Norman B. Baloro, RSW, MSSW

Director for Operations
Office of the Vice President of the Philippines "THE only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be."

This is the life principle of a social worker who achieved his dreams despite poverty and being ridiculed because he is gay. Wearing a silver necklace and neat polo shirt and a smile to match, you’ll never know that Norman Baloro, 33, was once a streetchild in the 1990s, selling sweepstakes tickets around San Pedro Cathedral. “When I was seven years old, I wanted to sell tickets sa Cathedral for m

y survival since gusto nako tabangan ang akong lola nga diha sa San Pedro Cathedral namaligya ug refreshments (When I was seven years old, I wanted to sell tickets because I want to help my grandmother who was selling refreshments there),” he said. Being a vendor at the Cathedral, he not only earned money, but was also exposed to people with disabilities, the beggars. This fanned an ambition to be a social worker, to be of help. I really want to be of help, that's the reason, why I became a social worker. That is really my dream,” Baloro said. Seeing the city hall every day, he said, he dreamed he will work there someday. This dream came true as he was taken in by City Hall as a volunteer, a Youth Services Coordinator under the Davao City Social Services and Development Office, in a Badjao community at Isla Verde. After a year, he was given a regular plantilla position. “I’ve been in the City Government for 15 years. I did not expect to be assigned as district head and also to be awarded as the most outstanding district head in Davao City in 2014,” he said. Baloro said he was also the only registered social worker sent out by the city to help in Leyte after Typhoon Yolanda hit. Now in the new administration of Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, Baloro was given task to lead the Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender group of the city. They will be joining the Araw ng Dabaw celebration for the very first time, he said. Baloro’s inspiration in all his achievements is his grandmother. “Ang akong lola nakit-an nako maskin pag kanang survival of the fittest mi, maningkamot jud siya mangutang mangita jud siya ug paraan makaeskwela ko or makabayad sa tuition fee (I saw in my grandmother the determination. Even if we seemed to be in a survival of the fittest race she'd find a way to send me to school, to have money for my tuition),” he said. Growing up, his grandmother told him he does not want to see him ridiculed by others. “Gusto ko niya makit-an nga respetado ko (She wants to see me become a respected person),” Baloro said. His grandmother constantly reminded him to remain humble. Baloro, who will soon sit as assistant head of the City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO), said he also dreams of heading the office someday. “It might me ambitious but my only desire in life is to become the CSSDO head not because I dream of popularity, but what is important is I want to make a bolder step, I want to make an initiative to influence many people especially the vulnerable sectors of the community, I want them to be good leaders at the same time an inspiration to other people in the community,” he said. Baloro said that he has been gay for as long as he can remember, and that earned him ridicule.

“This is a struggle for me and at the same time a challenge to become more responsible and most importantly to show others that I am worthy of respect,” he said. He added that he was inspired by one of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s quotes: “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” There is but to walk the talk, he said, so that others will follow him. “Not because you have power but because you have the ability to inspire them,” he said.

10/05/2026

Loving God, we ask you to bless all Mothers today.
May they feel the joys of motherhood everyday.
In all their struggle giving us a livelihood, may your love and compassion be with them for good.
May every mother feel today, the pride and beauty of the family they bear. Through all pain and sorrow Lord deliver them- In your strength and grace may they always stay. Amen! 🙏💜🫂

01/05/2026

Happy Labor Day, Filipinos! 🇵🇭

Today, we honor the strength, dedication, and resilience of every Filipino worker—the true backbone of our nation. From our farmers and laborers to our teachers, drivers, healthcare workers, and public servants, your hard work fuels progress and brings hope to countless families.

May this day remind us of the dignity of labor and the importance of fair opportunities, just compensation, and safe working conditions for all. Let us continue to uplift one another and strive for a future where every Filipino worker is valued, protected, and empowered.

Saludo kami sa inyong sipag, tiyaga, at malasakit sa bayan.

Mabuhay ang manggagawang Pilipino!

Happy Labor Day! ✊🇵🇭

📷 ctto

09/04/2026

🇵🇭 Araw ng Kagitingan

Today, we solemnly honor the unwavering courage, sacrifice, and heroism of our Filipino veterans—the true guardians of our freedom and sovereignty. Their bravery, etched in the pages of our history, reminds us that the liberty we enjoy today was never given freely, but fought for with blood, resilience, and an unyielding love for our nation.

On this day, we remember the gallantry of those who stood their ground in the face of adversity, who endured unimaginable hardships, and who chose to fight not for themselves, but for future generations. Their legacy lives on in every Filipino who continues to uphold the values of courage, unity, and patriotism.

May their stories inspire us to rise above our own challenges with the same strength and determination. May we carry forward their spirit by serving our communities with integrity, compassion, and a deep sense of responsibility to our country.
Let us never forget that true heroism is found not only in moments of war, but in our everyday acts of kindness, service, and love for one another.
Salute to our heroes—past and present. 🇵🇭

Mabuhay ang kagitingan ng Pilipino!

Ctto: 📸

14/02/2026

Happy Valentine's Day... ♥️❤️💙💜💛💖💚

31/12/2025

Happy New Year!!!

Photos from Norman B. Baloro, RSW, MSSW's post

25/12/2025

Merry Christmas!🎁🎄

16/09/2025

OVP 2025 ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT: PAGBABAGO: A MILLION LEARNERS AND TREES CAMPAIGN

Narito ang update ng Office of the Vice President (OVP) sa ilalim ng PagbaBAGo: A Million Learners and Trees Campaign, kung saan umabot na sa 403,820 na school bags ang naipamahagi at 942,424 na puno ang naitanim sa buong bansa hanggang July 31, 2025.

Sa average na halaga na Php 349.77 bawat learner, nananatiling epektibo at abot-kaya ang kampanya sa pagbibigay ng tulong sa mga mag-aaral habang isinusulong ang adbokasiya para sa kalikasan.

Patuloy ang dedikasyon ng OVP na maglingkod sa ating mga kababayan at pangalagaan ang kalikasan.

16/09/2025

Congratulations to all Social Work Board Passers! 🎉✨

“Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other.” Your passion and dedication have brought you this far, and today, you stand victorious.

May you continue to uphold and protect the marginalized, oppressed, and depressed communities and families with empathy, integrity, and courage.

Do what is just and humane. 🌍💚
Mabuhay kayo, and congratulations once again! 👏🎓

Salute to all of you, the new Filipino Social Workers of our nation! 🙌

14/09/2025

I am truly honored to be invited by the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) to share my passion, dedication, and commitment in volunteering for the community.

My journey started when I was just 12 years old with the Bajau Community—a community that has long been deprived of opportunities and access to government programs and services. Since then, I have continued to work with, by, and for the people I serve, bridging them closer to what they rightfully deserve.

I salute and commend PNVSCA for giving me this platform to inspire and reaffirm my mission: to continue being of service to others.

Daghang salamat and I remain 🙏

📹 PNVSCA

18/06/2025

📣 Happy National Social Workers Day! 🙌

In support of Proclamation No. 1176, we join the nation in celebrating Philippine Social Workers Day — a recognition of the vital role that social workers play in building a compassionate, just, and inclusive society.

We honor the dedication, resilience, and heart of our social workers who stand at the frontlines of service — uplifting lives, empowering communities, and defending the dignity of every Filipino.

May this celebration deepen our appreciation and commitment to support our social workers in their noble mission.

Saludo kami sa inyong malasakit, sakripisyo, at walang-sawang paglilingkod sa kapwa. 🇵🇭

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