Qualifications for Social Work Examination Applicants
- Must be a Filipino citizen.
- Minimum age requirement set to eighteen (18) years old.
- Must be in good health and possess good moral character.
- Requirement to hold a bachelor's or master's degree, or equivalent, in social work from an accredited institution.
- Completion of at least 1,000 case hours of supervised practical training in a recognized social work agency.
- Field practice must follow curriculum approved by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Board.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Requirement
- Registered social workers must earn 45 CPD units from providers accredited by the CPD Council.
- CPD compliance is mandatory for renewal of professional identification cards.
- Local government units and employers must allocate funding to support CPD for their social workers.
Integration of Social Work Profession
- All registered social workers must be members of one national organization accredited by the Board and approved by the Commission, serving as the AIPO.
- Members entitled to rights and privileges upon payment of fees.
- Membership in other professional organizations is allowed alongside AIPO membership.
Issuance of Special Temporary Permits (STP)
- STPs may be granted by the Board under Commission approval and payment of fees.
- Applicable to foreign social workers:
- Engaged by the government for specific projects.
- Employed by domestic private firms.
- Teaching positions in higher education institutions.
- Providing services during disasters, emergencies, or calamities.
- STP specifics:
- Practice limited to the assigned work.
- Validity for one year, subject to renewal.
- Practice subject to Philippine laws and regulations.
Registration and Licensing of Social Welfare Agencies
- Requirement for social welfare and development agencies to register and secure a license from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
- Existing agencies given one year from law enactment to comply.
- Registration conditions include:
- Primary engagement in social welfare and development activities.
- Employment of sufficient qualified staff or registered social workers.
- Financial transparency showing at least 70% of funds go to direct services.
- Maintenance of records on social welfare activities.
Penal Provisions
- Penalties for unauthorized practice or fraudulent acts related to social work ranging from fines (P100,000 to P200,000) to imprisonment (6 months to 2 years) or both.
- Additional sanctions for false representation, impersonation, use of revoked/suspended licenses, misuse of titles, and violations of the Act or Board rules.
- Social welfare and development agencies operating without valid registration and license face fines ranging from P100,000 to P500,000 and/or imprisonment from 1 to 3 years.
- Authorized seizure of agency equipment and facilities in such cases.
Implementing Rules and Regulations
- The PRC and the Board, in consultation with the AIPO, academe, and relevant agencies, must issue implementing rules within 60 days after the law’s effectivity.
Miscellaneous Provisions
- Separability clause ensures unaffected provisions remain valid if any part is invalidated.
- Repealing clause annuls conflicting laws, orders, or issuances.
- The law takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines.