• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reiterated its call for Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries to be cautious of political candidates attempting to exploit the program for their agenda.
4Ps Social Marketing Division chief Marie Grace Ponce said the program remains free from political influence, and only the DSWD has the authority to enroll, remove, or delist beneficiaries.
“Do not believe candidates or politicians who claim that they can include or remove you from the program,” Ponce said in a statement, adding that delisting follows strict legal guidelines and cannot be done arbitrarily.
Reports of political exploitation can be sent to the 4Ps text hotline at 0918-912-2813, the DSWD said in an advisory.
The agency, meanwhile, said it will soon launch an online system for the issuance of guarantee letters (GL) under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the digitalization of the agency’s regulatory and key services is being undertaken to be more efficient and accessible to the public.
“This digital development is in consideration of the plight of those in need of medical and hospital bill assistance, who usually do not have the luxury of time to apply for the services and go to the nearest DSWD offices,” Gatchalian stressed.
The agency also recently launched its Harmonized Electronic License and Permit System (HELPS), which is an online platform application for its regulatory services.
Social welfare and development agencies are urged to use the HELPS portal to apply for certificates of registration, license to operate and accreditation, as well as applications for solicitation permit.
One feature of the HELPS is the application for solicitation permit, which the DSWD issues to ensure the legitimacy of organizations and individuals seeking donations from the public for a cause.
It also features the online Minors Travelling Abroad (MTA) permit system, which is a service that the DSWD provides to ensure that minors travelling alone, or with companions other than their parents, are protected from abuse or exploitation.
In digitalizing the application for the MTA permit, the DSWD instituted more safety measures to protect children from possible human trafficking and exploitation.
The DSWD also has the Kaagapay portal, an online donation system where donors can directly send donations for the department and for their preferred SWDAs. | CGC
