The Newly Registered Social Workers (L-R): Krystel Kaye Garcia-Santa Cruz, Ilocos Sur; Julius Jeremi Seguritan-Cabugao, Ilocos Sur; Mariden Serrano-Cabugao, Ilocos Sur; Ma. Dominica Rosiente-Vigan City, Ilocos Sur; and Meryll Eshna Oriente-Santol, La Union

Five grantees of the Expanded Students’ Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (ESGP-PA) from the University of Northern Philippines (UNP), Vigan City, Ilocos Sur are now Registered Social Workers after passing the July 2017 Board Examinations.

One of the priority courses of the ESGP-PA is Social Work. For school year 2016-2017, nine students graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Social Work from UNP.

The ESGP-PA aims to address poverty alleviation by increasing the number of graduates in higher education among poor households and let these graduates be employed in high-value added occupations to lift their families out of poverty at the same time contribute to national development. It prioritizes deserving Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries who excel academically as a support to pursue and finish education in preparation for a stable job in the future.

According to the passers, they prioritize to work at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and become instruments in delivering social services to improve the quality of life and well-being of individuals, groups, and communities.

They also added that Social Work is a challenging, yet rewarding career. They believe that with their chosen profession, they can fulfil their life’s mission which is to propel the vulnerable and disadvantaged sectors of the society to stand on their own two feet to improve their well-being. (by: Jaesem Ryan A. Gaces, Information Officer II/Pantawid Pamilya with reports from Arlem Kenneth R. Areola, ESGP-PA Focal)