More than 2,000 Social Workers gathered in the Chavit Coliseum, Vigan City, The Philippines
The historic city of Vigan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, came alive as more than 2,000 social workers from across the Philippines and around the world gathered for the Philippine Association of Social Workers, Inc. (PASWI) International Conference cum National Convention 2025, 21-24 October. Under the inspiring theme “Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity for Ensuring the Wellbeing of Families Across Diverse Cultures”, the event served as a vibrant platform for dialogue, learning, and solidarity among practitioners, academics, and advocates of social development.
The international conference brought together distinguished speakers from Germany, India, Japan, Korea, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, each sharing valuable perspectives on how social work can strengthen families and communities across diverse contexts. Offering a global perspective, Pascal Rudin, IFSW Interim Secretary-General, reflected on how global commitments can translate into tangible support for families, and how intergenerational solidarity connects people, relationships, systems, and rights.
Participants were also warmly addressed by Machiko Kimura, IFSW Asia-Pacific Regional President, who shared an inspiring online message emphasising the importance of unity, mutual learning, and regional collaboration. Her message highlighted the shared values that guide social work across cultures and reaffirmed IFSW’s commitment to strengthening family and community wellbeing throughout the region.
Governor Jerry Singson, surrounded by PASWI board members and the IFSW Global delegation
The national convention featured high-level presentations from across the Philippines, exploring themes such as Intergenerational Links and Emerging Realities in Filipino Families, Safeguarding Family Rights, Working with Families in Indigenous Communities, Cultural Diversity Across Regions and Communities, Sustaining Family Solidarity and Facilitating Family Reunification. Discussions also highlighted the critical roles of government institutions, NGOs, faith-based organisations, and academia in family development and strengthening.
One of the convention’s milestones was the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to facilitate international exchange and collaboration in research, education, and practice. The event concluded with the election of a new PASWI Board of Directors and the organisation’s annual Business Meeting.
PASWI President Ma. Victoria P. Sta. Ana, PASWI Executive Director Eva Ponce de Leon and Governor Jerry Singson; In the back, Dir. Cleo Angelo DF. Guevarra, Commissioner Rosauro R. Luntayao, Dir. John Karlo D. Ballentes and Dir. Jefran P. Olingay
Reflecting on the success of the event, PASWI Director Eva Ponce de Leon noted: “This conference has been a testament to the strength and unity of our profession. It shows how social work continues to evolve to meet the needs of Filipino families while drawing inspiration and solidarity from the global community.”
PASWI President Ma. Victoria P. Sta. Ana added: “Our discussions reaffirmed that family wellbeing is at the heart of national development. Strengthening intergenerational ties and cultural understanding ensures that our work remains deeply connected to people’s lived realities”. In her presentation, she highlighted that social work, at its best, needs to be political in a positive way, advocating for justice, equality, and human dignity.
IFSW Global Delegation: Sriganesh MV, Treasurer and Pascal Rudin, Interim Secretary-General
IFSW Treasurer Sriganesh MV, who shared insights on the Indian experience, emphasised: “The Philippines offers a powerful example of community-rooted social work practice. The values of care, family, and resilience we’ve witnessed here resonate deeply with the global movement for social justice, solidarity and building inclusive societies.”
IFSW Interim Secretary-General Pascal Rudin reflected on the gathering’s impact: “It was energising to see so many passionate social workers engaging with heart, curiosity, and hope. What we have witnessed in Vigan matters not only for the Philippines but for the entire Asia-Pacific region and our global profession. It reminds us that families are the roots that hold our societies together through every storm.”
As participants departed the cobblestone streets of Vigan, one message resonated clearly: social work’s commitment to strengthening families is both local and global, rooted in shared humanity, nourished by solidarity, and sustained by collective hope.