DSWD GOES DIGITAL
DON’T fall in line, go online.
This was the advice of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian to the people as he assured them that the agency will soon launch its online system for the issuance of guarantee letters (GL) under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), in line with the digital transformation.
In an In an interview over radio, Gatchalian said the digitalization of the agency’s regulatory and key services is being undertaken to be more efficient and more accessible to the public.
“Isa sa mga ginagawa na namin ngayon at ilulunsad na sa lalong madaling panahon, yung automation ng pagbibigay ng guarantee letter. Kasi alam namin kailangan nila [AICS clients] yun para sa mga hospitalization, sa mga burial assistance,” Gatchalian told DZBB anchor Allan Gatus.
The ongoing development of the online portal to automate the provision of GLs is being undertaken so that individuals or families who are in crisis will no longer have to fall in line in DSWD offices.
This digital development is in consideration of the plight of those in need for medical and hospital bill assistance who usually do not have the luxury of time to apply for the services and go to the nearest DSWD offices, according to Secretary Gatchalian.
The DSWD chief said the online system for this is already undergoing fine-tuning and expected to finish the soonest possible time.
“Ang punto namin, paulit ulit, dapat convenient anytime, anywhere na access ng ating mga mamamayan ang tulong at services ng DSWD na hindi na sila kailangang na-hassle at pupunta sa aming tanggapan,” Gatchalian pointed out.
Aside from the soon-to-be-launched initiative, Gatchalian also informed the public that the agency has recently launched its Harmonized Electronic License and Permit System (HELPS) which is an online platform housing the application for regulatory services of the Department.
The DSWD chief urged social welfare and development agencies (SWDAs) to use the HELPS portal to apply for their certificates of registration, license to operate and accreditation (CLRA), as well as applications for solicitation permit.
