Following the Global Learning Experience of the Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) of the Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC) in Prince of Songkla University (PSU) in Thailand last February, the two partner institutions, through their Social Work Program, successfully conducted the first-ever collaborative webinar on May 6, 2024, via Zoom.

The webinar entitled “PAKIGLAMBIT: Understanding Social Work and Social Welfare in Thailand: Insights for International Social Work Practitioners” featured the best practices in Thailand, adding the history and origin of its social welfare program and services, fields of social work, and education.

Resource speaker Dr. Ratchaphon Amsuk, DPA, a social worker and lecturer at PSU-Surat Thani Campus, emphasized that collaborations improve the quality of life in the community and enhance every individual’s capability, rights, and dignity.

“It was an amazing experience to discuss Thai social work and social welfare. In the future, I aspire to gain insights from the perspective of Philippine social work, namely in the areas of policy, implementation, and related subjects,” Dr. Amsuk shared.

The participants, especially HCDC-BSSW students, were able to deepen their understanding of the field from an international perspective. 

HCDC-BSSW Student Benedict Cornella expressed his gratitude following his participation in the webinar, where he emphasized the potential for such discussions to catalyze positive change within local and global communities. Cornella’s reflections underscored the transformative potential of inclusive and respectful social work practices.

Meanwhile, HCDC’s College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Communication Dean Dr. Alona Galache said the webinar is just the first of many for HCDC-BSSW.

As the institution intensifies its internationalization efforts, PAKIGLAMBIGIT aims to contribute meaningfully to social welfare and inclusive development through sustained collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches, while embodying the spirit of global solidarity and collective action.

A total of 245 attendees composed of students and social workers from HCDC, Thailand, Vietnam, Miriam College, Jose Maria College Foundation Inc., Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), and Missionary Sisters of the Love of Christ (SMAC) actively participated in the webinar.