“Marami po tayong gagawin sa Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), at hindi po namin ito kaya na kami lang.”
This was emphasized by Asst. Secretary for Information and Communications Technology Service and Chief Information Officer (CIO) Johannes Paulus Acuña during the DSWD Thursday Media Forum on July 3 as he officially opened calls for the submission of proposals for possible collaboration in the digital transformation of the Department.
“We are launching a call for proposals dito po sa DSWD, kung kayo po ay government agency, private sector, technology provider, academe, consulting firm, nasa start-up, NGO or non-profit, punta lang po kayo sa link https://tinyurl.com/mwsyjwtb at gusto po naming malaman kung paano po tayo magtutulungan,” Asst. Secretary Acuña said in the media forum held at the DSWD Central Office’s New Press Center in Quezon City.
Under the leadership of Secretary Rex Gatchalian, the DSWD has aggressively embarked on the streamlining and digitalization of its programs and services in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr to digitize more than 90 percent of government agencies that give direct service to the people.
Asst. Secretary Acuña said the DSWD’s digitalization projects include the modernization of regional offices and attached agencies, as well as the development of online systems for frontline services.
These digital initiatives prioritize the improvements of systems supportive to investments in human capital, rapid and sustained disaster response, and efficient service delivery, according to the DSWD’s CIO.
“Investment sa human capital, ito po ay yung pagpapabuti ng ating mga mamamayan sa kanilang level of well-being. Kami po ay tumutulong din sa pag improve po ng sustained disaster response. Kahit na may areas na wala pong kuryente, walang internet, naghahanap po kami ng solusyon para mas mabilis at mapabuti pa po ang ating pag provide ng disaster relief services,” Asst. Secretary Acuña told reporters.
Earlier this year, the DSWD launched numerous automated systems such as the Harmonized Electronic License and Permit System (HELPS), Kaagapay Donations Portal, and the Minors Traveling Abroad (MTA) permit online system.
According to the CIO, the Department has various analog services which need digital transformation to better serve the public.
“Sa DSWD, marami po tayong analog services, pag analog po, dito po pumipila at nag-aantay ang ating mga kliyente, mga beneficiary. Unfortunately, nawawalan sila ng opportunity na magkaroon ng kita for a day. Kinakailangan po nilang umalis ng trabaho. …so inconvenienced po sila duon sa analog services,” Asst. Secretary Acuña explained.
The Department is currently looking for solutions to enable clients to access online services through its digital transformation. “Makakaasa po kayo sa DSWD, na yung frontline natin, ay digital at online na din po,” the CIO said.
Some of the digital projects currently being undertaken include the persons with disability Identification system, dynamic social registry, case management system, social pension system, solo parent system, Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) online system, PhilSys E-Verify Tool, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) Information System Reengineering, and the development of an interactive website.
The DSWD is also currently developing the concept for an Angel AI (Artificial Intelligence) which will serve as a help tool for the Department’s angels in red vests in the field.
“Yan po yung magiging tool or katuwang ng ating mga social workers sa field, yung mga nagpupunta sa mga bahay bahay, at kung may kailangan silang information sa DSWD, merong tutulong sa kanila,” Asst. Secretary Acuña pointed out.
Eventually, the Angel AI will be made available to the public to help them source out accurate and validated DSWD information.
With a long line-up of projects, as well as continuous enhancements of existing online systems, the Department is opening its doors for collaborations with experts to facilitate the comprehensive DSWD digital transformation. (GDVF)