SSU School of Social Work

Honoring a distinguished educator who exemplifies outstanding leadership, upholds integrity, and continuously drives transformative change in education—we proudly present our highly esteemed 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐄𝐗𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐈𝐍 𝐄𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍 | 𝐆𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐃 𝐒𝐔𝐋𝐎 𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐀𝐌𝐔𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐎.

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟. 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦𝐚 𝐒. 𝐔𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐦, 𝐂𝐄𝐒𝐄
SUC President
Sulu State University (Formerly Sulu State College)

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟. 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦𝐚 𝐒. 𝐔𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐦, CESE, is a visionary leader, educator, and nurse whose transformative leadership has reshaped higher education in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. Serving as SUC President of Sulu State College—now Sulu State University—since 2018, she has guided the institution through remarkable growth and national recognition. Her distinguished academic background includes a Doctor of Education from Sulu State College, a Master in Development Management from the Asian Institute of Management under the prestigious Zuellig Scholarship, and executive certificates from Harvard Business School and the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School. A registered nurse and Career Executive Service eligible, she has risen from clinical instructor to one of the most influential academic administrators in the region.

Under the leadership of 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟. 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦𝐚 𝐒. 𝐔𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐦, Sulu State College achieved historic milestones—including its conversion into a university, ISO 9001:2015 certification, 100% Certificate of Program Compliance, and recognition as the second-best performing state college in the Philippines. Her leadership has earned numerous international and national accolades, including the **Servant Leadership Award in New York (2024)**, **Most Inspiring Teacher of the Republic of the Philippines (2022)**, and the **Civil Service Commission Regional Outstanding Government Worker Award**. She has also published extensively on governance, nursing, and education, while serving as a member of the Editorial Board of RAMAS, the Royal Institution of Educators (Singapore), and the Philippine Nurses Association.

Beyond awards and institutional achievements, 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟. 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦𝐚 𝐒. 𝐔𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐦’s true legacy lies in her unwavering commitment to community empowerment—expanding scholarship opportunities, modernizing learning facilities, and leading disaster response initiatives during the pandemic. She stands as a beacon of transformational leadership in one of the nation’s most challenging regions.

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟. 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦𝐚 𝐒. 𝐔𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐦 does not merely manage institutions—she builds bridges between peace and progress. Her journey proves that authentic, compassionate, and resilient leadership can flourish where it is needed most, inspiring communities and shaping futures for generations to come.

📌 DATE OF FILING, STEPS, AND LIST OF REQUIREMENTS

📖 Social Workers Licensure Examination (SWLE)

For First Timers and Repeaters – September 9, 10 & 11, 2026

Hello future Registered Social Workers!
If you are planning to take the SWLE this September 2026 or in the upcoming examination schedules, here is a simple and professional guide to help you with the filing process.

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🖥️ PRC LERIS ACCOUNT

Before anything else, make sure that you already have a PRC LERIS account.
If you do not have one yet, create an account through the PRC online system.

Once your account is ready, you may now proceed with your online examination application.

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👩‍🎓 FOR FIRST-TIME APPLICANTS

✅ Steps

1. Log in to your PRC LERIS account.
2. Click Select Transaction.
3. Choose the Examination tab.
4. Under Name of Examination, select Social Worker.
5. Under Examination Type, choose First Timer.
6. Select your preferred Exam Date and Testing Center.

After completing your online application and payment, print your Application Form and bring it together with the required documents during your scheduled appointment at the PRC office.

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📂 Requirements for First Timers

📌 Basic Requirements

• PSA Birth Certificate
• PSA Marriage Certificate (for married female applicants)
• Transcript of Records (TOR) with:
– scanned picture
– S.O. number (if required)
– remarks: “For Board Examination Purposes”
• Original and photocopy of NBI Clearance
• Certificate of 1,000 Case Hours of Supervised Field Instruction

📌 Important Details for the 1,000 Case Hours

The certificate must be:

✔️ Properly signed by the Agency Field Supervisor or Faculty Supervisor
✔️ Certified by the Field Instruction Coordinator or Program Head
✔️ With updated PRC ID of signatories
✔️ Notarized
✔️ With Documentary Stamp attached

📌 Additional Requirement

• 1 Documentary Stamp for the Application Form

📌 Reminder

PRC may also require the following from your school if not yet submitted:

• List of Graduates
• Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC)

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🔁 FOR REPEATER APPLICANTS

✅ Steps

1. Log in to your PRC LERIS account.
2. Click Select Transaction.
3. Go to the Examination tab.
4. Select Social Worker under Name of Examination.
5. Under Examination Type, choose Repeater.
6. Select your preferred Exam Date and Testing Center.

You will then be asked to upload the additional requirements in PDF format.

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📂 Requirements for Repeaters

• Original and photocopy of NBI Clearance
• Updated Certificate of 1,000 Case Hours with:
✔️ Complete signatures
✔️ Notarization
✔️ Documentary Stamp

After completing your online application and payment, wait for your Status of Compliance to be marked as COMPLIED.

Once tagged as complied, you may now print your Notice of Admission (NOA).

After receiving your NOA, wait for the official release of the Room Assignments.

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💡 FINAL REMINDER

If you have questions or concerns, feel free to ask. You may also share this guide to help other future applicants of the Social Workers Licensure Examination (SWLE).

Good luck, future RSWs! 🫶🏾

The Sulu State University (SSU) – School of Social Work successfully conducted a benchmarking visit to the Department of Social Work of Caraga State University (CSU), Butuan City, from May 19–21, 2026.

