Unified for Progress: JSWAP National Leaders’ Assembly Conducted Concurrently with the 51st NASWEI Convention

The Junior Social Workers Association of the Philippines (JSWAP) National organized a significant leadership-building event crafted specifically for student leaders from colleges of social work across the country. Held at the Uswag Nutrition Center in Iloilo City, the activity brought together over 100 passionate social work students who shared a collective commitment to advocacy, leadership, and social transformation. Representing CCDC were Ms. Hannah Gweneth M. Busay and Ms. Camile A. Ventura, who proudly joined delegates from various regions of the Philippines.

This JSWAP event was conducted synchronously with the 51st NASWEI Biennial Convention, where the CCDC Social Work faculty were simultaneously attending the convention and professional development engagements. The parallel conduct of these events allowed both faculty and students to participate in national-level activities that strengthened their competencies and broadened their perspectives on leadership and social work education.

One of the major undertakings of the JSWAP assembly was the drafting of the JSWAP National Constitution and By-Laws. This collaborative effort aimed to provide a unified framework that would guide the organization’s leadership, advocacy initiatives, and collective direction. By contributing their voices and insights, participants developed a deeper sense of ownership and responsibility toward strengthening the national student social work community.

The program opened with inspiring remarks from Councilor Hon. Alan Zaldivar, RSW, who encouraged the participants to embrace their identities as future changemakers in the helping profession. His message emphasized the importance of grounded leadership, compassion, and service-oriented action.

A highlight of the event was the lecture delivered by Mr. Aaron Kim Gil, titled “Future Leaders of the Helping Profession: Skills for the Next Generation.” He emphasized that while passion and compassion are essential, emerging social workers must also equip themselves with critical thinking skills, professional competence, ethical grounding, and strategic approaches to community engagement. His talk motivated students to pursue continuous personal and professional growth.

A solidarity and networking activity followed, encouraging students from different institutions to interact, share experiences, and learn from one another. This created a meaningful space for connection, reflection, and shared learning—strengthening camaraderie among future practitioners.

Due to varying travel schedules, the event concluded with the distribution of tokens and certificates to the participants, acknowledging their involvement and contributions to the national assembly.

The CCDC student delegates expressed their deep gratitude for being chosen to represent their institution and for having the opportunity to engage with fellow student leaders from across the country. Although some expectations were not fully met, they highlighted that the experience allowed them to reflect, connect, and learn from student leaders representing different social work programs nationwide. They valued the insights gained, the friendships formed, and the renewed commitment to the social work profession.

Overall, the JSWAP National Leaders’ Assembly enriched the participants’ understanding of leadership, strengthened their professional identity, and reinforced their dedication to becoming compassionate, competent, and community-centered social workers.

By:

Hannah Gweneth M. Busay (SW 3^rd year Students)

Camile A. Ventura (SW 3^rd year Students)

Kimberlyn M. Valdez

 

 

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