DSWD rolls out digital innovations to improve service delivery
In celebration of its 74th anniversary, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is set to showcase digital innovations aimed at enhancing service delivery and streamlining transactions for both external and internal stakeholders.
With the theme “Bawat Pamilyang Pilipino ay Mahalaga sa Bagong Pilipinas,” the DSWD is celebrating its 74th anniversary from Feb. 17 to 21, showcasing a series of new initiatives designed to enhance the efficiency, quality, and client-centered focus of its services.
While we focus on improving services for our external clients, we also remain committed to supporting our internal clients, said DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian during the anniversary kick-off ceremony.
One of the key initiatives unveiled during the week-long celebration is the “Paspas Gobyerno Information System” (Paspas G-IS), a digital platform designed to monitor and track the processing of documents and transactions across DSWD offices.
Gatchalian said the launch of this tool is in line with Republic Act 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business Act, which mandates zero backlogs and aims to expedite the processing of all government transactions, both internal and external.
“We have to make sure that we are not only giving extra love and extra care to our external clients but also to our colleagues in the office,” Gatchalian said.
The Paspas G-IS will feature automated tracking and notifications to enforce the 3-7-20 rule, ensuring timely processing and real-time updates on transactions to swiftly address backlogs and delays.
In addition, the platform will utilize data-driven analysis to identify bottlenecks and enhance operational efficiency.
Enhanced access to regulatory services
Gatchalian also commended the efforts of the agency’s various offices and bureaus that contributed to the creation of the Harmonized Electronic Licensing Permit System (HELPS).
The HELPS, along with other online systems, was launched on Tuesday, Feb. 18, at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, with President Marcos Jr. as the guest of honor.
As mandated by RA 43734, the DSWD is responsible for issuing the Certification for Registration, License to Operate, and Accreditation to social welfare and development agencies (SWDAs), people’s organizations, and civil society organizations involved in social welfare services nationwide.
Gatchalian said the new online system will streamline the application process for SWDAs, eliminating the lengthy manual procedures that currently take 3 to 6 months and often require multiple walk-in visits to DSWD offices.
“From what used to be six months of waiting time to get your RLA, now we're down to at least a week or two weeks,” he said.
“If before there were 50 requirements, forms, and steps, now we’ve reduced it to less than a dozen steps, forms, and requirements,” he added.
Gatchalian also expressed his gratitude to the Protective Services Bureau for simplifying the application and issuance ofclearances for minors traveling abroad (MTA) through the new MTA portal.
With the updated system, applicants no longer need to submit physical documents to any DSWD office nationwide.
Complete, verified, and authentic applications will now be processed and approved within just one to three days.