SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE WITH GROUPS-FILIPINO FRAMEWORKS FOR INCLUSION AND EMPOWERMENT

1. SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE WITH GROUPS: FILIPINO FRAMEWORKS FOR INCLUSION AND EMPOWERMENT Written by: NICANOR C. CELLO JR., RSW Social Work Department, Urdaneta City University Social Work Practice With Groups: Filipino Frameworks For Inclusion And Empowerment explores culturally grounded approaches to group facilitation within the Philippine social work context. Rooted in values such as kapwa (shared identity), bayanihan (collective action), and pakikipagkapwa-tao (human compassion), this topic highlights how Filipino social workers mobilize group processes to foster inclusion, resilience, and community empowerment. It examines indigenous and contemporary models of group work, emphasizing participatory methods, relational ethics, and advocacy for marginalized sectors. Through case studies and reflective practice, it equips practitioners with tools to lead transformative group interventions that honor Filipino cultural strengths and promote social justice. I. KEY REFERENCES Mendoza, T. L. (1998). Social Work: Theory and Practice. PASWI. Jocano, F. L. (1980). Filipino Social Organization: Traditional Kinship and Social Systems. Punlad Research House. II. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Students will be able to: 1. 2. 3. 4. Identify and explain the purposes of group work in social work. Analyze how groups effect change through different roles. Evaluate the advantages of small group approaches. Apply group process concepts to promote individual and group development. III. DURATION: 3 hours VI. DISCUSSIONS PURPOSES OF GROUPS IN SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE Groups in social work foster connection, healing, and empowerment. They help individuals share experiences, build resilience, and work toward common goals—especially within the Filipino values of kapwa and bayanihan. The following are purposes of groups in social work practice: 1. Socialization Socialization refers to the process by which individuals learn to interact with others, internalize societal norms, and develop interpersonal competencies. Group work provides a safe space for individuals—especially those marginalized or isolated—to practice social roles and build relationships. In the Philippine context, socialization is deeply tied to pakikipagkapwa, the recognition of shared humanity. Social workers facilitate group activities that promote pakikisama (getting along) and pakikilahok (participation), helping clients adjust to community life. Example: Youth groups for out-of-school children often use games and storytelling to foster social skills and reintegration.

2. 2. Support Support groups offer emotional, psychological, and moral reinforcement to individuals facing challenges. Filipino social workers often organize support groups for survivors of calamities, domestic violence, or chronic illness. These groups embody bayanihan, where members help each other carry emotional burdens. Mendoza (1998) highlights how shared experiences in groups reduce isolation and build resilience. Example: A grief support group in a barangay chapel allows members to share stories, pray together, and rebuild hope. 3. Education Educational groups aim to increase awareness, knowledge, and skills among members. Social workers use group settings to teach parenting skills, financial literacy, reproductive health, and legal rights. The group becomes a participatory classroom, where pakikipag-usap (dialogue) and pagpapalitan ng kaalaman (exchange of knowledge) are central. Example: A community-based group for teenage mothers includes sessions on child care, nutrition, and self-advocacy. 4. Therapy Therapeutic groups address behavioral, emotional, or psychological challenges through structured interaction. Filipino therapeutic groups often integrate cultural practices like pagkukuwento (narrative sharing) and pagdadasal (communal prayer). Mendoza (1998) notes that healing in Filipino contexts is relational—group work allows catharsis, validation, and transformation. Example: A group for adolescents with behavioral issues uses art therapy and guided reflection to process emotions. 5. Empowerment Empowerment groups build agency, leadership, and collective action among members. Empowerment is central to advocacy-based group work, especially for persons with disabilities, women, and indigenous peoples. Bayanihan is not just mutual aid—it’s collective mobilization. Mendoza (1998) emphasizes that group work rooted in Filipino values fosters civic engagement and systemic change. Example: A group of PWDs forms a cooperative and lobbies for accessible infrastructure in their municipality. CULTURAL INTEGRATION: Prof. Thelma Lee Mendoza (1998) asserts that Filipino group work is most effective when it reflects indigenous values:

