Social workers in Asia-Pacific meet in Cebu City

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City officials are expecting for a more united relationship among social workers in the Asia-Pacific Region at the end of the 27th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference 2023 today at Waterfront Hotel Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

The event saw social workers from close to 20 countries including Turkey, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Vietnam, India, Nepal, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, China, Malaysia, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines.

This year’s conference carries the theme, “The Sustainable Development Goals Halfway Point: Social Work’s Contribution to Social Development.”

During the welcome dinner hosted by the city government at the Cebu City Hall, Councilor Francis Esparis, chairman of the committee on social services, said the theme is very timely and a testament to the pivotal role that social workers play for the development of the community.

Esparis also said the country’s hosting also shows the shared dedication to the rest of ASPAC for its aspirations for development.

Along with this, Esparis told participants the need to adapt their approaches to fit the unique needs of their respective communities.

More to it, Esparis said the region’s strength lies in its unity amid diversity.

“Let us remember that no one is too small to make a difference. Our collective efforts can be profound. Every child educated, every vulnerable empowered, every community connected and every voice heard to bring closer to their goals,” Esparis said.

Esparis also shared three key principles to guide their path to development—collaboration , innovation and inclusivity.

“The 27th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference 2023 is a platform to learn from one another, share best practices and a renewed commitment to making a difference,” ended Esparis.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama welcomed the delegates through the internet as he is currently in Australia with much enthusiasm.

The mayor called the social workers “present day heroes” especially with the last health challenge, the COVID-19.

“At the health challenge, social workers, you are never far away, you are at the forefront. And in the global arena, you are the present heroes. Big hands to all of you,” Rama said.

“I wish that (the) most important thing, not to lose sight that we don’t live forever. What is important is making service alive. And in making service alive, we respond to the needs of the unimaginable poor in every country,” Rama added.

Along with this, the mayor also wished that “collaboration, cooperation, coordination is what is going to be arrived at” at the end of the said conference.

After the conference, the Philippine Association of Social Workers, Incorporated (PASWI) will also be celebrating their 75th Platinum Jubilee with a national convention also at Waterfront Hotel from November 8 to 10, 2023. — (FREEMAN)