QuestionsQuestions (DSWD-DILG-CSC JOINT MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 01, S. 2012)
The text is based on Section 5 of Republic Act No. 9433 (Magna Carta for Public Social Workers) and its IRR provisions on recruitment and qualifications. It also notes that RA 9433 amended Section 483, Article XIII, Title V, Book III of the Local Government Code of 1991 insofar as the professional requirements for social welfare and development officers are concerned.
The cited provision states that no person shall be appointed social welfare and development officer unless they are a Philippine citizen, resident of the LGU, of good moral character, duly licensed social worker or a holder of a college degree preferably in sociology or related course from a recognized school, and a first grade civil service eligible (or its equivalent). It also includes experience requirements (5 years for provincial/city head; 3 years for municipal).
It requires that selection and appointment follow the merit and fitness principle, that government social work agencies be headed by a registered social worker (except for cabinet and non-career positions), and that priority be given to registered social workers when filling social work positions.
It means that one cannot appoint a person to a social worker position if there is a licensed social worker applying and actually available.
Aside from the Local Government Code qualifications, a Provincial, City, or Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer must be a registered social worker.
No. The circular states that a Local Chief Executive cannot appoint a person who is not a social worker by profession to a social worker position if there is an applicant who is a licensed social worker.
They shall remain in office until resignation, transfer, or retirement. However, they shall not be appointed to a higher social worker position unless the required qualification standards, including education and eligibility, are met.
No. The circular explicitly prohibits appointment to a higher social worker position unless the required qualification standards (including education and eligibility requirements) are met.
Upon retirement or cessation, the Local Chief Executive shall appoint a qualified social worker to the said post.
It states that the Civil Service Commission shall monitor compliance through its role in processing, attesting, and/or approving appointments of officials and personnel, including those in all agencies nationwide and LGUs.
The circular states that the Local Chief Executive may be held administratively liable pursuant to pertinent Civil Service laws and rules, and criminally liable under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (R.A. No. 3019).
It takes effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
To prescribe guidelines implementing Section 5 of R.A. No. 9433, especially regarding professional requirements for provincial, city, and municipal social welfare and development officers.
The text indicates that R.A. No. 9433 amended the Local Government Code’s Section 483 only insofar as professional requirements for provincial/city/municipal social welfare and development officers are concerned—specifically reinforcing the need for registered social workers and priority in hiring.
If any provision is declared invalid, the remainder of the circular remains in full force and effect, meaning the invalidity of part does not nullify the entire issuance.
The circular only encourages social workers to undergo trainings and capability building activities for professional development and to meet qualifications of higher positions; it is phrased as “encouraged,” not mandated.