In shaping our framework for enhanced social protection across the country, it is important that we prioritize measures that provide aspiring social workers with greater access and more affordable pathways to pursue their education and the training necessary to effectively engage in public service. After all, confronting social and socio-economic issues requires not only our reliance on the current systems in place but also well-crafted legislation that fosters a culture of competence for those entrusted with delivering these services to Filipinos.
On this note, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) hopes that House Bill (HB) No. 6910, or the “Social Work Scholarship Act,” receives adequate attention from Congress. It is high time that the Philippine government strengthen the skills and capabilities of public social workers to ensure that they are able to deliver better programs and services, especially in economically underdeveloped, conflict-afflicted, and geographically isolated areas.
Introduced by Rep. Ruth Mariano-Hernandez and co-authored by Reps. Gabriel H. Bordado Jr., Lordan G. Suan, Rodante D. Marcoleta, Wowo Fortes, and Pantaleon Alvarez, HB No. 6910 is a dual-pronged approach that benefits both the recipients of social welfare services across the country and students who wish to pursue a career in social development. Broadly, this bill will be beneficial for the Philippines’ overall blueprint for providing quality social services.
Investing in the education of future social workers is an important step for the Philippines, especially as the challenges faced by those in vulnerable, disadvantaged, and marginalized sectors become more pronounced. If passed into law, the Commission views HB No. 6910 as beneficial to the long-term development of the country.
The CHR believes that supporting deserving students who aspire to contribute to the country’s ambition of improving social welfare services and programs is a crucial step toward achieving a more inclusive society where no one is left behind. ###