To ensure the seamless reintegration of the Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc. (SBSI) returnees and to provide comprehensive support to survivor victims, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office (FO) Caraga has taken on a multifaceted approach. The Field Office is pioneering strategies to address immediate needs and foster long-term sustainability and empowerment within the affected community through collaborative initiatives with various stakeholders and institutions.

 

Recently, DSWD FO Caraga Recovery and Reintegration for Trafficked Persons (RRPTP) and Retained Community-based Services Social Workers, alongside On the Job Social Work students from Caraga State University, conducted a two-day Psychosocial Support (PSS) activity.

 

The primary objective was to monitor and follow up on the status of SBSI returnees, engaging them in discussions to assess their well-being comprehensively. These sessions provided a platform for the children and adults to express their concerns, share experiences, and receive guidance.

 

Furthermore, recognizing the importance of continual program evaluation and refinement, DSWD Caraga conducted a comprehensive review of the services provided to survivor victims in temporary custody in Socorro, Surigao del Norte.

This evaluation extended beyond the mere assessment of infrastructure and logistical aspects; it delved into the qualitative aspects of support, gathering feedback directly from beneficiaries. Social Workers and Social Work Student Interns conducted psycho-education with victim survivors to cope with psychosocial distress.

 

“Nalingaw mi, untana mautro na pod na mag ingon ani (We had fun, we hope that we get to do this activity again),” a victim survivor told DSWD Caraga.

 

DSWD Caraga Social Workers – Ms. Thesa Joy Musa, Ms. Sarah Rose Salingay, Ms. Bernape Bantayan, and Ms. Aileen Rhea Ginete, meticulously documented and subsequently presented their professional assessments to the Socorro Task Force, spearheaded by the Municipal Mayor Riza Timcang. By soliciting their perspectives on the effectiveness of interventions and the challenges encountered, DSWD Caraga sought to refine its approach and enhance service delivery mechanisms.

 

This collaborative effort resulted in formulating a Consolidated Intervention Plan, outlining actionable steps to address identified needs effectively. Among the pivotal agreements reached during the case conference were assistance for their economic reintegration, and the continuation of psychosocial support activities. These measures underscore the Agency’s commitment to offering holistic support tailored to the unique circumstances of each beneficiary.

 

DSWD Caraga aims to foster a culture of empowerment and resilience among affected communities through this inclusive and participatory approach. Through actively involving stakeholders and beneficiaries in decision-making processes, the Agency ensures that interventions remain responsive to evolving needs and conducive to sustainable development outcomes.

 

Moreover, by leveraging partnerships with academic institutions like CSU Main Campus, the Field Office fosters knowledge exchange and capacity-building, enriching the resources available for social welfare initiatives.

REINFORCING THE PURPOSE OF SOCIAL WORK TO BUDDING PUBLIC SERVANTS

 

“Nakita gyud nako ang function sa usa ka social worker. Initially, giignan gyud mi nga ang Social Workers are the face of hope…During sa exit conference with the LGU Officials naka ingon ko nga grabe ka nindot, for me, as a social work student nga maka witness ko nga ingon ani diay ang presence ni Social Worker – grabe ka crucial iyang role since grabe ka bug-at ang iyang professional assessment sa usa ka case,” Troy Pardillo, 3rd-year Social Work student from CSU Main Campus.

 

“It’s really a big opportunity for us nga maka experience nga makatabang, which is magamit namo in the real-life setting, and diri pod namo na realize and re-affirm ang importance sa usa ka social worker labi na sa mga ingon ani ka bug-at na mga panghitabo kung asa ang professional help sa social workers ang pinakauna nga gikinahanglan,” Ian Sarabosing, 3rd-year Social Work student from CSU Main Campus.

 

“Para sa amoa, labi na katong gitagaan mi og trust, naningkamot pod mi na mahimong competent nga makaya namo og handle ang gi entrust sa amoa na task. Ug diri namo na apply ang amo pod na learn sa academe with the guidance po nila ma’am nga social workers nga maoy nag handle sa case,” Princess Nedamo, 3rd-year Social Work student from CSU Main Campus.

 

“Ang DSWD Caraga grabe gyud ang ilang support sa amoa, nga even though mga interns pa mi, gina guide mi in every step of the way and gisaligan na mi, gina train na mi nga muatobang ug ingon ani nga mga sitwasyon nga mas na value namo among role sa society labi na puhon if manarbaho na mi puhon,” Queenie Sulapas, 3rd-year Social Work student from CSU Main Campus.

“Sa DSWD Caraga, thankful kaayo mi kay gitagaan mi ani nga opportunity nga makatabang sa amoa as social work students kay daghan kaayo mi ug na-learn especially sa pagpaminaw, pag-atubang sa mga cases nga arang ka bug-at, nga mag-andam sa amoa sa future,” Izzy Orcine 3rd-year Social Work student from CSU Main Campus.

 

As DSWD Caraga continues to navigate the complex landscape of social welfare and development, its commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and partnership remains unwavering. By prioritizing the holistic well-being of SBSI returnees and survivor victims, DSWD Caraga exemplifies the transformative potential of collaborative, community-centered approaches to social change.

 

DSWD Caraga endeavors to build a more resilient and inclusive society where all individuals can thrive and contribute meaningfully to their communities through sustained efforts and collective action.