The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is mandated to protect the rights and well-being of Filipinos, both in the Philippines and abroad. For overseas Filipino nationals who are in crisis situations (e.g. victims of abuse, exploitation, trafficking, war, or conflict), the department has a specific program: ISWSFN.
This acronym stands for “International Social Welfare Services for Filipino Nationals.” In this article, we will discuss how this program started and the different types of services involved. To avail of these services, overseas Pinoys are encouraged to seek assistance from the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in the country they are based in.
What is the ISWSFN Program?
The International Social Welfare Services for Filipino Nationals (ISWSFN) Program was created in response to the rising cases of distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) abroad. It goes in line with Republic Act 8042 or the “Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995,” which includes the protection of OFWs.
The ISWSFN Program is done in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). It also falls under Executive Order 287 or “Directing the Deployment/Posting of Social Welfare Attaches in Selected Diplomatic Posts,” which was signed on February 24, 2004.
Basically, the ISWSFN Program involves the deployment of social workers abroad. These social workers are tasked to provide psychosocial interventions, along with other welfare and protection services, to distressed OFWs and their families (if applicable).
Objectives of the Program
Generally speaking, the main objective of the ISWSFN Program is to provide social welfare services to Filipinos in foreign countries. This includes providing protection and ensuring their well-being.
Specifically, the program aims to achieve the following:
- Implementation of comprehensive and appropriate social welfare services to overseas Filipinos and their families;
- Provision of technical assistance, along with non-government organizations (NGOs) and other government organizations that are concerned with the welfare of OFWs;
- Provision of case work/group work services and other social work interventions for the restoration of the OFW’s impaired social functioning;
- Establishment of a network among welfare agencies and service providers of OFWs; and
- Strengthening of partnerships with government agencies such as the DFA, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), especially when it comes to addressing the concerns of migrant workers.
Services Offered by the Program
What are the services offered by the ISWSFN Program? Here are some of the services provided, depending on each case:
1. Counseling Services
These are provided to individuals, families, or groups in crisis, to help them cope with emotional or mental health related concerns. For those who have experienced abuse or maltreatment, intensive therapeutic counseling and other necessary services will be provided, in coordination with specialists.
2. Critical Incident Stress Debriefing
For those who have experienced traumatic events, this services is carried out through individual and/or group sessions.
3. Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations
This service includes the provision of financial and material assistance to help support the person(s) involved.
4. Referral Services
This refers to the facilitation of access to services of other government organizations and NGOs, depending on the needs of the affected person(s).
5. Repatriation Assistance
This refers to the facilitation of the safe return of the affected person(s) to the Philippines.
6. Child Placement
This refers to the provision of foster care to abused, neglected, and/or abandoned children of Filipino nationals. It is done in preparation for their return to their biological families in the Philippine, or the possibility of adoption. (NOTE: This service is done by International Social Service Japan only.)
Video: Usapang Malasakit Features ISWSFN Program
The ISWSFN is a program under the International Social Services Office (ISSO) of the DSWD. Check out this video featured by the department’s “Usapang Malasakit” show to learn more about the program:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Meanwhile, here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the ISWSFN Program:
1. What is the ISWSFN Program?
“ISWSFN” stands for “International Social Welfare Services for Filipino Nationals,” a DSWD program designed to protect and support distressed overseas Filipino nationals and their families.
2. What are the legal bases for this program?
The program goes in line with Republic Act 8042 or the “Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995,” as well as Executive Order 287 or “Directing the Deployment/Posting of Social Welfare Attaches in Selected Diplomatic Posts,” which was signed in 2004.
3. What is the main objective of the program?
The main objective of the ISWSFN Program is to provide social welfare services to overseas Filipino nationals and their families.
4. What are the services offered by the program?
The program offers services such as: counseling, critical incident stress debriefing, assistance to individuals in crisis situations, referral services, repatriation assistance, and child placement services. The services provided depend on a case-to-case basis.
5. How can I learn more about the program?
You can learn more about the ISWSFN Program by getting in touch with the nearest DSWD office. If you are abroad, you can contact the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in the country where you are based in.
Contact Information: DSWD Central Office
For those of you who are based in the National Capital Region (NCR), you can learn more about the International Social Welfare Services for Filipino Nationals (ISWSFN) Program by contacting the DSWD Central office through the following details:
Address: Batasang Pambansa Complex, Constitution Hills, Quezon City, Philippines, 1126
Telephone: (02) 8931 8101 to 07
Website: https://www.dswd.gov.ph/
Google Map:
Final Thoughts
According to the DSWD website, between 2002 and 2008, a total of 90,413 OFWs in crisis situations were given social welfare services through the ISWSFN program. Today, the department continues to provide various services to numerous OFWs and their families, both inside and outside the country.
Speaking of overseas Filipinos, one of the major issues concerning OFWs is trafficking. To specifically address this problem, the DSWD has established the Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons (RRPTP). Check out this article to know more about it!