The benchmarking activity aimed to strengthen academic collaboration and institutional linkages between the two universities. Specifically, it sought to:
💜 Examine and learn from the best practices of CSU’s Department of Social Work in the areas of instruction, curriculum implementation, field education, research, extension services, and community engagement;
💜 Gain insights into innovative teaching and learning strategies that contribute to the quality of social work education;
💜 Explore effective program management systems, accreditation initiatives, and quality assurance mechanisms that may be adapted and replicated by the SSU School of Social Work;
💜 Benchmark successful student development programs, internship supervision models, and community-based social work interventions; and
💜 Foster partnerships that promote professional growth, academic excellence, and continuous improvement in social work education.

The SSU delegation was warmly welcomed and formally received at the College of Arts and Sciences by Dr. Desiree F. Gonzales, RSW, MSSW, Outgoing Chairperson of the Department of Social Work, together with Ma’am Rhea Lynne Moderno-Estroso-Fuentes, RSW, MSSW, Incoming Chairperson of the Department. A fruitful focus group discussion was conducted, providing the SSU delegation with valuable opportunities to better understand CSU’s best practices, notable achievements, and institutional accomplishments. The discussions highlighted the department’s commitment to excellence in social work education, particularly in curriculum development, academic programming, and community engagement initiatives. The CSU team also shared their curriculum design framework, which was developed in accordance with Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Order No. 39, Series of 2017, serving as a useful reference for curriculum enhancement and program development efforts at SSU.

The delegation was headed by Asst. Prof. Dared Mailiza A. Alih, RSW, RN, LPT, MSSW, MAN, Dean of the School of Social Work, together with her dedicated faculty members: Asst. Prof. Maria Ronides N. Simbajon, RSW, MSSW, and Cist Jr. A. Saiyari, RSW, MSSW.

As part of the visit, the delegation also had the opportunity to tour the CSU campus and appreciate its academic facilities and learning environment. Among the highlights was a visit to the University Library, recognized as one of the largest and most advanced academic libraries in Mindanao. The team likewise paid a courtesy call on Dr. Rolyn C. Daguil, University President of Caraga State University, to discuss opportunities for stronger institutional partnerships, academic collaboration, and future engagements between the two universities.

The SSU School of Social Work extends its sincere gratitude to the administration of Caraga State University, particularly the Department of Social Work, for their warm hospitality, generous sharing of knowledge, and commitment to advancing social work education.

This successful benchmarking visit would not have been possible without the unwavering support and leadership of Prof. Charisma Samparani Ututalum, CESE, University President of Sulu State University, whose continued commitment to academic excellence and institutional development made this endeavor possible. Magsukul tuud Ma’am Wheng🫂💜🫶.

📢 IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

Assalamu alaikum to all SWAT examinees whose names were not found on the posted List of Examinees for May 9 & 10, 2026:

Please go to the College of Teacher Education, 2nd Floor, this afternoon before 1:00 pm.

Make sure to bring your Senior High ID or any valid ID and SWAT Test Permit.

📌No Permit and No Valid ID, No Exam.

📢 ANNOUNCEMENT

Assalamu alaikum to all SWAT examinees:

Please proceed to the 2nd Floor of the College of Teacher Education for your room assignments.

Please be guided accordingly.

ATTENTION!

👇🏽𝐀𝐃𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐄𝐗𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐄𝐒 for the Social Work Aptitude Test (SWAT) Schedule on May 10, 2026 | 1:00 P.M.

Please refer to the image below for the official list of additional examinees and their assigned testing room.

📌 Reminders:
• Bring your TEST PERMIT and valid ID.
• Be at the testing venue before the scheduled time.
• Bring No. 2 pencils and black ballpen only.
• Bring one (1) short transparent plastic envelope.

📍Venue: SSU – College of Teacher Education Building

✨ Good luck, examinees!

𝐄𝐗𝐈𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐅𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄

The Level 4 Social Work Interns of the Sulu State University School of Social Work assigned in Patikul successfully conducted their Exit Conference as part of the culmination of their community organizing field instruction.

With sincere appreciation and gratitude, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Sharwina D. Salihon, RSW under the Ministry of Social Services and Development – Patikul, Sulu, for the unwavering support, guidance, and meaningful learning opportunities provided throughout our internship journey.

Our deepest gratitude is also extended to our Agency/Field Supervisors, Absimar “Tonjie” Jaid and Hja. Jenra Abduraup, RN, MAN as well as to all the staff of MSSD and 4Ps-DSWD Sulu for their mentorship, encouragement, and dedication in shaping us into future social work professionals.

Indeed, this field instruction experience has strengthened our commitment to service, community empowerment, and social responsibility. 💙✨💜🦊

📢 ANNOUNCEMENT

🚨 ATTENTION ALL SWAT APPLICANTS!

The conduct of the Social Work Aptitude Test (SWAT) will be held on May 9–10, 2026 (Saturday & Sunday) at the SSU – College of Teacher Education Building.

Please refer to the attached/reference photo below for the OFFICIAL LIST of confirmed examinees, including your respective schedule, time slot, and assigned testing room. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10McqTzEOEDXvAgZi_1eq7irTtAkpkZKn?usp=drive_link

📌 Important Reminders for SWAT Examinees:

1. Bring your TEST PERMIT together with any valid ID presented during the screening process.
2. Report to your designated testing center and assigned room before 7:00 A.M.
3. Bring No. 2 pencils and black ballpoint pens only.
4. Bring one (1) short transparent (non-colored) plastic envelope for your personal belongings and test materials.

Please arrive on time and ensure that all required materials are complete.

✨ Good luck, examinees!

Although the main workplace for social workers today is the DSWD, a Registered Social Worker is also qualified to work in any government agency. Yes, that's right—we can work in any government offices across the Philippines, including Local Government Units (LGUs) and other public institutions where social workers are needed.