BATASAN COMPLEX, Quezon City — In its capacity to implement policies and technologies that would enhance its service to the public, the Department of Social and Welfare Development (DSWD) has launched a digital platform that would serve as a virtual one-stop-shop for its regulatory services and reduce paperwork as well.

According to DSWD secretary Rexlon 'Rex' Gatchalian, with the instalation of its top-of-the-line digital system, "from what used to be 6 months of waiting time for registration, licensing and accreditation (RLA), the processes would be lessened to at least a week or 2 weeks."

Secretary Gatchalian explained that the platform will be using computerized monitoring and a tracking tool to make it easier for DSWD offices to process its paperwork and transactions.

"The platform is based on Republic Act 11032, sometimes referred to as the Ease of Doing Business Act, which requires that there must be no backlog and processing of all government transactions must be done with speed and efficiency, whether they are internal or external," he cited.

To further explain this, social welfare assistant secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao added that the Harmonized Electronic License and Permit System (HELPS) carries the tagline "Do not fall in line, Go online."
"The online system will help social welfare development agencies (SWDAs) avoid the manual registration, licensing and accreditation application procedure, which typically takes three to six months and requires applicants to make numerous walk-in transactions at DSWD offices," Dumlao pointed out.

"(It) encapsulates the rationale and objectives of this project. This online system will allow our clients to access our regulatory services anytime, anywhere as long as they have their gadgets and internet access with them, even at the comfort of their homes," she further said.

Under Republic Act 43734, the DSWD is mandated to issue a certification for the registration, license to operate and accreditation of social welfare and development agencies, peoples organizations and other civil society organizations engaged in social welfare services in the country.

"Making transactions faster, easier and stress-free through technology is crucial for the DSWD as these organizations applied for certification to help Filipinos and legitimize their operations," Dumlao stressed.
The manual process of applying for RLAs ranges from three to six months, where applicants undergo multiple walk-in transactions in DSWD offices. Through the HELPS online portal, clients can register their accounts, lodge their applications for RLAs in 20 minutes, and receive their certificates 14 days after their application.