Beyond Borders, Within Hearts:
A Filipino Social Worker’s Journey Across ASEAN
By Glady Quindoza-Bunao, RSW, MSW
Executive Director, Kaisahang Buhay Foundation, Inc. (KBF)
Written on June 24, 2025
It felt like coming full circle. On June 19, 2025, I stood once again among peers and pillars of our profession at the 7th Filipino Social Workers’ Day, this time not just as a practitioner, but as a leader completing a meaningful journey with the ASEAN Social Work Consortium in the Philippines (ASWC PH).
Held at the elegant Centennial Hall of The Manila Hotel, the day’s theme, “Tibay at Pagkakaisa ng Salinlahi Gamit ang Talino, Husay, at Kalinga” (Strength and Solidarity of Generations through Wisdom, Excellence, and Compassion), resonated deeply with me. It echoed not just what we do but who we are: multi-generational advocates of human dignity, anchored in wisdom, excellence, and compassion.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through the DSWD Academy and in collaboration with ASWC PH, hosted a celebration that honored the heart and soul of our profession. As DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian handed me a Plaque of Recognition for my service as Chairperson of ASWC PH from 2023 to 2025, I stood in gratitude not only for the recognition but for the countless relationships, breakthroughs, and lessons that came with the role.
My journey was never a solo endeavor. It was shaped and strengthened by the collective leadership and unwavering dedication of the ten professional social work organizations that make up the ASEAN Social Work Consortium – Philippines. From the frontline efforts of the Philippine Association of Social Workers, Inc. (PASWI) to the academic influence of the National Association for Social Work Education, Inc. (NASWEI), each organization brought a unique voice and expertise to the table. The Association of Local Social Welfare and Development Officers of the Philippines (ALSWDOPI) and the Philippine Association of Court Social Workers, Inc. (PACSWI) reminded us of the vital role of social workers in governance and justice, while the Association of Medical Social Workers of the Philippines (AMSWPI) and the DOH Social Workers League reinforced the importance of care and advocacy in health settings. The National Council for Social Development (NCSD) and the Area-Based Networks (ABNs) amplified community-driven responses, and the Association of DSWD Social Workers ensured the presence of strong public sector voices. And of course, I carry immense pride in representing the Association of Child Caring Agencies of the Philippines (ACCAP), where I currently serve as Vice President—as we continue championing the rights and welfare of children in alternative care. Together, these organizations formed a powerful network of compassion, competence, and collaboration that carried our shared vision for the profession forward. Together, we also advanced policies, hosted learning exchanges, and upheld the values of the profession both in the Philippines and throughout the ASEAN region.
As a long-time practitioner in Child Welfare and Child Protection, being part of ASEAN deepened my understanding of the shared vulnerabilities children face across different countries and the powerful role that social workers play in safeguarding their rights. It broadened my view of how systems, cultures, and legislation intersect in the protection of children, and reaffirmed a universal truth: that every child, regardless of nationality, deserves safety, dignity, and a nurturing environment.
One of my most fulfilling roles was contributing to the development of ASEAN level guidance documents on the role of social workers and social service workforce in justice system, health systems, disaster response, and the Social Work Exchange Program led by Thailand. I was happy to contribute to the crafting of the Hanoi Declaration and to take part in the implementation of the ASWC’s priority areas—an important step in advancing the social work agenda across ASEAN. These regional efforts reminded me that while our work may begin in our own communities, its impact ripples far beyond borders.
The friendships and alliances I built during my term are legacies I will always treasure. They reminded me that whether in the Philippines or in the ASEAN Region, social workers are united by a common language: compassion, justice, and service.
As I delivered the Solidarity Message and formally turned over the Chairpersonship of ASWC PH, I did so not with finality but with hope. Though my term concluded, my commitment to strengthening the social work profession across ASEAN remains unwavering. More importantly, my dedication to helping and contributing to the advocacy of social work practice and education continues, firmly rooted in my belief that empowered social workers lead to empowered communities. This is not the end of a chapter but the beginning of new opportunities to support, mentor, and collaborate with fellow professionals.
The 7th Filipino Social Workers’ Day was more than a celebration. It was a mirror, reflecting the depth of our shared calling, the weight of our responsibility, and the beauty of our enduring mission.
To DSWD SOMSWAD, ASWC-PH Secretariat, my fellow social workers and to the ten member organizations of ASWC PH: thank you for your trust, your partnership, and your shared passion for the profession we love.
Let us continue building bridges—across sectors, across generations, and across nations.
Mabuhay ang gawaing panlipunan. Mabuhay ang ASEAN Social Work!