Competitive compensation for social workers sought
In the Philippine setting, registered social workers are ‘one of the unacknowledged groups of workers despite the great weight of their contribution to and responsibility for the wellbeing of all Filipinos’
Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go recently filed Senate Bill 1707 which seeks to provide competitive remuneration and compensation packages to social workers in the country as he recognized their vital role in human development and nation-building.
In the explanatory note of the proposed measure, Go stressed the role of social workers in providing competent social protection to Filipinos, thus “making social protection transformative, leading to positive economic outcomes, to more sustainable, stabilized, resilient and harmonious societies.”
The lawmaker also said that it is imperative to uphold the rights and welfare of social workers “by ensuring competitive remuneration and compensation packages for them” since they are regarded as “indispensable.”
Go explained that in the Philippine setting, registered social workers are “one of the unacknowledged groups of workers despite the great weight of their contribution to and responsibility for the wellbeing of all Filipinos.”
“Social workers play vital roles in reintegration of families and communities who have been vulnerable after being victims of crimes, disasters, calamities, armed conflicts or similar incidents,” Go said.
His proposed bill, SB 1707, also known as the “Competitive Remuneration and Compensation Packages for Social Workers Act of 2023,” seeks to guarantee social workers protection from discrimination, interference, intimidation, harassment, or punishment, including, arbitrary reassignment or termination of service, in the performance of their duties and responsibilities.
The measure shall also protect their right to join, organize, or assist organizations or unions for lawful purposes and if passed into law, social workers will be protected from any act that will prevent them from applying professional interventions that their situation may require and opportunities for continuing professional growth and development.
It also stipulates that the minimum base pay of Social Welfare Officer I in government institutions must not be lower than Salary Grade 13 with equivalent monthly salary as prescribed in the existing and applicable Modified Salary Schedule for Civilian Employees.
For social workers working in local government units, adjustments of their salaries must be in accordance with applicable laws.
Under the proposed measure, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, in coordination with other concerned government agencies, association of social workers, and the accredited professional organization, is also tasked to establish an incentive and benefit system for social workers.
Furthermore, the benefits provided under Republic Act 9433, or the “Magna Carta for Public Social Workers” may be extended to registered social workers under a cost of service status.
“It is now an opportune time to fully recognize social workers who are champions of social change,” Go said.