The Davao City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) filled the halls of the World Palace Hotel with excitement and pride as the 203 Dabawenyo registered social workers gathered for the celebration of Filipino Social Workers Day on June 17, 2026.
The gathering served as a localized celebration ahead of the Filipino Social Workers Day on June 19, an annual observance institutionalized under Proclamation No. 1176, signed by Former President Rodrigo Duterte to formally recognize the indispensable contributions of social workers in nation building.
Julie Dayaday, Department Head of CSWDO told the City Information Office (CIO) that it is more than just a celebration, it honors their vital role during emergencies and as pillars of recovery and hope for communities.
“Kani siya nga celebration, gihatagan gyud og value ang mga social workers ilabi na gyud ang working on the ground sa panahon sa emergency. Ang atoang mga social workers, kita pod tung naga work with our disadvantage, sa oppressed nga individual pati napod sa mga community groups for them to recover from their stress, or depression. So, si social worker ang agent of change in the community level and in the individual lives sa atoang mga kliyente (This celebration truly values our social workers, especially those working on the ground during emergencies. Our social workers also work with the disadvantaged, the oppressed individuals, and community groups to help them recover from their stress or depression. So, our social workers are the agents of change at the community level and in the individual lives of our clients),” she said.
Dayaday added that the gathering was designed to build solidarity among social workers who are usually scattered across various districts.
The program had such activities as discussions, presentations, and workshops that strengthened solidarity and collective effort. While the Sayaw, Galaw at Serbisyo Dance Challenge in the afternoon also brought energy and camaraderie to the celebration.
A socialization activity capped the event, strengthening bonds and reinforcing their shared mission of service.
Meanwhile, Davao City Councilor Diosdado Angelo Mahipus Jr. also expressed his gratitude towards the social workers for their tireless service to the Dabawenyos.
“Magpasalamat mi sainyoha sa kanunayong nga pag serbisyo sa atoang mga katawhan. I always say nga ang mga social workers, kamo ang kamot sa Ginoo diria sa yuta. Dako kaayo inyohang tabang diria sa Davao not only for this generation, but for generations to come. Daghan salamat sa inyohang tana and hopefully we continue to do our best (We would like to thank you for your continuous service to our people. I always say that social workers, you are the hands of God here on earth. Your help here in Davao is immense, not only for this generation but for generations to come. Thank you very much for your support, and hopefully, we continue to do our best),” he said. CIO
Written by: N. Malasado
Edited by: A. Nawal
Photo by: E. Morata