Social workers, community leaders, and international delegates gathered at the Mega Market Event Center in Midsayap, North Cotabato, Philippines on 20 March 2026 to celebrate World Social Work Day under the global theme “Co-building Hope and Harmony: A Harambee Call to Unite a Divided Society.”
Organised by the Philippine Association of Social Workers, Inc. (PASWI) in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Midsayap, the celebration brought together voices from across sectors to reflect on the role of social work in fostering inclusion, peacebuilding, and community resilience.
Provincial leadership sets the tone
The event opened with a keynote address by Governor Emmylou “Lala” Talino-Mendoza of the Province of Cotabato. In her remarks, she highlighted the crucial role of social workers in supporting and protecting vulnerable populations, particularly women and children. She underscored that social workers are often at the frontline of safeguarding dignity and wellbeing, ensuring that those most at risk are not left behind.
Governor Talino-Mendoza emphasised that sustainable development and peace require strong, community-based social services and committed professionals who understand the realities people face in their daily lives.
Emmylou “Lala” Talino-Mendoza, Governor of the Province of Cotabato (second from right) greeting delegates of PASWI
Hosting the celebration, Mayor Rolando C. Sacdalan of Midsayap reinforced this message by acknowledging the indispensable contribution of social workers to effective leadership. “Behind every strong Mayor, there is a stronger social worker,” he stated, adding that governance must always be grounded in the lived experiences of people. He further emphasised that the true measure of any intervention lies in its tangible impact on the lives of individuals, families, and communities.
Rolando C. Sacdalan, Mayor of Midsayap
PASWI highlights professional solidarity and national commitment
John Karlo D. Ballentes, PASWI National Vice President and organiser of the event, emphasised the importance of collective action within the profession.
“World Social Work Day is not only a celebration, it is a reminder that we must continue to stand together as a profession, strengthening our solidarity and our shared responsibility to respond to the complex realities our communities face,” he said. “Hosting this event in Midsayap reflects the everyday work of social workers who operate at the intersection of diversity, development, and peacebuilding.”
John Karlo D. Ballentes, PASWI National Vice President
Eva Ponce de Leon, PASWI Executive Director, further underlined the organisation’s commitment to advancing the profession across the Philippines.
“We remain deeply committed to supporting social workers across the country through professional development, strong partnerships with local governments, and by ensuring that social work is recognised as a vital pillar of nation-building,” she noted. “Our work is essential in strengthening social cohesion and ensuring that no one is left behind.”
Eva Ponce de Leon, PASWI Executive Director, greeting participants of the Eid-al-Fitr celebration (see below)
A global perspective rooted in local realities
Delivering a message on behalf of the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW), Interim Secretary-General Pascal Rudin reflected on the broader global significance of the work taking place in Mindanao. He described the region as one of “extraordinary richness” shaped by cultural diversity, deep histories, and strong community traditions, while also acknowledging the realities of conflict, displacement, and ongoing transitions.
He highlighted that what stands out in Midsayap is not only the complexity of the context, but the resilience of communities and the quiet, persistent work of local leaders and social workers in building conditions for peaceful and sustainable coexistence.
Rudin emphasised that social workers play a central role in bridging divides, acting as facilitators of dialogue, advocates for justice, and partners in strengthening trust. He connected these local experiences to global challenges, noting that many societies today face increasing division and polarisation.
“In this global context, what is happening here carries meaning far beyond this region,” he noted. “It shows that division does not have to be permanent, and that peace must be built in relationships, in communities, and in everyday life.”
He concluded by recognising the courage and commitment of social workers, describing them as professionals who represent a belief in human dignity, the possibility of change, and the willingness to engage in complex and often challenging environments.
Pascal Rudin, IFSW Interim Secretary-General
A living example of hope and harmony
Following the official celebration, the international and national guests were invited to attend a Quran reading event organised by the municipality on Saturday. This initiative offered a powerful, lived expression of the World Social Work Day theme.
By bringing members of the Muslim minority community into the visible centre of public life, and by welcoming people of other faiths into that space, the event created a shared space of mutual respect, recognition, and dialogue. It stood as a concrete example of how hope and harmony can be co-built through inclusive, community-driven practices.
Participants of the Eid-al-Fitr celebration
Competitor of the Eid-al-Fitr Quran reading competition
A message beyond Midsayap
The World Social Work Day celebration in Midsayap demonstrated how local leadership, professional commitment, and community engagement can come together to address complex social realities. It reaffirmed the vital role of social work not only in responding to immediate needs, but also in shaping the social foundations of peaceful and inclusive societies.
As the global community of social workers continues to navigate a rapidly changing and often divided world, the experiences shared in Midsayap offer both inspiration and practical insight into what is possible when people commit to working together.
Happy World Social Work Day 2026!