Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian met with New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines Peter Kell to explore possible partnership opportunities to provide innovative ways to implement social welfare services and development interventions for the public.

During a courtesy visit to the DSWD Central Office on Monday, March 20, Gatchalian and Kell exchanged ideas on how to use the GovTech Accelerator Programme, a program run worldwide by the Creative HQ, New Zealand.

The program helps government agencies and public servants identify challenges and create a positive impact in their communities by introducing them to proven principles and processes of innovation.

Through the GovTech Accelerator Programme of the Creative HQ, Gatchalian plans to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) messaging platform to answer frequently asked questions of DSWD clients to avoid long queues and reduce waiting time; create an online portal for social welfare programs and services, such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations; and to digitalize the provision of financial aid to its beneficiaries.

Other areas for potential collaboration include increasing the capabilities of DSWD personnel and ensuring continuous professional development through various training programs and other learning exchange platforms.

Also joining Gatchalian during the meeting were DSWD Undersecretary for Special Projects Eduardo M. Punay, DSWD Undersecretary for Operations Group Jerico Francis L. Javier, DSWD Social Welfare Institutional Development Assistant Bureau Director Edna Sacedor, and DSWD Resource Generation and Management Office Head Catherine Grace M. Lagunday.