Jason Lapating

During my internship at the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), my journey began with an orientation week, where I was introduced to the mission and vision of the office, its organizational structure, and its various programs aimed at supporting marginalized communities such as senior citizens, persons with disabilities, children, and low-income families. I spent the first few days shadowing experienced staff members, learning the basics of social welfare programs and understanding the importance of case management and documentation. Over the next week, I had the opportunity to participate in community outreach activities and field visits. Accompanying social workers, I observed firsthand how they assessed the needs of individuals and families, while assisting in relief distributions, such as food and medical aid. This experience deepened my understanding of the hands-on work involved in social welfare.

In the following weeks, I gained valuable exposure to case management and client interactions. I helped social workers update client files, assist with creating intervention plans, and participated in data collection and analysis to assess the impact of various programs. I also observed the counseling and follow-up process, which gave me insight into how social workers build trust and guide clients toward sustainable solutions. The internship provided me with a well-rounded view of both the administrative and fieldwork aspects of social welfare, and it solidified my passion for working in this vital sector, where the focus is on empowering individuals and improving community well-being.