BARRIOS, Nida R.
Re: Appointment; Qualifications Standards

x---------------------------------------------------------------x

RESOLUTION No. 97-4673

Nida R. Barrios of Barobo, Surigao del Sur, asks the Commission to review the appointment of Rosalinda Sumalinog as Social Welfare Officer I of Barobo, Surigao del Sur.

Barrios represented as follows:

"The Social Welfare Officer I of Barobo, Surigao del sur was vacated due the transfer of Ms. Marlette Fernandez to her hometown - Davao City where she is now presently working.

"Since the item was vacant, it was published then and as a result there were two applicants including myself and one is Mrs. Rosalinda Sumalinog who is a Commerce Graduate with Education Units and Masteral Units. I am a Community Development Graduate with 6 units in Social Work Masteral and 18 units in MPA, and now presently working as the social welfare assistant for 10 years but because of my career eligibility which is only sub-prof I did not qualify while the other applicant is Career Eligible - Prof and PBET passer.

"My point is not to insist myself for the position but to seek your honest opinion whether a Commerce can be appointed as a social worker item wherein correct me if I'm wrong napakalayo naman ng relation to the SW profession. Her appointment was already approved x x x."

The issue in the instant case is whether or not a degree in Bachelor of Science in Commerce is appropriate/relevant to the position of Social Welfare Officer I.

The qualification requirements for the position of Social Welfare Officer I as prescribed under the Qualification Standards Manual are as follows:

Education    : Bachelor's degree relevant to the job

Experience : None

Training       : None

Eligibility      : CS Professional/Appropriate eligibility

                         for second level position

Records show that Sumalinog is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Commerce with units in Education. Likewise, she has earned 27 units leading to the degree of master of Arts in Education. Additionally, she holds both Career Service Professional and PBET eligibility.

It must be stated that relevant education refers to the academic, technical or vocational studies or preparation that will enable the appointee to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.

In the issue under consideration, it is noteworthy to mention that a Social Welfare Officer position involves the practice of social work.

The terms "social work" and "Social worker" are defined under Republic Act No. 4373, also known as an Act to Regulate the Practice of Social Work and the Operation of Social Work Agencies in the Philippines and for Other Purposes, as follows:

"(a) Social work is the profession which is primarily concerned with organized social service activity aimed to facilitate and strengthen basic social relationships and the mutual adjustment between individuals and their social environment for the good of the individual and of society by the use of social work methods.

"(b) A 'social worker' as used in this Act is a practitioner who by accepted academic training and social work professional experience possesses the skill to achieve the objectiveness as defined and set the social work profession, through the use of the basic methods and techniques of social work (case work, group work, and community organization) which are designed to enable individuals, groups and communities to meet their needs and to solve the problems of adjustment to a changing pattern of society and, through coordinated action, to improve economic and social conditions, and is connected with an organized social work agency which is supported partially or wholly from government or community solicited funds."

In the light of the foregoing and considering that the orientation received by Sumalinog from her commerce degree is totally alien from that which involves social work, the Commission rules that a degree in Bachelor of Science in Commerce is irrelevant to the position of Social Welfare Officer I.

WHEREFORE, the Commission hereby finds that a degree in Bachelor of Science in Commerce is not relevant to the position of Social Welfare Officer I. Accordingly, the approval of Sumalinog's appointment is revoked.

The Civil Service Field Officer of Tandag, Surigao del Sur, is hereby directed to reflect the ruling of this Commission in the Service card of Sumalinog.

Quezon City, December 18, 1997

 

                                          (Signed)
                                             CORAZON ALMA G. DE LEON
                                            Chairman