Investigating the influence of the Catholic Church on social work in the Philippines: An exploration of policy, practice and education

Abstract

Despite historical and current connections between the Catholic Church and social work in the Philippines, studies investigating these connections have been limited. Using an exploratory research design, this study examined this relationship by drawing on existing documents: legislation; curricula and minimum standards for social work programmes; course syllabi; the Code of Ethics; and textbooks. Three themes emerged in the analysis, offering tentative explanations for the Church’s widespread influence: religion as embedded in Filipino life; the Catholic Church and Catholic-based organisations as key partners in the delivery of social services; and the intersection of Catholic teachings, social work principles and Filipino values.

Kapwa (Shared Identity): Filipino American Perspectives and Responses to Educational Leadership

“…In its toxic form, it can create a feeling of helplessness over a person where a person is helped and manipulated in the future. Otarra and Flynn (2021) suggest that Spanish colonization through Catholicism has taken advantage of utang na loob. In converting the native Filipinos, the Spaniards understood the Filipinos' need to reciprocate, for "civilizing" them and for teaching them the ways of Catholicism.…”