Cultural Competence of Social Workers in Nueva Vizcaya: Towards an Enhancement Program

Abstract

This study assessed the cultural competence of registered social workers in Nueva Vizcaya and determined whether competence differed according to selected demographic characteristics as a basis for proposing enhancement measures. A quantitative descriptive-correlational design was employed with 30 registered social workers selected purposively from a provincial population of 75 practitioners working in government, non-government, and private organizations. Data were gathered through a researcher-developed, expert-validated questionnaire covering ten cultural competence domains. The instrument obtained a Cronbach’s alpha of .887. Frequency and percentage described the respondents, weighted mean determined competence levels, the Mann-Whitney U test examined differences by sex, and the Kruskal-Wallis H test examined differences by age, educational attainment, ethnic affiliation, and years of service. Results showed that the respondents were highly competent overall (M = 3.67). Service delivery obtained the highest domain mean (M = 3.73), followed by ethics and values, cross-cultural skills, and empowerment and advocacy (M = 3.72 each). Self-awareness and professional education registered the lowest means (M = 3.59 each), although both remained highly competent. No statistically significant differences were found across any competence domain when respondents were grouped by sex, age, educational attainment, ethnic affiliation, or years of service (all p > .05). The study concluded that the social workers possessed a strong foundation for culturally responsive practice, but continuing development in reflective self-awareness, professional education, inclusive leadership, and applied communication should be institutionalized. The proposed enhancement measures emphasize training, reflective supervision, community engagement, culturally responsive communication, and organizational accountability.