College of Social Work and Community Development Library
The paper discusses the ongoing struggle to improve the lives of Filipino peasants, who remain impoverished despite various programs aimed at alleviating their conditions. It criticizes traditional, capital-intensive approaches and emphasizes a shift toward community-driven development. The Institute of Social Work and Community Development (ISWCD) has adopted a new strategy, immersing students and faculty in rural areas to work directly with local communities in organizing and conscientizing efforts. This hands-on approach, implemented in various barrios, has proven to provide valuable insights and foster mutual learning between students and residents. The paper highlights the ISWCD’s commitment to refining its curriculum based on field experiences and recent discussions on rural organizing, underlining the importance of continued practical engagement in improving the situation of Filipino peasants.