Naswei, Paswi Essay

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PADILLA, KHAZ- JP B.

BSSW 3-A
SW 147: SEMINAR ON CURRENT TRENDS

In the intricate tapestry of the Philippines' social work landscape, two organizations
emerge as cornerstones of professional excellence and advocacy—NASWEI (National
Association for Social Work Education, Inc.) and PASWI (Philippine Association of Social
Workers Inc.). These entities not only carry the weight of a rich history but also embody the
commitment to advancing the standards, education, and impact of social work in the country.
Let us embark on a journey to explore the profound significance, functions, historical
narratives, objectives, founders, present status, and the indelible contributions of NASWEI
and PASWI to Philippine society and the social work field.
PASWI, the Philippine Association of Social Workers Inc., is a national organization
for professional social workers in the country. It is registered with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC) and recognized as the sole Accredited Professional
Organization (APO) by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). PASWI is also a
member of the International Federation of Social Workers and a charter member of the
Philippine Social Science Council.
Founded on November 12, 1947 by a group of social work professionals and
educators in the Philippines led by Josefa Jara Martinez, PASW was initially incorporated on
April 18, 1948, and later re-incorporated on October 18, 1988, with a name change to
PASWI. An important event organized by PASWI is the biennial National Conference on
Social Work, which provides a platform for social workers to share knowledge and
experiences. Thus, PASWI envisions a humane and just Filipino society that respects the
dignity of every individual and promotes their economic, social, political, and spiritual rights
and responsibilities.
With its current President, Mr. Rosauro R. Luntayao. PASWI's objectives
encapsulate a holistic commitment to the elevation and fortification of the social work
profession in the Philippines. First, Promote and maintain a high standard of social work
education and coordinate and collaborate with duly authorized agencies for accreditation;
Second, standardize social work curricula designed to prepare qualified professional social
workers and paraprofessional social workers; Serve as a national forum on issues related to
the profession of social work and social work education; Facilitate inter-school sharing of
manpower and facilities, and encourage and promote research and the development of
indigenous teaching materials and other related resources.
Above all, PASWI actively advocated for the professionalization of social work
practice in the country and was instrumental in the passage of RA 4373 and to extend its
impact, PASWI seeks to expand its professional activities through the establishment of local
chapters and the development of strategic linkages with international organizations devoted
to human service, fostering a collaborative approach to address global challenges.
NASWEI, the National Association for Social Work Education, Inc., was formerly
known as the Schools of Social Work Association of the Philippines (SSWAP). It was
registered and incorporated with the Securities and Exchange Commission in December
1990 and assumed its new name, NASWEI. The organization is administered by an eleven-
person Board/Officers. Its latest President is Dr. Melba L. Manapol from 2016 to 2018.
NASWEI has a rich history, including the formulation of an Ad Hoc Committee in
1967, composed of representatives from various institutions and organizations involved in
social work education. This committee recommended the formal organization of NASWEI,
which took place six months later. NASWEI has been actively involved in national workshops
on social work education and has participated in international conferences and symposiums.
NASWEI's objectives converge on elevating social work education in the Philippines.
The organization endeavors to maintain high standards through collaboration for
accreditation and the standardization of curricula, catering to both professional and
paraprofessional social workers. Serving as a national forum, NASWEI engages in vital
discussions on issues within the social work profession and education, while actively
promoting collaboration by facilitating inter-school sharing of resources. Emphasizing the
importance of research and indigenous teaching materials, NASWEI contributes significantly
to the enrichment and advancement of social work education, aligning its objectives with the
evolving needs of Philippine society.
In relation to social work education, NASWEI played a significant role in the
formulation of the updated Social Work undergraduate curriculum, which was submitted to
the Department of Education. The organization has also participated in projects for the
integration of Population Education and Family Planning in social work curricula. Not only
that, along with the Philippine Association of Social Workers, Inc. (PASWI), it played a
central role in the passage of the "Act to Regulate the Practice of Social Work and the
Operation of Social Work Agencies in the Philippines" in 1965.
Currently, both NASWEI and PASWI continue to play active roles in the social work
field in the Philippines. NASWEI remains committed to promoting and maintaining high
standards in social work education. The organization continues to coordinate with authorized
agencies for accreditation, facilitate discussions on social work issues, and support research
and development in the field. PASWI, as the professional organization for social workers,
continues to advocate for the professionalization of social work practice and the welfare of its
members. It organizes conferences, seminars, and workshops to enhance the competence
of social workers and promote networking opportunities. Both NASWEI and PASWI are
recognized as key stakeholders in the social work profession and continue to contribute to
the growth and development of social work in the Philippines.

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