The DSWD Academy is a new learning institution made for people in the social welfare sector.
It is a project of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) that offers free training, workshops, and learning activities to help social workers, community development workers, and even non-professionals improve their skills.
The goal is simple: to make sure that Filipino social workers can keep up with the changes in society, disasters, and technology.
There is no cost for joining the training sessions provided by the Academy.
Instead, it is supported by partnerships with schools like the University of the Philippines Open University and organizations under the ASEAN Social Work Consortium.
If you’re a licensed social worker, a social welfare aide in an LGU, a child development worker, or someone who helps in your community, this is for you.
Why the DSWD Academy Matters
The work of helping others is never easy.
It takes heart, patience, and skills that must grow over time.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian saw that today’s social workers face new challenges—from modern disasters to digital tools in social services.
So the idea of an academy came to life.
By 2028, the DSWD Academy aims to become a top training center not just locally, but across Asia and the Indo-Pacific Region.
It hopes to shape a generation of Filipino social workers who are ready, skilled, and confident in serving their communities.
Whether it’s handling disaster relief, child protection, or community organizing, the DSWD Academy is designed to support you through it all.
What the DSWD Academy Offers
Think of the DSWD Academy as a school made just for social work.
But instead of general lessons, it offers specialized, high-impact training based on real challenges in the field.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Workshops and Seminars: Hands-on learning to tackle real-life problems like disaster response, case management, and community building
- Online Learning Modules: Courses that you can take at your own pace, perfect for those based in provinces or juggling other work
- Capacity-Building Programs: Improve your skills in communication, teamwork, report writing, and data gathering
- Peer Learning Spaces: Join discussions and group sessions where you can learn from others in the same field
The best part?
You don’t need to be a licensed social worker to join.
Even if you are a barangay-level worker or part-time aide, you are welcome to learn.
Who Can Join the DSWD Academy?
The Academy is open to a wide group of individuals, especially those working on the frontlines of social welfare and development.
Here are some of them:
- Registered social workers working in government or non-government organizations
- Social welfare assistants and aides in LGUs
- Community development officers
- Early childhood development workers
- Volunteers involved in community outreach or disaster response
- Students or professionals aiming to shift into social work
If you are involved in helping people, this is your chance to grow.
You don’t have to be an expert.
You just need to be willing to learn.
A Closer Look at the Academy’s Mission
The Academy is not just about teaching—it’s about transforming.
Its mission is to create learning experiences that are:
- Globally Competitive: Courses are based on international and local standards
- Updated: Programs are aligned with current trends, laws, and tools in social work
- Accessible: Both in-person and online options are available
- Inclusive: Open to all levels of experience and backgrounds
The DSWD Academy is built to respond to today’s needs and tomorrow’s demands.
And by offering free training and certification, it removes one of the biggest barriers to professional development—cost.
Why Learning Never Stops in Social Work
Life on the ground is always changing.
A new calamity.
A growing number of children in need.
A shift in how government support is given.
Social workers need to stay ahead.
This is why continuous learning is no longer a bonus—it’s a must.
With the DSWD Academy, you don’t have to go abroad or enroll in expensive classes to grow.
You now have a place that’s designed with you in mind.
A Cultural Legacy and a Modern Vision
The home of the DSWD Academy is also meaningful.
It is located at the former Social Welfare and Development Center for Asia and the Pacific (SWADCAP) in Taguig.
This building is more than just a space.
It was designed by National Artist for Architecture Leandro V. Locsin, making it part of the country’s important cultural properties.
Under Republic Act No. 10066 or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, the building must be preserved and protected.
By keeping the center alive through the Academy, the DSWD honors both its cultural past and its vision for the future.
It’s where tradition meets transformation.
Partnerships That Power the Academy
The DSWD Academy would not be possible without collaboration.
Secretary Gatchalian signed an agreement with:
- University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU): They help deliver flexible and quality learning
- ASEAN Social Work Consortium–Philippines (ASWC-PH): Their member groups act as learning providers and mentors
These partnerships are key to making the training up-to-date and useful for those in the field.
It also means that if you’re part of an LGU or NGO, you can tap into the Academy’s support and technical assistance.
How to Get Involved
If you’re interested in joining the DSWD Academy, here’s what you can do:
- Check Updates from DSWD: Training announcements will be posted on DSWD’s official channels.
- Coordinate with Your LGU: Many LGU offices will get slots or be part of the Academy’s capacity-building rollouts.
- Connect with UPOU or ASWC-PH Groups: If you’re studying or working with these partners, opportunities might already be within reach.
- Watch Out for Online Modules: UPOU and DSWD are developing online courses that will be publicly accessible.
If you’re unsure where to start, you can ask your local MSWDO or visit the nearest DSWD Field Office.
What This Means for the Sector
The DSWD Academy isn’t just another training program.
It’s a turning point for the social welfare field.
For years, many workers have been doing their best with limited tools and outdated methods.
Now, they finally have a place to learn, be mentored, and grow.
And when social workers grow, the people they serve benefit too.
Communities become safer.
Responses become faster.
Support becomes smarter.
This is why the DSWD Academy matters.
It is an investment in people who give their all to serve others.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a college degree to join the DSWD Academy?
No. You can join even if you don’t have a college degree, especially if you’re already working in the social sector or with an LGU. - Will I receive a certificate after completing a training?
Yes. Most programs will offer certificates of completion, especially for those with formal sessions or modules. - Can I apply even if I’m from a far province?
Yes. Online learning modules are being prepared so more people from rural areas can access training. - How long are the trainings?
It depends. Some are one-day workshops while others may last several weeks. Details are released with each program announcement.
Conclusion
You might be used to doing things with what you have.
But with the DSWD Academy, you no longer have to do it alone.
There is now a space that listens, supports, and equips.
If you’ve ever wondered how to be better at what you do, this is your answer.
It’s more than a training ground.
It’s a reminder that your work matters—enough for the whole system to support your growth.