3. Pakikipagkapwa: Recognizing others as equals and co-human beings. This principle fosters empathy, respect, and solidarity in group dynamics. Bayanihan: The spirit of communal unity and cooperation. It transforms groups into agents of change and resilience. These values make group work not just a method, but a culturally resonant tool for empowerment and healing. HOW GROUPS EFFECT CHANGE Filipino social work practice recognizes that change is not only individual but deeply relational. As Jocano emphasized, Filipino social structures are built on kinship, reciprocity, and communal ties. These relational dynamics make group-based interventions especially powerful in the Philippine context. a. Group as Medium of Change - The group serves as the environment through which individuals experience transformation. Mutual Aid: Members support one another emotionally, practically, and socially. This is aligned with bayanihan, the Filipino spirit of communal help. Modeling: Members observe and emulate positive behaviors, attitudes, and coping strategies. Feedback: Constructive responses from peers help individuals reflect and adjust. Filipino Context: In a pakikipagkapwa setting, members feel safe to share and grow. The group becomes a mirror and a mentor. Example: In a livelihood training group, members not only learn skills but also gain confidence by seeing others succeed. Filipino individuals often define themselves through their relationships. Thus, change through group modeling and feedback is culturally congruent and effective. b. Group as Target of Change - - The group itself is the focus of intervention and transformation. Conflict Resolution: Addressing internal tensions to improve group cohesion. Norm Shifts: Reframing group values, expectations, and behaviors. Organizational Development: Enhancing group structure, leadership, and purpose. Filipino Context: Barangay youth groups may undergo facilitation to shift from reactive behavior to proactive community engagement. Social workers help groups redefine their mission, roles, and norms to better serve their members and the community. Filipino groups are dynamic and adaptive. When guided, they can evolve into more inclusive, participatory, and socially responsible entities. c. Group as Agent of Change - The group acts as a catalyst for broader social transformation. Advocacy: Groups raise awareness and push for policy reforms. Outreach: Extending support and education to other sectors. Collective Action: Mobilizing for community development or rights-based campaigns. Filipino Context: Peer support groups of persons with disabilities (PWDs) may organize campaigns for accessible infrastructure. Women’s groups in rural areas often lead initiatives on health, education, and disaster preparedness.

4. Filipino communities respond strongly to collective voices. Groups rooted in pakikipagkapwa and bayanihan can influence barangay councils, local government units, and even national policy. Dr. F. Landa Jocano (1980) emphasized that Filipino social organization is deeply relational, making group work a culturally embedded and effective method for change. Whether as a medium, target, or agent, groups reflect the Filipino values of: Kapwa: Shared identity and mutual respect. Bayanihan: Cooperative spirit and collective strength. Pakikilahok: Active participation in communal life. These values transform group work from a method into a movement—one that heals, empowers, and mobilizes. ADVANTAGES OF SMALL GROUP APPROACH Small group work is a cornerstone of social work practice, particularly effective in the Philippine setting where interpersonal relationships and communal values are central to social functioning. The small group approach allows for deeper engagement, culturally resonant interventions, and more sustainable outcomes. 1. Intimacy and Trust: Easier to Build Rapport In small groups, members interact more frequently and meaningfully, allowing for the development of trust, empathy, and emotional safety. This intimacy is essential for vulnerable populations who may be hesitant to share in larger settings. Pakikipagkapwa (shared humanity) thrives in intimate settings where members feel seen and valued. Mendoza (1998) emphasizes that trust-building is foundational in Filipino group work, where loob (inner self) is gradually revealed through pakikipagkuwentuhan (story-sharing) and pakikiramdam (sensitivity to others). Example: In a small support group for solo parents, members are more likely to open up about personal struggles, knowing they are in a safe and understanding space. 2. Focused Intervention: Tailored Strategies for Fewer Members With fewer participants, facilitators can better assess individual needs, monitor progress, and adapt interventions accordingly. This allows for more personalized and responsive social work practice. Filipino social workers often use pakikilahok (participatory engagement) to co-create solutions with group members. Jocano (1980) notes that Filipino communities value personalismo—the preference for personalized, face-to-face interactions—which aligns well with small group dynamics. Example: In a livelihood skills group of five women, the facilitator can adjust the pace and content based on each member’s learning style and background. 3. Efficiency: Quicker Feedback and Decision-Making Small groups allow for faster communication, more immediate feedback, and streamlined decision-making. This is especially useful in time-sensitive interventions such as disaster response or crisis counseling.

