MANILA, Philippines – A member of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) grabbed the top spot in the September 2024 Social Worker Licensure Examination (SWLE).
Sheena Mae Obispo from Brgy. Panoypoy, Camalig, Albay led the 4,587 passers of the Social Worker board exam with a rating of 87.00 percent.
Obispo, who graduated from Bicol University - Daraga Campus, is a beneficiary of the 4Ps of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
As a 4Ps member, Obispo shared with the DSWD what she went through before getting top 1 in the licensure exam.
Her father works as a construction worker and painter while her mother stays at home to take care of her siblings.
“I always knew I was destined for social work,” Obispo said.
"I wanted to help communities like mine and saw how essential social workers are in uplifting families,” she added.
With the help of the 4Ps in her family, the needs of her family were supported as well as the education of the 23-year-old Obispo.
“I would not have made it this far without the love and support of my family and the opportunities provided by 4Ps,” she said.
For Obispo, social work is "giving people hope."
“Social work is about more than just providing services, it’s about giving people hope and the tools to change their lives.”
“To anyone who feels like giving up, remember that you’re not alone. You don’t have to carry the weight of the world by yourself. There are people and programs that will help you. You just have to keep pushing forward,” she added.
Obispo is now planning to work with local organizations and government programs.
— Carl Santiago, The Summit Express
