THE DEPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development will soon reopen its academy to enhance the competencies of social workers and paraprofessionals from both the public and private sectors.

Director Justin Caesar Anthony Batocabe of the Social Welfare Institutional Development Bureau shared that renovation of the DSWD Academy is nearly complete, with classes expected to start in March.

“We expect to turn it over next week, and by March, classes will begin,” Batocabe said.

The refurbished academy will offer training and short courses designed to help social workers stay updated with the evolving trends in the field.

Previously known as the Social Welfare and Development Center, the academy aims to become a center of excellence for community development and social work in the Indo-Pacific region.

The academy’s improvements are part of the agency’s priority initiatives under Secretary Rex Gatchalian’s leadership.

“We want the academy to be a place where social workers can be proud to learn,” Batocabe added.

The academy has partnered with organizations like the Australia Awards and ASEAN Social Work Consortium to ensure that training meets both local and international standards.

The DSWD Academy will also open its doors to other industries involved in family building and disaster response initiatives.