The Marcos administration has revived and renovated the DSWD Academy in Taguig, originally a project by former First Lady Imelda Marcos in the 1970s, as a center of excellence for social welfare and community development in Southeast Asia, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian said Saturday.
Gatchalian made the disclosure in an interview on DZRH News program Special on Saturday on July 25, as part of the DZRH SONA 2026 Series.
He said the academy’s original mission was ambitious: to serve not just the Philippines but the entire Asia-Pacific region as a training hub for social welfare and social work.
“Tinayo ‘yan ni Mrs. Marcos Sr. May pictures kami nung 1970s. Ang layunin niya nung tinayo ‘yan is to become the center of excellence for social welfare, social work, and community development, not just in the Philippines but in Southeast Asia, kasama niyan ‘yung Asia-Pacific,” Gatchalian said.
He said the academy was neglected over the years until the current administration revived it, renovated its facilities, and expanded its curriculum.
The academy now serves three groups: DSWD’s own workforce of 40,000 personnel including disaster response workers, local government social welfare officers who often lack training budgets, and social workers from non-government organizations.
“Pangalawa, tulungan ‘yung mga local government units na mga social workers, kasi remember, devolved, eh. May mga social welfare officers tayo sa mahihirap na mga bayan na minsan walang kapasidad dahil kulang sa pera for trainings, sa amin na lang,” Gatchalian said.
Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said the academy is critical because social work continues to evolve alongside new laws, policies, and programs, making continuous training essential.
“Ang social work ay nag-e-evolve. Marami pong mga batas at marami rin pong mga polisiya na inilalabas higit dahil nga sa pag-i-implement ng mga social welfare and development policies and programs,” Dumlao said.
Gatchalian said the long-term goal is to restore the academy to its original vision as the premier center for social welfare training in Southeast Asia, positioning the Philippines as a regional leader in social work and community development.
