In celebration of Social Welfare Week, the Association of DSWD Social Workers Inc. (ADSWI) Caraga held the Caraga Regional Social Work Conference and Knowledge Sharing Session on Innovations and Trends in Social Work Practice on November 24, 2025, at the LMX Convention Center, Butuan City.
The one-day activity gathered around 250 social workers of DSWD Caraga from across the region to discuss emerging approaches and strengthen competencies in social welfare service delivery.
DSWD Field Office Caraga Regional Director Mari-Flor Dollaga, RSW, delivered a message underscoring the importance of the profession. She emphasized that the celebration “is a powerful declaration that recognizes the social work profession as an indispensable pillar for achieving full human development and national progress,” adding, “Kung sa Tagalog pa po, ang social work bilang isang kailangang-kailangan na haligi para sa pagkamit ng ganap na kaunlaran ng tao at pambansang pag-unlad.”
The conference also featured key technical sessions. Bernape C. Bantayan, RSW, discussed Trauma-Informed Care; Thesa Joy B. Musa, RSW, presented updates on Alternative Parental Care; and Michael John B. Andohuyan, RSW, led a session on managing Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL).
An extemporaneous speaking contest participated in by representatives from Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Province was also conducted. Coreen Austria, RSW of Surigao del Sur emerged as champion, followed by Sigfrid Garwil Bugas, RSW of Agusan del Sur in second place and Joycelen Estebat, RSW of Agusan del Norte in third. Winners received cash prizes and certificates.
The event reinforced the commitment of DSWD Caraga social workers to deliver compassionate, competent, and innovative social welfare services across the region.
