Pampanga First District Representative Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. is pushing for the expansion of Bachelor of Science in Social Work programs in local universities and colleges (LUCs) nationwide through House Bill No. 10006.

The proposed measure seeks to encourage LUCs to establish BS Social Work programs, subject to the standards and guidelines of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Schools that cannot immediately offer the program may partner with CHED-recognized higher education institutions through consortium, twinning, or resource-sharing arrangements.

The bill also mandates the application of Republic Act No. 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act in providing free tuition and other school fees to qualified BS Social Work students.

Lazatin emphasized the urgent need to increase the number of registered social workers in the country, noting their critical role in responding to crises, assisting vulnerable communities, and delivering social services.

He cited the growing workload faced by social workers, particularly those handling cases involving children, women, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities, as a reason to invest in more educational opportunities for future practitioners.

“Social workers are the government’s partners in implementing social services efficiently, and it is high-time that we invest in providing free education to individuals who are willing to take on this duty,” Lazatin said.

The measure aims to help address the shortage of social workers and strengthen the country’s social protection programs.