The collaborative benchmarking session transpired on July 13, 2023, between the Department of Social Work at UP Diliman’s College of Social Work and Community Development (CSWCD) and City College of Ormoc, spanning from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm. The core objective of this engagement was to elevate the Social Work Program at City College of Ormoc by gleaning inspiration from the practices of CSWCD. The objective of the event, particularly for the UPD Ugnayan ng Pahinungod, was to contribute to the refinement of City College of Ormoc’s Social Work Program by exploring avenues for Field Instruction Programs, extension activities, and research initiatives involving social work students and faculty.
The initiation of the benchmarking session started with welcoming remarks from Assoc. Prof. Paul Edward N. Muego, DSD, College Secretary, and Asst. Prof. Karleen Mae C. Reodique, Social Work Faculty. Subsequent to introductions by representatives from both CSWCD and City College of Ormoc, the session’s overarching objectives were delineated. To provide an encompassing introduction to the college, a video presentation was presented. Following this, Asst. Prof. Glennie Marie Sina-On discussed the Department of Social Work, delving into aspects such as undergraduate and graduate programs, curriculum areas, the field instruction program, faculty extension and research, and participation in professional organizations. They aimed to highlight the department’s multifaceted activities, expertise, and best practices that could be emulated.
Ms. Amy Ilagan from the Student Record Office explained the academic policies of the college, encompassing student admission, registration, progress tracking, and graduation. This segment aimed to inform the attendees the administrative processes involved in overseeing students’ academic journeys.
Afterwards, Ms. Gia S. Evangelista, Junior Project Associate of UPD Ugnayan ng Pahinungod, delved into the Social Services and Wellness Program, with a particular focus on Medical Social Services. This program outlined collaborative social services with the University of the Philippines Health Service (UPHS), offering psychosocial support, counseling sessions, and referral services through trained volunteers. Underscoring the program’s evolution from the Field Instruction Program during the pandemic, the suggestion was made that City College of Ormoc could implement similar initiatives, utilizing students’ field instruction or faculty’s extension and research work for the betterment of the community.
Finally, Ms. Judith M. Pangilinan, the College Librarian, conducted a tour of the library for the City College of Ormoc representatives, showcasing reference materials and research works available at the CSWCD library to support social work education and research endeavors.
The benchmarking session served as a platform for substantial exchange and learning. Through dynamic presentations and engaging discussions, it facilitated a nuanced understanding of CSWCD’s academic policies, departmental programs, and available resources. Officials and faculty from City College of Ormoc gleaned valuable insights that could be thoughtfully integrated to enhance their institution.
