The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has soft-launched its new system of online application for the registration, licensing, and accreditation (RLA) of social welfare and development agencies (SWDAs), which is aptly called ‘HELPS’ of the Harmonized Electronic License and Permit System.

The HELPS was pilot launched in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Region 7 (Central Visayas) last December 17 and in Regions 3 (Central Luzon) and 11 (Davao Region) on December 19, 2024.

“The soft launch of the HELPS portal featured a unique, one-stop-shop processing of applications for various regulatory services, including RLA and the issuance of national and regional public solicitation permits,” said Undersecretary Denise Florence Bernos-Bragas of the Standards and Capacity Building Group (SCBG) during the launching in Davao City.

The HELPS, according to the SCBG undersecretary, aims to make regulatory processes seamless and stress-free for SWDAs.

Undersecretary Bernos-Bragas said a total of 36 participating SWDAs from the four pilot regions had the unique opportunity to be among the first to experience the automated regulatory services offered by the DSWD.

“These services ranged from the initial creation of user accounts to application submission and payment processing, culminating in the efficient issuance of certificates and permits following favorable assessments,” the DSWD-SCBG official said.

Undersecretary Bernos-Bragas said the upcoming full launch of HELPS will transform the DSWD’s regulatory services to become faster, more efficient, and client-focused for all stakeholders involved.

“I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who made this roadshow possible. May this activity be a significant step toward modernizing and centralizing the Department’s regulatory services through the adoption of advanced technology,” Undersecretary Bernos-Bragas said.

The HELPS is another DSWD innovation of Secretary Rex Gatchalian under the Paspas Serbisyo Program, which prioritizes the ease of delivering social welfare services by streamlining forms, processes, and requirements. # (LSJ)

Link: https://www.dswd.gov.ph/dswd-soft-launches-online-platform-for-agencys-regulatory-services/