Social Work Department-The Catalyst

The BSSW4 Interns successfully presented their Community Study outputs and organized sectoral groups before the panelists as part of the requirements for Field Instruction II – Community Organizing. The presentation showcased the interns’ journey in the communities, highlighting their engagement with local leaders and residents, as well as the initiatives and interventions developed together with the community.
This accomplishment does not simply mark the completion of the 500 hours of Field Instruction II, but rather reflects a meaningful compilation of experiences, stories, and unwavering dedication to the values and practice of professional social work.

The BSSW4 Interns deployed at Barangay Gil Sanchez successfully presented their Community Study output to the community, highlighting the series of community organizing phases they have undertaken during their fieldwork.
From courtesy call, followed by consultations, community meetings, and participatory planning with barangay officials and residents. Through these collaborative efforts, the community identified improper waste segregation as one of the pressing concerns that needed immediate action.
In response, the interns and the community collectively planned the establishment of a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) as an intervention to promote proper waste management and environmental responsibility.
In addition, the interns organized a Homemakers Association composed of unemployed women and facilitated a skills development activity by tapping the Negosyo Center – DTI, which conducted a training on Masi making, a local food delicacy. This initiative aims to equip the members with employable skills and opportunities for sustainable livelihood.

The BSSW4 Interns deployed at Barangay Osukan have successfully completed their Phase-Out Stage after conducting a series of community-based activities.

During the presentation, the interns shared the activities they carried out in the community—from the courtesy call, followed by consultations, meetings, and participatory planning with community members. Through these engagements, improper waste segregation and disposal was identified as one of the pressing concerns in the community.

In response, the community agreed on the establishment of a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) as the appropriate intervention to promote proper waste management. The MRF project was formally turned over to the community, who also expressed their commitment to sustain and maintain the initiative for the benefit of the residents.

The BSSW3 students successfully organized a group of Indigenous People in Bucana, Osukan—the Kalibugan community, composed of 10 members, as part of their community engagement activities.
Through a careful assessment of the clients’ living conditions, the students identified that four households had dilapidated houses, while one house was totally damaged due to a previous storm surge. In response, the students facilitated a referral of these five households to Guardians, a civil society organization that generously provided financial support.
Through this assistance, the households received nipa for roofing, cement, and toilet bowls, which will help them gradually rebuild and improve their homes.

The BSSW4 Interns deployed at Barangay Kipit have successfully completed their Phase-Out Stage. During the presentation, the interns highlighted the series of activities they conducted in the community—from the courtesy call, followed by consultations, meetings, and open forums with community members. Through these participatory engagements, the interns and the community identified key concerns, particularly the issue of improper waste segregation in Purok 2. In response, the proposed community intervention was the establishment of a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) to promote proper waste management.

The interns also presented the activities conducted with the sectoral group they organized, the ERPAT, including a seminar facilitated in partnership with the MSWDO and a tree planting activity in Kipit E/S

The BSSW3 students successfully conducted a Seminar on Disaster Preparedness for the Sea Gypsies, known as the Badjaos, of Barangay Gil Sanchez in partnership with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC).
The activity aimed to raise awareness and strengthen the community’s preparedness for possible disasters by providing essential knowledge on safety measures, early warning signs, and proper response during emergencies since the clients resides near the shoreline.

The BSSW3 students successfully partnered with the Negosyo Center of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to conduct a Seminar on Financial Management for the Sea Gypsies, popularly known as the Badjaos, in Barangay Gil Sanchez.
The activity aimed to equip participants with basic knowledge on managing their finances responsibly. Despite cultural and economic challenges, the seminar highlighted that financial responsibility is an important life skill that can empower individuals and families.

The BSSW4 Interns deployed at Barangay Bobongan successfully presented the results of their Community Study during their phase out stage as part of the requirements for Field Instruction II – Community Organizing.

The presentation highlighted the series of activities undertaken by the interns—from community immersion, data gathering, consultation with community leaders and residents, to participatory planning. These efforts led to the identification of a priority community project: the establishment of a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) aimed at strengthening solid waste management in the barangay.

The BSSW4 Interns deployed at Barangay Poblacion, Gutalac successfully presented their community study where they have brought to attention areas of concern in the community through consultations, meetings and community profiling. Interns have assessed the pressed problem and with series of planning they have arrived with an intervention that offers long term recommendations which the community will sustain

The BSSW4 Interns deployed at Barangay Poblacion, Gutalac demonstrated their commitment to community service by working together with community members in the installation of a deep well (patubig) for Purok 5, where access to water has long been a challenge.

Through teamwork and community conscientization, the interns actively collaborated with residents to address this pressing concern. The materials needed for the project were successfully realized through resource mobilization with the support of the Local Government Unit (LGU), which provided financial assistance for the initiative. The community project was subsequently turned over to the community with the barangay officials

The BSSW4 Interns deployed at Barangay Salvador successfully presented their Community Study to the barangay officials and community members as part of their Field Instruction II – Community Organizing.

Prior to the presentation, the interns conducted a series of community activities including consultations, meetings with barangay officials, and site visits to identify pressing concerns within the community. Through these assessments, one of the commonly identified needs was access to water. In response, the interns facilitated a community intervention through the installation of a patubig (water pump) to provide accessible water for residents.

The interns also organized a sectoral group composed of informal settlers who are the primary beneficiaries of the project. They were oriented on proper waste disposal and community cleanliness to help maintain the functionality of the water pump and ensure a clean and healthy environment.

Through strong collaboration with the barangay officials and resource mobilization from the LGU, the needed materials were successfully secured and formally turned over to the community. During the presentation, other areas of concern were also discussed, and the community together with the barangay officials agreed on possible solutions for future action.