In line with the digital transformation of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Secretary Rex Gatchalian said on Sunday (March 16) the agency will soon launch its online system for the issuance of guarantee letters (GL) under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).
In an interview over Super Radyo sa DZBB, the DSWD chief said the digitalization of the agency’s regulatory and key services is being undertaken to be more efficient and more accessible to the public.
“Isa sa mga ginagawa na namin ngayon at ilulunsad na sa lalong madaling panahon, yung automation ng pagbibigay ng guarantee letter. Kasi alam namin kailangan nila [AICS clients] yun para sa mga hospitalization, sa mga burial assistance,” Secretary Gatchalian told DZBB anchor Allan Gatus.
The ongoing development of the online portal to automate the provision of GLs is being undertaken so that individuals or families who are in crisis will no longer have to fall in line in DSWD offices.
This digital development is in consideration of the plight of those in need for medical and hospital bill assistance who usually do not have the luxury of time to apply for the services and go to the nearest DSWD offices, according to Secretary Gatchalian.
The DSWD chief said the online system for this is already undergoing fine-tuning and expected to finish the soonest possible time.
“Ang punto namin, paulit ulit, dapat convenient anytime, anywhere na access ng ating mga mamamayan ang tulong at services ng DSWD na hindi na sila kailangang na-hassle at pupunta sa aming tanggapan,” Secretary Gatchalian pointed out.
Don’t fall in line, go online
Aside from the soon-to-be-launched initiative, Secretary Gatchalian also informed DZBB that the agency has recently launched its Harmonized Electronic License and Permit System (HELPS) which is an online platform housing the application for regulatory services of the Department.
The DSWD chief urged social welfare and development agencies (SWDAs) to use the HELPS portal to apply for their certificates of registration, license to operate and accreditation (CLRA), as well as applications for solicitation permit.
“Kami ang nagbibigay ng permit o license to operate sa ating mga foundation, NGO, at civil society organization. Ito ang mga organization na tumutulong sa ating mga kababayan para labanan ang kahirapan. Pero bago sila maka-operate kukuha muna sila ng permit sa amin,” the DSWD chief said.
Previous to HELPS, the manual processing of the CLRA takes up to six months. With the online system, the SWDAs can expect their certifications within 7 days of processing if their applications are assessed as compliant and complete.
Another feature of the HELPS is the application for solicitation permit which the Department issues to ensure the validity of organizations and individuals seeking donations from the public for a cause.
The HELPS portal also features the online Minors Travelling Abroad (MTA) permit system which is a service that the DSWD provides to ensure that minors travelling alone or with companions other than their parents are protected from abuse or exploitation.
In digitalizing the application for the MTA permit, the DSWD instituted more safety measures to protect the children from possible human trafficking and exploitation.
“Nag-streamline tayo, sinigurado natin na hindi paulit ulit ang requirements. Pangalawa, dahil online siya, you can do it anywhere kahit nasa bahay ka. Pangatlo, may safety net ito kasi mayroon siyang online interview process kung saan nire-require namin yung magulang kasama, katabi ng bata, at ang guardian na sasama [sa byahe] sa pag interview ng social worker,” Secretary Gatchalian explained.
Prior to this, the child need not appear in interviews and third party applications are accepted for as long as there is a special power of attorney (SPA) provided.
As part of the digitalization efforts, Secretary Gatchalian also said the DSWD has an online donation system, the Kaagapay portal, where donors can directly send donations for the Department and for their preferred SWDAs.
The DSWD chief vowed that the agency will continue to digitalize its systems so that appropriate services can be provided to those in need as efficiently as possible.
Secretary Gatchalian reiterated: “Don’t fall in line, Go online.”(GDVF)