Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian reiterated on Saturday (April 5) that the agency’s newly-launched digital initiatives are anchored on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s socioeconomic agenda on digitalization of government processes and operations.
“Digitalization, yan ang direction ng ating Pangulo, gawing mas efficient ang governance. Hindi kami exempted sa DSWD,” Secretary Gatchalian said as he briefed members of the media on the Harmonized Electronic License Permit System (HELPS), Minors Traveling Abroad (MTA) System, and Kaagapay Donations Portal during the Saturday News Forum at the Dapo Restaurant in Quezon City.
One of the key digitalization efforts, the HELPS, streamlines the registration, licensing, accreditation, and public solicitation permit processes for social welfare and development agencies (SWDAs).
This online system, according to Secretary Gatchalian, now makes it easier for foundations, non-government organizations (NGOs), and people’s organizations to apply for the necessary permits to operate and fundraise.
“Lahat ng foundation, non-government organization (NGO), people’s organization, bago sila makapag-operate at makapag fund raising, kailangang kumuha ng permit sa amin,” the DSWD chief said.
Secretary Gatchalian added: “Alam natin na hindi kaya ng gobyerno na sugpuin ang kahirapan at kagutuman nang mag-isa. Importante na may partners tayo katulad ng malalaking corporate foundations, private entities. Gusto na nilang tumulong, bakit pa natin sila pahihirapan.”
The DSWD chief also introduced the MTA System as part of the government’s efforts to prevent human trafficking.
The previous process of securing a travel clearance for minors traveling abroad allowed for potential trafficking risks, as a special power of attorney (SPA) alone could be submitted.
“Sa dating proseso ay delikado kasi tumatanggap kami ng SPA lang, maaaring hindi namin makita ang bata, ang magulang, yung companion, may binigay lang na SPA, mabibigyan na namin ng permit,” Secretary Gatchalian pointed out.
With the new system, a video conference is conducted with the minor, their parents or legal guardians, and the travel companion before a permit is issued.
“Importante ito dahil una, efficiency, at pangalawa ay malabanan ang human trafficking,” Secretary Gatchalian said.
Another significant effort in DSWD’s digitalization initiative is the Kaagapay Donations Portal.
“Hindi ito para sa DSWD pero gaya ng nabanggit ko kanina, lahat ng SWDAs, kapag na-accredit na sila, ang next na gagawin nila ay magpa-public solicitation,” Secretary Gatchalian explained.
The Kaagapay Donations Portal is an online platform for donors to send their cash donations to DSWD-registered and licensed SWDAs, as well as to local government units (LGUs) engaged in humanitarian response during times of disasters and emergencies.
“Sa web portal na yon, lahat ng mga legit na foundations na amin na-accredit, ipa-publish doon, pati contact details nila at adbokasiya nila para pwede naman kayong mag-donate deretso sa kanila,” Secretary Gatchalian said.
Secretary Gatchalian said these efforts align with the government’s ongoing push to improve the efficiency of operations through digitalization, ultimately enhancing public services and making them more accessible and secure.