PIONEER social workers were recognized recently for their exemplary service to the country, in line with the celebration of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Social Work Consortium – Philippine Social Workers’ Day at Heroes Hall in the City of San Fernando.
With the theme, “Social Work Profession in the Philippines: Its Evolution and Resiliency through Changing Time,” the milestones of social work in the country were reminisced as they gave honor to the women who have been the pillar of service since 1978.
In the speech of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rolando Joselito Bautista, read by Undersecretary Florita Villar on his behalf, the valuable contributions of the social workers in the country was mentioned.
These contributions have brought changes within the society, and with the people, Bautista said.
Recognized as Outstanding in the Field of Social Work were Teresita Silva (1978); Gloria Gonzales (1992); Corazon Alma De Leon (1993); Angela Maria Pangan (1997); Florita Villar (1998); Thelma Lee-Mendoza (1999); Elma Pangalangan (2001); Minda Brigoli (2003); Lourdes Balanon (2004); Manilyn Manuel (2005); Evelyn Balais-Serrano (2006); Saturnina Laudico-Hamili (2008); Yolanda Tanigue (2010); Eva Ponce-De Leon (2011); Nenita Manalili-Cura (2012); Ma. Victoria Sta. Ana (2013); Asuncion Cueto (2014); Rosario Bala Dela Rosa (2015); Corazon Juliano Soliman (2016); Lolita Pablo (2017); and Francia Villaflor (2018).
Moreover, Josefa Jara Martinez; Petra De Joya; Sylvia Montes; Leonora De Guzman; Consuelo Herrera; Minerva Laudico; Rosario Marasigan; Esther Viloria; Floria Eufemio; Teresa Mabasa; Erlinda Cordero; Romeo Quieta; and Luwalhati Pablo were also recognized.
Meanwhile, Gov. Lilia Pineda was also cited for her unending support to DSWD, especially in giving assistance to Kapampangans. For his part, Mayor Edwin Santiago, was also lauded for his support.
Usec. Villar added that social workers were not just “relief goods distributors,” but also the “safety of society.”