The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has vowed to ease aid distribution through digitalization in the wake of the demise of a beneficiary while lining up to receive his emergency cash transfer (ECT) at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium in Malolos, Bulacan last July 12.
On instructions from DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, the agency’s Information and Communications Technology Management Service (ICTMS) is embarking on a digitalization roadmap to ensure that all its social welfare programs can be easily accessed by clients online, without the need for queuing.
Asst. Secretary for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Johannes Paulus Acuna, who is also the agency’s Chief Information Officer (CIO), said the digitalization of frontline services make these more accessible, convenient, and time-saving as it would not require time away from work for the clients.
“Kung sila po ay pumipila at naghihintay ng isang araw para po makuha ang serbisyo, iyon po ay tinatawag na may opportunity cost sa ating kliyente. Sila po ay mag-aabsent sa kanilang trabaho, iyong iba po sa kanila arawan ang sweldo. Basically, lost income po yun. So, kung meron po tayong digital service at meron pong kakayahan ang ating mga kliyente para gumamit po ng technology for the service, at their own convenience po magagamit na po nila ang ating DSWD digital service,” explained during a radio interview last Saturday (July 12).
The DSWD has extended its sympathies to the family of 40-year-old Walfredo Ople Catajan, Jr., a beneficiary from Barangay Sto. Niño, Hagonoy, who was set to receive ₱5,625 in ECT when the medical emergency happened.
Catajan, who had long been suffering from a heart ailment according to his family, died of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) while being revived at the Bulacan Medical Center.
“Ikinalulungkot po ng DSWD ang pangyayaring ito at nakikiramay kami sa naiwang pamilya ng nasawing benepisyaryo. Tinitiyak po namin na agad silang mabibigyan ng kaukulang tulong alinsunod sa mandato ng ahensya,” Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao, the DSWD’s spokesperson, said on Monday (July 14).
According to Asst. Secretary Dumlao, the agency already reached out to the family and assured them of necessary assistance following the tragic incident.
The DSWD spokesperson also reminded beneficiaries, especially the elderly, persons with disabilities, those with underlying illnesses, and other vulnerable groups to prioritize their health and safety by sending their duly authorized representative when seeking government assistance. This is to prevent them from being exposed to greater risk of
contracting diseases.
“Nais din po naming ipaalala sa publiko, lalo na sa ating mga kababayang may karamdaman o may kapansanan, na maaari pong magpadala ng kanilang duly authorized representative upang tumanggap ng benepisyo. Layunin po nito na mapangalagaan ang kalusugan at kaligtasan ng bawat benepisyaryo habang tumatanggap ng tulong mula sa gobyerno, alinsunod sa utos ng Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr na tiyaking ligtas, maayos, at may malasakit ang paraan ng pagpapahatid ng tulong sa mga Pilipinong nangangailangan,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao pointed out.
The Department already launched several digitalization initiatives including the Walang Gutom Program (WGP), the Harmonized Electronic License and Permit System (HELPS), Minors Traveling Abroad (MTA) Online System, and the Kaagapay Donations Portal.
The DSWD is also planning to digitalize more of its frontline programs and services to include the dynamic social registry system, case management system, social pension system, solo parent system, PhilSys E-Verify Tool, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) Information System Reengineering, and the development of an interactive website.
For aid distribution, the DSWD CIO said the agency will begin piloting a digital system for processing and issuance of guarantee letters (GLs) under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program by the 4th quarter of 2025.
Asst. Secretary Acuña said the online system aims to digitalize and streamline the current process of requesting guarantee letters, where clients physically visit DSWD offices, bring documentary requirements, and fall in line.
“Dito po sa improvement natin dito sa AICS system, yung GL po ay online na mave-verify noong ating mga partner organizations—pharmacies, hospitals. Yung integrity po ng system ay pinapataas natin, yung convenience rin po sa ating mga kliyente, hindi na nila kailangang dalahin yung mga papel,” Asst. Secretary Acuña said.
The AICS is one of the social protection services of the DSWD that provides medical, burial, transportation, education, food, or financial assistance to individuals who are in crisis.
Asst. Secretary Acuña said part of the digitalization effort is exploring the use of technology for online client interviews and assessment, inspired by teleconsultation practices during the pandemic.
The DSWD’s digitalization efforts is in line with the instructions of President R. Marcos Jr. to ensure that that the delivery of social protection programs and services will be able to adapt with the changing socio-economic digital landscape. (AKDL)