Social work is often reduced unfairly to simply handing out relief goods - "tagabigay ng sardinas” - during crises, but Sheena Mae Obispo of Camalig, Albay is bent on challenging this stereotype.
The 23-year-old from Barangay Panoypoy is a topnotcher in the 2024 Licensure Exam for Social Workers with an impressive 87 percent passing rate.
Now, she wants to redefine what it is to serve.
Obispo's journey to social work began during her Senior High School years where her Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) track exposed her to the profession.
"When I was in Senior High, I took HUMSS po. Nagkaroon po ako ng exposure sa field of Social Work because one of my teachers is a social worker," Obispo said.
Through visits to various social welfare agencies in Albay, she witnessed the fulfillment that social workers derive from their roles.
"Ramdam po yung fulfillment nila sa job and I admired that," she added, expressing how a community outreach project that connected her with senior citizens solidified her desire to pursue this career.
OVERCOMING DOUBTS
However, the path was not without its challenges.
Initially, Obispo struggled with self-doubt and the skepticism of others who viewed social work as unworthy.
“My knowledge about social work is very limited at that time. During Junior High, I don't even have any idea that this profession exists,” she said.
Facing the harsh judgment that often accompanies the profession—“ay tagabigay yan ng delata 'pag [may] bagyo"—Obispo questioned her own ambitions.
Yet, she found strength in her passion and calling.
"Maybe it's something about passion na din po and calling. I really like to believe na this is my calling," Obispo said.
By shifting her perspective and surrounding herself with positivity, she was able to overcome the doubts and fears that held her back initially.
Support from family proved invaluable during her academic journey.
"First po, of course is my family. My parents, my siblings, grandma, my relatives po, talagang they served as [a] foundation sa kung ano ang na build ko throughout this journey," Obispo said.
Whenever she felt lost, her family reminded her that she wasn’t alone in her pursuit.
EXAM PREPARATIONS
In preparation for the licensure exam, Obispo maintained a structured study routine.
"I like to use time management techniques po like [the] Pomodoro method to keep me in focus po kasi mabilis po ako ma-distract," Obispo said.
Despite battling anxiety in the final weeks leading up to the exam, she persisted, employing various study techniques to master the materials.
"Nakikinig din po ako sa mga study sessions sa iba't ibang platform like YouTube po," Obispo added.
As she reflected on her journey, Obispo offered valuable advice for future social work graduates preparing for their own licensure exams.
“Siguro po I'd like to share a message po from Ma'am Thelma Mendoza po to 'Prepare well, and do our best. Pray.' True enough, like they say po, never underestimate the power of prayers,” she said.
ADVOCATING FOR CHANGE
Obispo’s message to others regarding the importance of social work resonates deeply.
"Para po sa mga kapwa ko social workers, and those who doubt the significance po ng profession, there is more to us than just dole out," she said.
She emphasized that social workers are vital advocates for marginalized communities, urging her peers not to give up in the face of challenges.
FUTURE ASPIRATIONS
Now that she has passed the licensure exam, Obispo is eager to further enhance her skills.
"Ngayon po, I'm trying po to discover different ways to enhance my skills and knowledge," she said.
As Obispo steps into her new role, she intends to break the misconception that social workers are merely "tagabigay ng sardinas." She intends to prove that social workers are a beacon of hope and change in the community.