5. The bayanihan spirit encourages swift collective action. In small groups, this value is easier to activate and sustain. Mendoza (1998) highlights how small groups in barangays can quickly mobilize for community clean-ups, feeding programs, or emergency relief. Example: A youth group of six members can rapidly plan and implement a community mural project, with each member taking on a clear role. 4. Empowerment: Members Feel More Visible and Heard In small groups, every member has more opportunities to speak, contribute, and lead. This fosters a sense of ownership, self-worth, and agency—key goals in empowerment-based social work. Bayanihan is not just about helping—it’s about shared leadership and mutual respect. Mendoza (1998) asserts that small groups are ideal for cultivating kapangyarihan ng loob (inner strength), especially among marginalized populations. Example: In a small group of PWD youth, each member takes turns facilitating sessions, building confidence and leadership skills. WHY SMALL WORKS IN THE PHILIPPINES Both Mendoza and Jocano affirm that small group work aligns with Filipino relational values: Pakikipagkapwa: Encourages empathy and mutual respect. Bayanihan: Fosters cooperation and shared responsibility. Personalismo: Values personalized, face-to-face interaction. Pakikiramdam: Promotes sensitivity to group dynamics and unspoken needs. These cultural traits make the small group approach not only effective but deeply meaningful in Filipino social work practice. DEFINING AND UTILIZING GROUP PROCESS Group process refers to the dynamic and evolving interactions among members of a group. In social work, understanding and skillfully facilitating this process is essential for achieving therapeutic, educational, and empowerment goals. In collectivist societies like the Philippines, where relationships and shared identity are central, culturally sensitive facilitation is not just best practice—it’s foundational. What Is Group Process? Group process encompasses the patterns of communication, decision-making, leadership, conflict resolution, and emotional exchange that occur within a group. Core Elements: Communication: Verbal and non-verbal exchanges that shape understanding and relationships. Decision-Making: How choices are made—consensus, voting, leadership-driven. Conflict Resolution: Strategies for managing disagreements and restoring harmony. In Filipino context, Pakikipagkapwa (shared humanity) and pakikiramdam (sensitivity to others) guide how Filipinos communicate and resolve conflict. Mendoza (1998) emphasizes that facilitators must be attuned to indirect cues, emotional undercurrents, and relational dynamics.

6. Stages of Group Development Adapted from Tuckman’s model, these stages are especially relevant in Filipino group work when facilitated with cultural sensitivity: Stage Forming Description Filipino Cultural Lens Pagkikilala (getting acquainted) often involves storytelling and shared meals. Pakikiramdam helps facilitators sense tension and guide resolution. Pakikisama (getting along) and bayanihan emerge as guiding values. Collective action reflects kapwa and shared responsibility. Rituals of closure (e.g., salu-salo, gratitude sharing) honor relationships. Members get to know each other; roles are unclear. Conflicts arise as roles and norms are tested. Group establishes norms, trust, and cohesion. Group works effectively toward goals. Storming Norming Performing Adjourning Group disbands or transitions. Filipino groups may cycle through these stages non-linearly, especially when external stressors (e.g., calamities, family issues) affect group dynamics. Utilizing Group Process for Growth Facilitation Strategies: Reflection: Encourage members to share insights and emotions through pagkukuwento (narrative sharing). Role-Playing: Use culturally relevant scenarios to explore behavior and empathy. Structured Activities: Games, rituals, and collaborative tasks that build trust and skills. Filipino context, Activities should reflect local values, language, and traditions.Facilitators must balance structure with pakikibagay (adaptability), adjusting to group needs and cultural cues. Example: In a group of teenage mothers, a facilitator might use role-play to explore parenting challenges, followed by a talakayan (group discussion) that integrates personal stories and shared wisdom. Prof. Thelma Lee Mendoza (1998) underscores that culturally sensitive facilitation is essential in collectivist societies like the Philippines. Key principles include: Respect for relational dynamics: Understand kinship, hierarchy, and emotional nuance. Use of indigenous concepts: Integrate kapwa, bayanihan, and pakikiramdam into group norms. Flexible structure: Allow space for organic interaction while guiding toward goals. V. ACTIVITIES Time Activity Description 30 min Icebreaker & Group Mapping Students form small groups and map their shared goals and values. Instructor presents key concepts with Filipino examples. Groups analyze a scenario (e.g., post-disaster psychosocial support group). Simulate group facilitation focusing on change mechanisms. Students write a short reflection on how group work can empower marginalized communities. 45 min Lecture & Discussion 30 min Case Study Analysis 45 min Role Play 30 min Reflection & Synthesis

7. VI. ASSESSMENT Participation in group activities Case study analysis (rubric-based) Reflective writing (clarity, insight, application Nicanor C. Cello Jr., RSW, Social Work Department, Urdaneta City University 2025