THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is going full blast in its digitization efforts to make the agency’s services and programs more accessible, convenient, and even time-saving for different program beneficiaries, especially those from the vulnerable sectors.
DSWD Assistant Secretary for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Johannes Paulus Acuna said during the Serbisyong DSWD for Every Juan program over DZMM that no less than President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had ordered the automation of government frontline services to hasten and make more efficient the delivery of services and benefits to the public as well as ease the burden of lining up in agency offices.
“If they are waiting in line for a day to get the service, that is called an opportunity cost to our client. They will be absent from their work, while others will lose their daily salary. Basically, that is lost income,” Acuna said.
“So, if we have a digital service and our clients have the ability to use technology for the service, at their convenience, they can use our DSWD digital service,” he added.
Acuna also said that while the online digitized system aims to make it more convenient for the applicant, the stringent assessment remains to ensure that the intended program beneficiaries really receive the benefits and services.
Ample safeguards are also in place to ensure the safety and security of the online data and system.
Acuna said among the digitalized platforms under the DSWD are the Harmonized Electronic License and Permit System (HELPS), Minors Traveling Abroad (MTA) Online System, and the Kaagapay Donations Portal which were all launched in February this year, and the development of the persons with disability (PWD) unified identification system that is set to be implemented in its pilot stage this month.
The DSWD is spearheading the development of the PWD unified ID system in collaboration with the department’s attached agency, the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), as part of efforts to combat the proliferation of fake IDs and make delivery of services more efficient.
The 35 pilot sites are several towns in Pangasinan, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, Metro Manila, Bicol, Aklan, Bukidnon, Cotabato, as well as areas in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The DSWD is also currently working on the digitalization of the agency’s social registry system, case management system, social pension system, solo parent system, Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) online system, PhilSys E-Verify Tool, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) Information System Reengineering, and the development of an interactive website.
