The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) frontline services such as the Registration, Licensing, and Accreditation (RLA) of Social Welfare and Development Agencies (SWDAs) and the issuance of travel clearance under the Minors Traveling Abroad (MTA) will soon be made seamless, faster, and easier with the introduction of the Harmonized Electronic License and Permit System (HELPS).
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said in an interview with PTV on Monday (January 13) he expects the processing for the registration, accreditation, and licensing of SWDAs will be reduced to several days instead of months, once the automated system under HELPS become operationalized.
“In the next month, ila-launch na natin yung DSWD HELPS wherein lahat automated na at binawasan natin yung steps, binawasan natin yung forms at binawasan natin yung processing days. So, kung dati buwan inaabot, ngayon ay ilang araw na lang makukuha na nila yung permit,” Secretary Gatchalian told the PTV program anchors.
Secretary Gatchalian said it is important to ease the transactional requirements for the SWDAs as these organizations are applying for a DSWD license to help the Filipino public.
The DSWD is currently finalizing the automated system so as not to hinder the good work that the foundations, non-government organizations, and people’s organizations would like to be doing.
“Ngayon, puro manual yan (proceso). Dati, nung nadatnan natin, umaabot hanggang 3-6 na buwan para lang makapag-register, license, and makakuha ng accreditation,” Secretary Gatchalian explained.
Through the DSWD HELPS, the agency streamlined the steps, documentary requirements, and processing days.
The DSWD chief said the automated system will include the application for the issuance of the travel permit for minors who are traveling abroad alone or accompanied by persons other than their parents.
Secretary Gatchalian, however, stressed that despite the goal of streamlining transactions through the online system, the DSWD is ensuring that measures are in place to prevent abuse and malpractice.
Specifying the issuance of permit for MTA, Secretary Gatchalian said: “Bagamat sinisigurado natin na mabilis ang proseso, sinisigurado pa rin natin na hindi ito magiging sangkap para sa human trafficking.” (GDVF)
