THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Tuesday welcomed officials from the Royal Government of Cambodia for a study tour on the Philippines’ legal and institutional frameworks for strengthening the social service workforce. ​“On behalf of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, we would like to express our deepest and heartfelt gratitude to the Royal Government of Cambodia, through the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans, and Youth Rehabilitation, for visiting the department to learn and gain insights on various social protection programs and services of the agency,” said Edmon Monteverde, the DSWD assistant secretary for Promotive Programs. ​The educational activity, facilitated by the DSWD Academy at the Katapatan Conference Room of the DSWD Central Office, featured presentations from the agency’s Policy Development and Planning Bureau, the Professional Regulation Commission-Professional Regulatory Board, and the Commission on Higher Education. ​The discussion outlined the country’s systems on professional standards, licensing, accreditation, and workforce management for social workers. ​It also highlighted child protection case management mechanisms and other reforms that Cambodia is currently enhancing as part of its social service development. ​Monteverde said such activities among Asean member-states contribute to stronger regional responses to poverty and the needs of vulnerable sectors. ​“The learning visit is timely as the Philippines assumes its chairmanship of Asean 2026, wherein the DSWD takes a leading role in the Asean Socio-Cultural Community Pillar, championing community empowerment and people-centered initiatives,” he added. ​Cambodian Secretary of State Toch Channy expressed appreciation for the opportunity to study the Philippine model, describing the visit as both ideal and timely for Cambodia’s ongoing reforms. ​An open forum concluded the session, allowing representatives from both delegations and partner institutions, including Unicef Philippines and Unicef Cambodia, to exchange insights on advancing social protection systems in the region.