Legarda pays tribute to Filipino social workers, calls for regularization and dignified working conditions

Senator Loren Legarda honors the extraordinary men and women who serve as the very lifeline of the nation’s humanitarian and welfare response, calling for stronger institutional support—including regularization—for the country’s thousands of social workers.

“Social workers are not just indispensable; they are irreplaceable. In times of need, they are the first to respond and the last to leave. Their service is not quiet—it is courageous, visible, and deeply transformative,” Legarda declared.

Citing her decades of collaboration with social workers in communities across the country—from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to provincial and municipal social welfare offices—the four-term senator emphasized how their work sustains the delivery of medical aid, educational support, burial and food assistance, psychosocial services, and emergency financial help.

Legarda also shared how her own office employs a licensed social worker, whose presence has significantly strengthened their outreach and social protection programs.

“Having a social worker on our team is one of the best decisions we’ve made. Her empathy, technical expertise, and deep understanding of human vulnerability have elevated the way we serve our people,” she said.

Amid her tribute, Legarda also issued a call to action:

“It is time to regularize our social workers, especially those in the DSWD, rightfully called as ‘Angels in Red Vests,’ as well as those in our local governments who are still serving as job order or contract-of-service personnel. How can we expect sustained care from those who themselves lack job security? This is not just a labor issue—it is a moral one.”

The senator underscored the urgency of investing in the welfare of social workers, who are often deployed in the harshest conditions and most emotionally demanding environments.

“As we honor their work, let us match our praises with policy. Social workers should not just be applauded—they should be protected, supported, and empowered,” Legarda concluded. (30)

Legarda, kinilala ang social workers ng bansa; nanawagan para sa regularisasyon at marangal na kondisyon sa trabaho

Pinarangalan ni Senadora Loren Legarda ang mga natatanging kalalakihan at kababaihang nagsisilbing lifeline ng pagtugon at serbisyong panlipunan ng bansa, kasabay ng panawagan para sa mas matibay na suporta sa regularisasyon para sa libu-libong social worker sa Pilipinas.

“Ang mga social worker ay hindi lamang mahalaga; sila ay walang kapalit. Sa oras ng pangangailangan, sila ang unang tumutugon. Hindi tahimik ang kanilang serbisyo, kundi matapang, visible, at tunay na nakapagpapabago ng buhay,” pahayag ni Legarda.

Binigyang-diin ng four-term senator ang mahalagang papel ng mga ito sa paghahatid ng medikal na tulong, suporta sa edukasyon, ayuda sa libing at food assistance, serbisyong psychosocial, at agarang tulong pinansyal.

Ibinahagi rin ni Legarda na may social worker na bahagi ng kanyang opisina, at malaki umano ang naging ambag nito sa pagpapalakas ng kanilang outreach at social protection programs.

“Isa sa pinakamagandang desisyon ang pagkuha namin ng isang lisensyadong social worker sa aming team. Dahil sa kanyang malasakit, kaalaman, at lalim ng pag-unawa sa pangangailangan ng mga tao, mas umangat ang kalidad ng aming paglilingkod,” aniya.

Kasabay ng pagkilalang ito, nanawagan din si Legarda ng agarang aksyon:

“Panahon na upang i-regularize ang ating mga social worker, lalo na ang mga nasa DSWD na tinaguriang ‘Angels in Red Vests,’ gayundin ang mga nasa lokal na pamahalaan na hanggang ngayon ay naka-job order o contract of service pa rin. Paano natin maaasahan ang tuluy-tuloy na pagkalinga mula sa mga walang kasiguruhan sa trabaho? Hindi lamang ito isyu sa paggawa kundi isa rin itong moral na usapin.”

Binigyang-diin ng senadora ang kahalagahan ng pamumuhunan para sa kapakanan ng mga social worker, lalo’t madalas silang naitatalaga sa mga mapanganib at mabibigat na sitwasyon.

“Sa ating pagkilala sa kanilang trabaho, samahan natin ito ng konkretong polisiya. Ang mga social worker ay hindi lang dapat palakpakan; dapat silang protektahan, suportahan, at bigyang kapangyarihan,” pagtatapos ni Legarda. (30)