The Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) proudly congratulates Dr. Zenaida Paez-Beltejar, senior lecturer under the Diploma in/ Master of Social Work (MSW) programs, for receiving the Distinguished Social Work Alumni Award from the UP College of Social Work and Community Development (UP CSWCD).
Dr. Beltejar has an impressive 45-year career dedicated to humanitarian work with the Philippine Red Cross and the International Federation of the Red Cross, where she served as Manager of the Welfare Department. She began her career with the Red Cross in 1974 as a social worker caring for sick and wounded military patients at the V. Luna Hospital.
She has been teaching Clinical Social Work courses to graduate students at UPOU since 2016, guiding future and current social workers to develop practical skills in psychosocial support, clinical practice, and community-based interventions. In addition to her teaching, she serves as a consultant of Life Savers Medical Services through the Philhealth Konsulta outreach program, further bridging academic learning with real-world application.
Her unwavering dedication to Social Work has earned her numerous awards and commendations, including the “Everyday Heroes Award” from ACCOR for humanitarian work and recognition from the Armed Forces of the Philippines for life-saving efforts during the Marawi siege in 2017, where she provided psychosocial and other social services in high-risk conflict areas.
Her recognition as a Distinguished Social Work Alumna honors her decades of humanitarian service and her vital role in shaping future social work professionals through UPOU’s online graduate programs. Her dedication continues to inspire students, practitioners, and advocates, reflecting UPOU’s commitment to honor, excellence, and service.
Written by: Noreen Dianne S. Alazada • Edited by: Finaflor F. Taylan & Larry N. Cruz
FMDS Socials