The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) supported the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) through a comprehensive capacity building and immersion program aimed at accelerating the region’s shift to digital service delivery.

The two-week activity, held at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City from July 10 to 25, 2025, is a key component of the ongoing inter-agency collaboration to modernize social services. The primary goal is to help MSSD develop its own digital licensing and permit system, mirroring the successful model of DSWD Harmonized Electronic License and Permit System (HELPS). This initiative is designed to pave the way for faster, more responsive, and truly inclusive public service across BARMM.

The strengthening partnership was recently highlighted by a courtesy visit from top MSSD officials to DSWD Secretary REX Gatchalian. MSSD Director General Mohammad Muktadir Estrella, Director III Hasim Guiamil, and Chief of Staff Atty. Anna Liza Mones met with Secretary Gatchalian and discussed the collaboration’s progress.

The high-level meeting saw the attendance of key DSWD officials, including Undersecretary for Regulatory Services, and Institutional Development Group (RSIDG) Denise Florence Bernos-Bragas, MD, RSW, Assistant Secretary for RSIDG Janet Armas, Standards BureauDirector Atty. Megan Therese Manahan, and Assistant Bureau
Director Cynthia Ilano.

Also present were the MSSD staff members currently participating in the two-week immersion program, underscoring the practical, hands-on nature of the collaboration. Furthermore, MSSD Minister Atty. Raissa Jajurie provided a virtual address to express her full support for the digitalization effort, signaling the importance of this project to the BARMM government.

The joint effort between the DSWD and MSSD reaffirms the commitment to ensuring that cutting-edge technology is utilized to provide efficient, reliable, and timely social welfare services to all Filipino citizens, including those in the Bangsamoro region. (PJE)