In recognition of the contribution and efforts of professional social workers in social welfare development programs and services, the ASEAN Social Work Consortium – Philippines (ASWC-PH) awarded exemplary social workers from various professional work organizations during the Filipino Social Workers’ Day celebration last June 19, 2022. Among the awardees are  four (4) members of the National Council of Social Development Foundations (NCSD):

NCSD Executive Director Ms. Marian Opena was awarded as Outstanding Social Worker. Ms. Opena has served NCSD for the past 30 years. Under her watch, the NCSD was duly licensed and accredited by the DSWD and registered as an Auxiliary SWDA. She also facilitated the accreditation of NCSD by the Philippine Council for NGO Certification (PCNC).

NCSD Board of Trustee and Treasurer Ms. Consuelo Balbero also received the Outstanding Social Worker Award. Ms. Balbero has been a pillar of the Kanlungan sa Erma Ministry, a non-profit organization serving children in need of special protection and their families, to improve their quality of life and well-being for the past 33 years. She made significant contributions in the governance and operations of major networks such as the Philippine Children’s Ministries Network, NCSD, Philippine Council of NGOs Against Drug & Substance Abuse (PHILCADSA), Fundraisers Network for Development (FuND Philippines) Inc., and NGOs such as Self Reliance And Development (SRD) Konkokyo Center Inc. and Onesimo Bulilit. Ms Balbero is both a Certified Public Accountant and a Registered Social Worker. 

Also awarded the Outstanding Social Worker Award is Dr. Jocelyn Ilagan, NCSD Corporate Secretary and Board of Trustee. She has 22 years of experience in working for urban poor communities  in Tondo Manila under the ministry of Tondo Blessed Hope Bible Baptist Church. Both a registered physician and social worker, Dr. Ilagan is a staunch mental health advocate, providing assistance in responding to the mental health issues among frontline workers during the pandemic. She also serves as consultant to the Philippine Children’s Ministries Network in the field of policy, programs and interventions, and M&E related to Online Sexual Exploitation in Children.

Virlanie Foundation Executive Director Ms. Arlyne A. Fernandez was awarded as one of the Most Outstanding Social Worker 2022. Ms. Fernandez has been working with the Virlanie Foundation for almost three (3) decades. Ms. Fernandez is also a Board member of NCSD and the Association of Child Caring Agencies of the Philippines (ACCAP).