The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is set to pilot a digital system for processing and issuance of guarantee letters under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program by the fourth quarter of 2025, an official announced on Thursday, July 3.

DSWD Assistant Secretary for Information and Communications Technology and Chief Information Officer Johannes Paulus Acuña said the initiative aims to streamline the process, reduce waiting time, and lessen the need for clients to physically visit DSWD offices.

“Sa ngayon po, ang inayos ng ating system ay paiksiin po ang pag-aantay ng mga guarantee letter. Mayroon pa po kaming tinitingnan na mga improvements, kung sakali pong payagan ng ating mga guidelines, baka po pwede naming gawin na huwag na pumunta rito sa amin ‘yung mga kliyente (Right now, the system is being improved to shorten the waiting time for guarantee letters. We're also exploring other improvements which, if allowed by our guidelines, may eventually enable clients to access services without having to come to our offices),” Acuña said.

The online system is expected to allow DSWD partner institutions, such as pharmacies and hospitals, to verify guarantee letters digitally.

“‘Yung integrity po ng system ay pinapataas natin, ‘yung convenience rin po sa ating mga kliyente, hindi na nila kailangang dalahin ‘yung mga papel (We're improving the system's integrity and making it more convenient for clients, who will no longer need to bring physical documents),” he added.

Acuña said the department is also exploring the use of remote technologies for client interviews and assessment, taking inspiration from teleconsultation methods used during the pandemic.

“Siguro pamilyar po kayo doon sa concept ng teleconsulting. Hindi po sila kailangang magkita face-to-face. Tinitingnan po namin yung mga social worker interviews, kung pwedeng gawin, ay gamitan na rin ng technologies para at the convenience ng ating mga kliyente. Tatawagan na lang po ng ating social workers at doon na po mag-iinterview, few hours or few minutes, ‘pag approved, available na ang guarantee letter (You may be familiar with the concept of teleconsulting. There's no need for face-to-face meetings. We're looking into using technology for social worker interviews, so clients can be interviewed at their convenience through a phone call. Within minutes or hours, once approved, the guarantee letter will be available),” he added.

While the digital system is designed to improve efficiency, Acuña noted that traditional, in-person services will still be offered to clients without internet access.

The AICS program is one of the key social protection services of DSWD, providing various forms of assistance, including medical, burial, transportation, education, food, and financial aid to individuals in crisis situations.