The topic for Day 6 was on “Conflict”. The subject seems to be a constant challenge facing social workers in all client systems especially in communities. Our discussion started on the type of conflicts moving on to the type of persons that should deal with conflict, response or personal ways of addressing conflict and resolution to conflicts. Several topics on dispute resolution especially alternative dispute resolution were also discussed. After the discussion we were then divided into 3 groups and given a small conflict scenario wherein we were asked to act it out in a role-play exhibiting the wrong way and the proper way in resolving conflict. The next topic was on advocacy and partnership building especially with non-government organizations and companies with corporate social responsibility. (CSR) After the lecture our batch mates from the Department of Social Welfare and development (DSWD) gave us an overview of the DSWD’s National community driven Development program. … [Read more...]

Days 3 was spent discussing Social work method and practice. Our speaker was Ms. Miriam Estrada, head of the Social work department of the Saint Theresa’s college Cebu. According to her, in the Philippines we use the Generalist/integrated method of social work practice. Among other things it is characterized by the use of one or any client system as entry point for working with another or other client system. I’ve heard about the terms “case work”, “group work” and community work before and I had a faint idea on what it really means although the english terms might reveal some ideas on what it is about. These terms refer to the work done with corresponding client systems. Work on individuals is referred to as “case work” etc. Social workers work with Individuals, families/groups and communities, and these are referred to client systems which social workers may use as entry points to achieve the goals of social work. The Generalist/Integrated method also provides a holistic problem … [Read more...]

In contrast to day 1, the second day of our Community Organising and Development certificate course was filled with action. Our speaker was Hubert Zanoria, department chairman of the Southwestern University Social Work department. His topic was on Social issues. He divided the class into 4 groups. Then he asked each to read a news paper clipping and have it discussed among the groups as to what is the social impact of current events in communities. A representative from each group gave a summary of what the group had discussed. Issues ranged from the China - Philippines territorial dispute, news clipping on poverty and the revamp that is happening at the National Food authority. Afterwards he then summarized each issue and emphasized the impact of these issues to the affected communities. The conclusion of this exercise he said that while these maybe macro issues, as community workers we have to think of the impact that these events may have on the community. Afterwards he … [Read more...]