DSWD soft launches online system for solo parent ID application
DSWD
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Thursday, Oct. 23 soft launched its new Solo Parent ID System, allowing solo parents and representatives from partner local government units (LGUs) to personally test the online platform.
DSWD-Protective Programs Assistant Secretary Ada Colico said the new system is an agency-led initiative that seeks to simplify the application, verification, and issuance of solo parent IDs in line with Republic Act (RA) 11861 or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act.
“In line with this important law, the DSWD, together with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), is mandated to establish and maintain a centralized database of all solo parents so they can be issued an identification card or booklet by their respective local governments,” Colico said in Filipino.
As part of its soft launch, 23 solo parent-applicants and local social welfare and development officers were given a detailed walk-through of the key features and objectives of the digital initiative.
DSWD’s partner-developer of the system, Viscion, led the hands-on activity for the LGU personnel who will manage the system while addressing the immediate feedback from all participants.
Colico said harnessing the voices of participants is on top of the activity’s goals, deeming it critical to resolve current system glitches and ultimately ensuring that the platform will be fully functional and user-friendly.
“Your voice is the most important in this gathering. We ask that you share your experiences with honesty and openness. Tell us what works and, most importantly, what doesn’t. Your comments, suggestions, and recommendations will directly shape a system that will be used by your fellow solo parents,” she said.
As the lead agency for the Solo Parents' Inter-Agency Coordinating and Monitoring Committee, the DSWD is responsible for ensuring the effective implementation of RA No. 11861 through technical assistance, resource augmentation, and the development of systems like the Solo Parent ID System.
The soft launch of the system serves as a prelude to the pilot implementation of the project from November to December.
Once fully rolled out, the initiative is expected to streamline application procedures, reduce paperwork, and strengthen data management and reporting across local and national levels for the benefit of solo parents nationwide.