The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) soft-launched its new online application system for the registration, licensing, and accreditation (RLA) of social welfare and development agencies (SWDAs).
Aptly called “HELPS,” the Harmonized Electronic License and Permit System was pilot-launched in the National Capital Region and Central Visayas last December 17 and in Central Luzon and Davao Region last December 19.
“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,’ Social Welfare Undersecretary Denise Florence Bernos-Bragas of the Standards and Capacity Building Group (SCBG) said during the launching in Davao City.
According to Bragas, HELPS aims to make regulatory processes seamless and stress-free for SWDAs. She said 36 participating SWDAs from the four pilot regions had the unique opportunity to be among the first to experience the DSWD’s automated regulatory services.
“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,” Bragas said.
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.
HELPS is another DSWD innovation of Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian under the Paspas Serbisyo Program, which prioritizes the ease of delivering social welfare services by streamlining forms, processes, and requirements.
