CCDC College of Social Work Holds Orientation for Agency Partners and Endorsement of Interns

Capacity development of partner agency supervisors is a crucial component of the Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) program in the Philippines. In line with this, Session 5 of the Internship/Preparatory Program was conducted on August 14, 2025, focusing on strengthening the collaboration between the academic institution and its partner agencies. The morning session highlighted the orientation of agency partners, ensuring that supervisors are well-equipped with the necessary knowledge, roles, and expectations in mentoring student interns.

A total of 20 representatives from various government and non-government agencies actively participated in the activity. These included delegates from DSWD CAR-RRCY, MSWDO Sablan, MSWDO Atok, JPCOM CARES, STAC 5, DSWD CAR-RSCC, MSWDO Tuba, MSWDO La Trinidad, MSWDO Kabayan, MSWDO Bokod, RACCO-CAR, MAFI, MSWDO Kapangan, MSWDO Itogon, ABONG and CFSPI. Their presence underscored the collective commitment to provide quality field instruction, ensuring that social work interns are fully guided in their professional preparation.

Atty. Abigail T. Bersamin, Vice President for Academics, warmly welcomed the participants during the opening program. In her message, she expressed heartfelt gratitude to the partner agencies for their presence and active participation in the event. She shared her appreciation for the opportunity to personally meet the representatives, acknowledging their continued support for the institution’s academic and field instruction initiatives.

She emphasized that the formation of social work interns is not the sole responsibility of the school, but a shared commitment between the academic institution and its partner agencies. “We help mold the students together,” she affirmed, highlighting that meaningful collaboration between the academe and field practitioners is essential in preparing students for the realities of professional practice. This synergy ensures that interns receive holistic training—grounded in theory, enriched by experience, and guided by ethical standards.

 Ms. Melody Calpase-Ducat, Dean of the College of Social Work, gave an overview of CCDC’s history, legal foundations, and preparatory programs for fourth-year interns. She emphasized that the BSSW program is anchored in Republic Act 4373 and CHED Memorandum Order No. 39 (s. 2017), ensuring compliance with national standards while reflecting the Cordillera’s cultural context. She also highlighted CCDC’s initiatives—such as orientations, capability-building, and values formation—designed to prepare students for internship. Her presentation reaffirmed the college’s commitment to producing culturally grounded, ethically competent, and socially responsive professionals.

Ms. Aelline G. Carame, faculty member of the CSW, discussed two key laws—Republic Act 7877 (Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995) and Republic Act 11313 (Safe Spaces Act). She emphasized the supervisors’ role in ensuring safe, respectful, and inclusive environments for interns, highlighting their responsibility not only in professional guidance but also in safeguarding student well-being. The session clarified the scope of these laws, interns’ rights and responsibilities, and protocols for reporting and intervention. It underscored that legal awareness and ethical vigilance are vital in effective field supervision and in protecting human dignity.

By sharing these effective supervision practices, agency partners collectively enhance the quality of internship programs—benefiting both students and supervisors, and contributing to the overall success of the initiative.

Different agency partners shared valuable supervision practices, including advice, tips, and personal stories that contribute to successful internship experiences. One highlighted strategy was the “Buddy-Buddy System,” which involves pairing students from different schools to promote safety, teamwork, and collaboration among interns. This approach fosters mutual support and learning throughout their internship journey.

Supervisors also emphasized the importance of establishing group chats with interns, enabling more efficient communication and timely consultations. Furthermore, they collaborate with fellow supervisors to monitor students even when they are not physically present, ensuring continuous guidance and oversight.

In the afternoon session, the 44 fourth-year social work interns joined partner agencies for a joint discussion on academic standards and field instruction protocols. Dean Melody Calpase-Ducat presented the key provisions of CHED Memorandum Order No. 39 (s. 2017), which governs the BSSW program. She highlighted requirements such as field hours, supervision, documentation, and ethical guidelines, stressing the shared responsibility of schools and agencies in ensuring a meaningful internship.

Dean Calpase-Ducat also outlined practical reminders for interns: use a separate SIM card for client communication, maintain proper attire, and prioritize self-care. Using a triangle metaphor, she illustrated that the intern, school, and agency form the three essential points of support, with family encouragement surrounding them as a vital foundation.

On Field Instruction (FI) standards, she emphasized prerequisites like medical and psychological clearances and parental consent, along with academic deliverables such as progress reports, exams every six weeks, handwritten daily process records, and case studies tailored to school and agency needs.

Clarifying roles, she stressed the importance of direct reporting to agency supervisors, accountability through DPRs, and clear absence protocols. Partner agencies also raised questions, including internship attendance during class suspensions, which she clarified would prioritize student safety.

Finally, she reminded interns of professional conduct: timely submission of requirements, adherence to dress codes, zero tolerance for misconduct, and proper communication channels. Performance will be assessed through standardized tools measuring competencies, ethics, and task completion.

Following the orientation and overview of roles, responsibilities, and field protocols, the formal endorsement of student interns to their respective agency placements was conducted. Interns were grouped according to their assigned geographic areas, ensuring alignment with the logistical and operational capacities of each partner agency.

The endorsement process was facilitated in coordination with agency representatives who were present during the activity, allowing for direct introductions and initial rapport-building between interns and supervisors. This step not only reinforced 

The activity concluded with a series of photo opportunities that captured the spirit of collaboration and shared commitment to social work education. Interns posed with their respective field supervisors, marking the beginning of their professional journey with symbolic partnerships rooted in guidance and mentorship.

A final group photo was also taken with the faculty members who were present during the activity, reflecting the institution’s collective support for the internship program. These moments served not only as documentation but as visual affirmations of the strong ties between the school, its students, and its partner agencies—each playing a vital role in shaping the next generation of social workers.

The College of Social Work sincerely acknowledges and extends its deepest gratitude to all agency supervisors and partner representatives who dedicated their time and effort to attend the whole-day activity. Your presence, active participation, and commitment to mentoring our students play a vital role in shaping the next generation of social workers. By sharing your expertise and supporting our interns, you help strengthen the bridge between academic learning and field practice.

Your unwavering partnership and guidance affirm the collective mission of advancing quality social work education and service. We thank you for walking with us in this journey and for continuing to be pillars of support for both the institution and our future social work professionals.

We also express our heartfelt thanks to the lower-year social work students, led by the Social Work Majors’ Circle (SWMC) Officers, for volunteering their time and support during the event. Your assistance in organizing and facilitating the program greatly contributed to its smooth flow and success.

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