Unveiling New Initiatives to Empower Filipino Families during the DSWD 74th Anniversary Celebration

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian led the launch of several digital initiatives  on February 18, 2025 held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. These initiatives, including the Harmonized Electronic License and Permit System (HELPS), the Minors Traveling Abroad (MTA) online system, and the Pamilya sa Bagong Pilipinas program are designed to strengthen support for Filipino families.

During the walkthrough, President Marcos toured the exhibit starting with the  MTA booth, observing how the new system for the online certification of minors traveling abroad is designed to enhance fast, safe and secured transactions. He then engaged the SB staff at the HELPS booth, where Undersecretary for Regulatory Services, and Institutionalization Development Group (RSIDG) Denise Florence Bernos-Bragas, MD, RSW provided insights on the HELPS, showcasing DSWD’s commitment to digitizing regulatory services. The President concluded his tour at the Pamilya sa Bagong Pilipinas booth, where he signed a compendium book highlighting the Department’s dedication to supporting Filipino families across various life stages.

In her welcome message, Undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay-Villar emphasized the theme of the DSWD’s anniversary, “Bawa’t Pamilya ay Mahalaga sa Bagong Pilipinas,” and highlighted the Department’s longstanding commitment to uplifting the lives of Filipino families, particularly the vulnerable and marginalized sectors. 

Meanwhile, Secretary Rex Gatchalian outlined the milestones achieved during his tenure and introduced the Pamilya sa Bagong Pilipinas Program, as a comprehensive framework designed to address the holistic needs of Filipino families. He emphasized the significance of the HELPS portal in streamlining, simplifying, and digitalizing the regulatory processes. Secretary Gatchalian added that the MTA online system aims to streamline processes for acquiring  travel clearance for children, their parents, and/or legal guardians while ensuring robust child protection measures.

The ceremonial launch of the HELPS, MTA, and Pamilya sa Bagong Pilipinas was marked by a harmonized audio-visual presentation (AVP), receiving enthusiastic responses from President Marcos, other Government Executive Officials, DSWD Execom & Mancom Officials, SWDA attendees, partners, and DSWD personnel.

In his address, President Marcos commended the DSWD for its  commitment to public service and highlighted the Department’s innovative approach to supporting families through the Pamilya sa Bagong Pilipinas initiative. He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to leveraging technology in service delivery and recognized key programs such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and Assistant to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS).

“When it comes to serving the public, the DSWD remains as committed and even a better organization than it was when you began,” President Marcos stated.

The activity coincided with the Department’s 74th founding anniversary bringing together DSWD officials, stakeholders, and representatives from partner agencies to witness the unveiling of the digital initiatives. (MGCBA)