𝑱𝑯𝑪𝑺𝑪 𝑩𝑺𝑺𝑾 𝑱𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒔 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓-𝑺𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒍 𝑺𝒐𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒌 𝑴𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒉 𝑪𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒕 𝑩𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒂𝒔𝒂𝒏 𝑪𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒕

J.H. Cerilles State College (JHCSC) Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) facilitated by JHCSC BSSW Program Chair, Khenny B. Colocar, RSW, MSW participated in a Social Work Month celebration at the Balangasan Covered Court on March 26, 2025. The event, organized in partnership with the Inter-School Junior Social Work Association of the Philippines (JSWAP) and the National Association of Social Workers Inc. (NASWEI) Zamboanga Peninsula-Ozamis-Maranding (ZPOM) Chapter, was hosted by Western Mindanao State University (WMSU). Themed “Ennobling Solidarity and Transforming Social Work Students through Linkages and Social Synergy in Community,” the event, named Social Work B.E.S.T Day, highlighted the values of Bolder, Excellence, Service, and Transform. The celebration was facilitated by WMSU JSWAP Adviser Mr. Mark Kevin C. Nugas, under the leadership of WMSU Social Work Program Coordinator, Darlene Daryl S. Nayo, RSW, MSW, RES, with the support of WMSU Pagadian Campus Administrator, Dr. Mary Jocelyn V. Battung.

Six schools participated in the event, including Eastern Mindanao College of Technology (EMCOTECH), JHCSC, Our Lady of Triumph (OLT), Southern Mindanao Colleges (SMC), Western Mindanao State University-ESU Pagadian Campus (WMSU), and Yllaña Bay View College (YBVC). Each institution was accompanied by their JSWAP advisers, with JHCSC represented by Ms. Perlaida Puno, RSW, MTSW, who delivered words of encouragement to the students. The event also partnered with key organizations like the Philippine Association of Social Workers Inc. (PASWI) and TARA Kabataan Organization, Inc., alongside NASWEI.

A variety of activities were held throughout the day, including Zumba, a fun run, and a lecture on the roles of social workers in policy advocacy and community development by Ms. Kathleen Geron, Provincial Link for Zamboanga del Sur. The event also featured a Creative Advocacy Session (Poster Making), a Skill-building Challenge (Quiz Bee), in which JHCSC secured third place, and the Journey of Empowerment (Amazing Race). Other highlights included pageantry and the election of new JSWAP officers, with JHCSC’s JSWAP President being elected as the new JSWAP President for Pagadian City.

Dr. Battung, in her speech, emphasized the importance of amplifying action towards learning, urging students to further engage in community development efforts. She spoke about the vital role social workers play in advocating for social justice and supporting the well-being of vulnerable communities. Her speech underscored the importance of social work education in shaping responsible, compassionate professionals.

The event concluded with a sense of unity and accomplishment among the participants. Looking ahead, the next Social Work Month event will be hosted by Our Lady of Triumph (OLT), continuing the tradition of fostering solidarity and collaboration within the social work community.