“Our thrust is to deliver services that exceed expectations and not mere policy compliance, enabling the public to access support with dignity and ease.”
This was emphasized by Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian in his message during the agency’s kick-off celebration for the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Month on Monday (May 5) at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City.
The message of the Secretary, which was delivered by Undersecretary Adonis Sulit of the DSWD Policy and Plans Group (PPG) and the agency’s Committee on Anti-Red Tape (CART) vice chairperson, also stressed the Department’s notable practices on the implementation of the EODB Law.
“From digital innovations and streamlined workflows to people-first policies that champion good governance, these gains are possible because we opened our doors to inclusive governance, listening to the voices of our public, partners, and stakeholders,” the DSWD chief said.
The DSWD’s EODB Month celebration was also attended by selected guests who shared their testimonials as partners and clients of the agency.
In his testimonial, United Nations (UN) World Food Programme (WFP) Philippines Deputy Country Director Dr. Dipayan Bhattacharyya pointed out that the DSWD acronym now stands for “delivering services with dignity; delivering services with diligence; and delivering services with dedication” because of the significant improvements in the agency’s operations as the lead disaster response and social protection agency.
Visions of Hope Foundation, Inc. Officer-in-Charge John Marcel Tabije, in his message, commended the agency’s efficient and client-centric public solicitation permit processing through the Harmonized Electronic License and Permit System (HELPS), the DSWD’s latest digital innovation that streamlines its frontline services.
On behalf of the process owners of the Department, Director Karina Antonette Agudo of the Administrative Service (AS) shared a testimonial on the different online systems and policies which greatly helped lessen internal bureaucratic processes in the Department.
Among the good practices that she cited were the implementation of the online systems called the Property Records and Equipment Monitoring Inventory System (PREMIS); the General Services e-Ticketing Service (GSETS); strict adherence to the DSWD’s records disposition process; and the adoption of framework agreements to fast-track the procurement of supplies.
In line with Presidential Proclamation No. 818, s. 2019, the EODB Month puts emphasis on the government’s commitment toward enhancing regulatory efficiency, minimizing bureaucratic red tape, as well as improving the overall quality and timeliness of public service delivery.
This year’s theme, “Red Tape to Red Carpet: Better Business Movement in a Bagong Pilipinas,” calls for all government agencies to transition toward more streamlined, paper-less processes that are more client-centric, responsive, accountable, and service-oriented. # (AKDL)