“We see you. We hear you. And we acknowledge your struggles.”
This was emphasized by Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian during the celebration of Filipino Social Workers Day on Thursday (June 19) as he cited the constant innovations of the agency aimed at easing the small inconveniences that often put the social work community at a disadvantage.
“The instruction of our President is simple: to make the lives of our service providers easier and more efficient, so you can do what you do best, serve with a heart and with compassion,” the DSWD chief told social workers who joined the celebration at the Manila Hotel.
Bannering the theme, “Tibay at Pagkakaisa ng Salinlahi Gamit ang Talino, Husay at Kalinga para sa Pagpapanatili ng Kagalingang Pantao,” the event spotlighted the Filipino social work community’s compassion, altruism, and contribution to nation-building over the years.
Secretary Gatchalian said helping social workers navigate the complexities of their profession with the convenience brought by technology is among his priorities, leading to the inception of the digital systems, Harmonized Electronic License and Permit System (HELPS) and Minors Traveling Abroad (MTA).
Social welfare and development agencies’ (SWDAs) compliance to permits issued by the DSWD has been made simpler with the new HELPS system, according to Secretary Gatchalian.
“When we launched HELPS, we were very clear with our purpose: eliminate the struggles that our social welfare and development agencies have to go through just to have their good works registered, licensed, and accredited,” Secretary Gatchalian said.
Before, the process of having SWDAs registered, licensed, and accredited used to take up to 3 months. Now, it can only take 7 to 14 days of processing days upon application and compliance of documentary requirements.
The DSWD chief said the technological advancement under the MTA system was also patterned with the same line of thinking. It is designed to provide convenience in the issuance of travel permits for minors who will be needing it and agency social workers who ensure children’s rights are protected at all times.
With every advancement pushed, Secretary Gatchalian cited the social workers’ voices as the driving force.
“We have also upgraded and expanded the DSWD Academy, enhancing its capacity as a true center for professional development for both registered social workers and paraprofessionals. Again, itong mga pagbabago na ito, these were made by the social workers, with the social workers, and for the social workers,” the DSWD chief pointed out.
Secretary Gatchalian also seized the chance to thank the community for their big heart for the poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged sector, and the difference that they make “day in and day out.”
This gratitude and recognition went beyond words as the DSWD chief led the awarding ceremony for exemplary social workers, social work organizations, and partner-local government units in social welfare and development.
The other DSWD officials present in the celebration were Undersecretary Denise Florence Bernos-Bragas and Asst. Secretary Janet Armas of the Regulatory Services and Institutional Development Group (RSIDG), Undersecretary Adonis Sulit of the Policy and Plans Group (PPG), and Director Justin Caesar Anthony Batocabe of the DSWD Academy.
Former DSWD Secretary Corazon Alma De Leon also graced the event and lauded the altruism of Filipino social workers over the years. (LSJ)