The Institute of Governance and Development Studies (IGDS), successfully held its first International Social Work Day celebration on March 24–25, 2026, highlighting the theme “Co-building Hope and Harmony: A Harambee Call to Unite a Divided Society.” Led by Institute Dean Dr. Ernesto Bastida Jr., and BSSW Program Head Ms. Anacoreta Arciaga, and IGDS faculty members, the two-day event underscored the role of unity, collaboration, and service in addressing social issues and strengthening communities.
The two-day celebration featured a range of meaningful and engaging activities that highlighted the knowledge, skills, and core values of BSSW students. Held at the KLD Macavinta Hall, the event was spearheaded by Ms. Helen Manongyao in collaboration with the BSSW student leaders.
On the 1st day, the event focused on professional growth and academic engagement. The morning session featured a career pathing seminar with guest speakers, Mr. Alvin Gacusana and Ms. Melanie Dangase, both practicing social workers from Department of Social Welfare and Development- Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (DSWD 4Ps) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Policy Development Office. They shared valuable insights about real-life social work practice and career opportunities in the field. This was followed by a discussion on Gender and Development by Ms. Helen Manongyao, a social work faculty member, as the resource speaker, which emphasized gender sensitivity and equality in social work practice.
In the afternoon, students participated in Palarong Pinoy, promoting teamwork and cultural appreciation through traditional Filipino games. A Quiz Bee was also conducted focusing on the four major subjects in social work. All students actively participated, demonstrating their academic knowledge and critical thinking skills. This serves as the program’s commitment to engage them to learn and review through play. It was fun at the same time an eye-opening experience for the students that they really need to be serious in their study, read, and use their critical thinking especially in the subjects under the Human behavior and Social Environment.
The 2nd day was dedicated to community service through the activity “Bayanihan sa Tag-init” held at Barangay H2 under the leadership of Kapitan John Renan Mendoza. This outreach program benefited more than 50 children and mothers, who received donated items collected from KLD employees and students. It started with the collections of the pre-loved items coming from our KLD employees and students. Ms. Jasmine Lusong from BSSW 101, talked about the effect of heat index to the community people before the distribution of goods with a short game for the children. The activity reflected the true essence of social work, helping those in need through collective effort and compassion and it is indeed a bayanihan spirit can be felt and seen to everyone who shared their resources. Students developed the sense of volunteerism and enhanced their skills and strategies in mobilizing our own community resources.
In the afternoon, the celebration also included creative and social engagement activities such as poster and slogan making, allowing students to express their understanding of the theme artistically held at Rooms 1707-1708 (Social Work Laboratory) and a solo singing contest where talents of students from 3 sections in singing had been noticeably showcased. Additionally, the Mr. and Ms. Social Work Pageant highlighted not only beauty and confidence but also intelligence, advocacy, and commitment to social work values. The pageant gave an overall impact how the social work students became competitive and creative in looking for resources during the showcasing of gown competition which were made from recyclable materials. Mr. Mar-Ian Erispe from BSSW 102 and Ms. Melanie Lim from BSSW 103 were crowned as Mr. & Ms. Social Work.
The following are winners from the different competitions:
MR. & MS. SOCIAL WORK
BSSW 101: Raiver Pantaleon & Anne Margaret Roxas, (2ND RUNNER UP)
BSSW 102: Mar-Ian Erispe & Althea Kaye Capili (Best in Recycled Gown and Best in Talent)
BSSW 103: Mark Joseph Cardente & Melanie Lim
POSTER MAKING
Noraima Laca (1st Place)
Rosalyn Villegas (2nd Place)
Juvany Keirha C. Calupas (3rd Place)
SLOGAN
Izy Joy Doming (1st Place)
Noela Ann M Buella (2nd Place)
Edwin Felismino (3rd Place)
SINGING
Roenan Esteves from BSSW 102 (1st Place)
Ms. Rosalie Enriquez from BSSW 103 (2nd Place)
Carla Jael Nuevas, from BSSW 101 (3rd Place)
Pauline Halim from BSSW 101 won the Quiz Bee competition, earning five kilograms of rice as her prize
Special thanks are extended to the individuals whose dedication and efforts made the two-day celebration successful and meaningful: Mr. Florencio Sangabayen, who led the Social Work students and the IGDS; Mr. Ruel Yetyet, the Resource Mobilization Officer, who secured prizes and materials for the event through the support of local barangay officials; and Ms. Anacoreta Arciaga, Ms. Rizel Espinosa, and Ms. Helen Manongya, our BSSW Faculty members, who demonstrated strong collaboration by working hand in hand in sourcing resources from planning to execution.
Furthermore, our heartfelt thanks are also given to the judges namely, Ms. Judea Arthuree Aquino, Ms. Maria Beatriz M. Malicdem, Mr. Regienald Laceda, Mr. Jomer Caballero, Ms. Janine Reuta, and Mr. Mike Louis Trapani, for their time, patience, and fair evaluation of the different competitions.
The event would not have been possible without the unwavering support of Mayor Jenny Barzaga, College President Dr. Juanito Cabanias, Vice President for Academic Affairs Ms. Ma. Victoria Balbio, and Vice President for Research and Dean of the Institute of Governance and Development Studies, Dr. Ernesto Bastida, who provided guidance from preparation to implementation.
