A digital platform that will serve as a virtual one-stop-shop for all the regulatory services of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will be launched on Tuesday (February 18) during
the agency’s 74th anniversary celebration at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, who is also the spokesperson of the agency, said that this digital project called ‘Harmonized Electronic License and Permit  System’ or HELPS is among the DSWD’s new projects lined-up for launching to mark the  agency’s anniversary.

“The tagline of HELPS which goes, ’Do not fall in line, Go online,’ encapsulates the rationale and objectives of this project. This online system will allow our clients to access our regulatory services anytime, anywhere as long as they have their gadgets and internet access with them, even at the comfort of their homes,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao said.

As mandated by Republic Act No. 43734, the DSWD issues a certification for the registration, license to operate, and accreditation (CRLA) of social welfare and development agencies (SWDAs), people’s organizations and other civil society organizations (CSOs) engaged in social welfare services in the country. 

For the DSWD, making SWDAs transaction faster, easier, and stress-free through technology is crucial as these organizations are applying for certification to help the Filipino public and legitimize their operations, according to the DSWD official.

The online platform is also anchored on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s  socio-economic agenda on the digitalization of government processes and operations.

Reduced steps, faster transaction

The manual process of applying for registration, licensing, and accreditation usually ranges from three to six months where applicants would have to undergo multiple walk-in transactions in DSWD offices.

Now streamlined through the HELPS online portal, clients can register their accounts and lodge their applications for RLAs in as fast as 20 minutes, and be able to receive their certificates 14 days after their application.

“Through the digital application system, the processing of the CRLA will be streamlined from 43 days to just 7 days for registration and licensing and 7 days for accreditation or 14 days in total,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao said.

“We also trimmed the client steps from 49 to just 12 steps. The documentary requirements were also simplified from 50 to just 11 documents,” the DSWD spokesperson added.

Applying for a public solicitation permit required of SWDAs desiring to solicit or receive contributions from the public for charitable purposes was also made easier. From 20 days, clients would just
have to wait for 7 days to receive their  regular permit, while temporary permits can be obtained in just 3 days.

Asst. Secretary Dumlao said the HELPS is expected to enjoin more to seek DSWD’s endorsement for Duty-Exempt Importation (DEI) certification, which upon approval of other concerned government agencies, can give non-government organizations (NGOs) the privilege to import goods without paying tax duties. 

The asst. secretary also affirmed that monitoring of SWDAs through face-to-face visitation will remain to ensure that there will be no blind spot for non-compliance and unethical management in the operations of registered, licensed, and accredited organizations or agencies.#