Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian has emphasized the importance of easing access to the agency’s regulatory services through its latest digital initiatives as this would greatly benefit social welfare and development agencies (SWDAs) and the people receiving their services.
“Through the DSWD HELPS, we are able to provide a welcoming environment for all our SWDAs to make sure that we bring you into the fold so that you can be our partners and force multipliers in ending poverty,” Secretary Gatchalian told representatives of various SWDAs during the launching of the Harmonized Electronic Licensing and Permit System (HELPS) and the Minors Travelling Abroad (MTA) application portal in celebration of the DSWD’s 74th anniversary at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
Secretary Gatchalian told President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who was the event’s guest of honor, that the DSWD’s launching of its digital initiatives is part of the Chief Executive’s marching order to leverage on technology to streamline all government transactions and services.
“Mr. President, two years ago, when I joined your Cabinet, your marching order was very clear — to digitalize what we can digitalize, and so we went to work,” the DSWD chief said.
Under Republic Act 43734, as amended by RA 10847, the DSWD issues a certification for the registration, license to operate, and accreditation (CRLA) of SWDAs, people’s organizations (POs), and other civil society organizations (CSOs).
These services may now be accessed online through the HELPS and allow applicants to do away from the delays that may be tied to the traditional process that usually ranges from 3 to 6 months where SWDAs would have to undergo multiple walk-in transactions in DSWD offices.
“With DSWD HELPS we streamlined the process of registration, licensing, and accreditation, including public solicitation and duty exempt on importation of donations from six months to just seven days. Cutting down the processing steps from 49 to just 12 steps,” Secretary Gatchalian pointed out.
The initiative also led to significant cut down on documentary requirements. Applicants are now only mandated to submit only 10 to 11 requirements compared to 50 requirements previously.
The online platform also allows CRLA applicants to seamlessly proceed with application for public solicitation permit and Duty-Exempt Importation (DEI) through HELPS that allows non-government organizations (NGOs) to import goods without paying tax duties.
“Gone are the days where you have to do registration first, licensing second, accreditation third, come back to us for public solicitation, come back to us for your duty exempt,” Secretary Gatchalian said.
The DSWD chief said the agency expects that with the streamlined requirements and process, more SWDAs will be encouraged to avail of the agency’s regulatory services and contribute to ensuring that standards are upheld above board by organizations engaged in the delivery of social welfare programs.
Minors Travelling Abroad online app
The DSWD chief also took pride of the Minors Travelling Abroad (MTA) portal which now streamlines application and issuance of clearances for minors travelling abroad.
With this initiative, individuals applying for clearance for minors traveling abroad without their parents can lodge their application at the comfort of their homes — as long as they have an internet access and gadgets with them.
“Today, we are also launching the Minors Traveling Abroad Portal, an automated system that makes it convenient to get travel clearances for minors traveling abroad without the supervision of their parents or legal guardians,” the DSWD chief explained.
Aside from streamlining processing, the DSWD chief cited that the MTA system ensures that there are tightened mechanisms in place to protect children from trafficking. This ensures that social workers can see and talk to the child as they conduct the interview online.
“Through this digital innovation, clients can now schedule the interview of the child at their convenience during evenings or weekdays and process it in the comfort of their own homes online, allowing flexibility whenever the child is available,” Secretary Gatchalian said.