.