Honoring Social Work Excellence: The Grand Celebration of Social Work Month 2025 at SLSU Maasin City Campus
March is a month dedicated to honoring the invaluable contributions of social workers. At SLSU Maasin City Campus, the Social Work Department strives to make this celebration a meaningful event. The opening ceremony on March 4, 2025, marked the official start of Social Work Month 2025. Students, faculty, staff, and key campus officials gathered to kick off the month-long festivities, filled with excitement and anticipation. The event began with motivational messages that inspired the audience, followed by a lively unity dance. The highlight of the ceremony was the declaration of the opening of Social Work Month by the department head, Elmee Joy D. Oraiz, setting the tone for an action-packed month ahead. The crowd erupted in applause as the candidates vying for the Mr. and Ms. Social Work 2025 titles showcased their grace, intellect, and beauty, drawing excitement from the audience.
In addition to the vibrant opening, the Social Work Department—along with the JSWAP SLSU MCC and second-year social work students—hosted an insightful Gender and Development Seminar titled "Reshaping Narratives: Gender and Development in the 21st Century" on the same day. The seminar, led by resource speaker Ms. Chrisly Orit De Asis, provided a comprehensive overview of gender issues and their impact on society. Students engaged in interactive discussions, gaining a deeper understanding of gender equity, gender-based violence, and the essential role social workers play in fostering inclusive and equitable communities. The seminar sparked fresh perspectives on how social work professionals can drive positive change in society by addressing gender inequality and promoting human rights.
One of the most heartwarming moments of Social Work Month was the outreach activity on March 22, 2025. JSWAP SLSU MCC officers, student volunteers, faculty, and staff traveled to Dolho, Bato, Leyte, to conduct "Hugs of Hope," a community outreach event for Sama-Badjao children. This initiative was a touching reminder of the social work profession's commitment to serving marginalized communities. The event included fun games, prizes, and a shared meal that brought joy to the children, while community leaders expressed their gratitude for the support and kindness extended to them. This outreach not only brought smiles to the children's faces but also reinforced the Social Work Department's mission to build stronger, more inclusive communities.
On March 26, 2025, the campus was filled with a competitive spirit as academic events such as a quiz bee, poster-making, essay writing, and extemporaneous speaking contests took center stage. Each year level showcased their intellectual prowess and creativity, vying for the prestigious accolades in each contest. The culmination of Social Work Month was marked by a grand ceremony on March 27, 2025, which recognized academic achievers and competition winners. The event featured moving speeches from esteemed guests, including Dr. Jude A. Duarte, the University President, and Erlend Johannesen, founder of Streetlight Philippines Inc. Both emphasized the importance of social workers in shaping society. The festivities concluded with a unity dance performance and a heartfelt closing from Dr. Magdaleno Samaco Jr., Faculty Dean. The month’s activities highlighted not only the academic excellence of social work students but also their commitment to service, community, and creating a better world for all.
As Social Work Month 2025 at SLSU Maasin City Campus captivated the hearts of students and faculty, the highly anticipated Mr. and Ms. Social Work 2025 pageant finally took center stage. The evening was filled with excitement and anticipation as candidates from all year levels showcased their grace, passion, intellect, beauty, and poise in each segment of the competition. Despite the heavy rain, the contestants delivered breathtaking performances that wowed the audience. From the dazzling production number to the preliminary question-and-answer round, professional attire showcase, and the final Q&A, each participant demonstrated not only elegance but also the intellect and wit essential for earning the title.
The event became an unforgettable highlight of the month, as the candidates poured their hearts into each segment, showcasing their deep commitment to the social work profession. The crowd cheered for every contestant as they exhibited not just beauty, but also critical thinking and compassion that define the future of social work. Ultimately, the crowns were awarded to Gabriel Wong, a third-year BSSW student, as Mr. Social Work 2025, and Cindy Ella Layola, a fourth-year BSSW student, as Ms. Social Work 2025. The emotional moment was made even more special by the announcement of the overall winner by Social Work Department Head Elmee Joy D. Oraiz, with the third-year BSSW students emerging victorious in the competition.
The success of the pageant, like all the activities throughout the month, emphasized the core values of the social work profession—dedication, service, and a profound commitment to making a positive impact.
