Quezon City: Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Monday emphasized the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) commitment to delivering services that ‘exceed expectations,’ aiming for the public to access support ‘with dignity and ease.’ This message was conveyed by Undersecretary for Policy and Plans Group and Committee on Anti-Red Tape vice chairperson Adonis Sulit during the kickoff of the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Month at the DSWD central office.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DSWD chief highlighted the importance of digital innovations, streamlined workflows, and people-first policies as part of the department’s strategy to enhance governance. Gatchalian noted that these improvements were achieved by fostering inclusive governance and engaging with the public, partners, and stakeholders.

The EODB Month celebration at the DSWD also featured testimonials from selected guests, including United Nations (UN) World Food Programme (WFP) Philippines Deputy Country Director Dr. Dipayan Bhattacharyya. He remarked that the DSWD acronym now represents ‘delivering services with dignity, diligence, and dedication’ due to notable operational improvements in the agency’s role as the lead disaster response and social protection entity.

John Marcel Tabije, officer-in-charge of the Visions of Hope Foundation, Inc., praised the DSWD’s efficient and client-focused public solicitation permit processing through the Harmonized Electronic License and Permit System (HELPS). This digital innovation aims to streamline the department’s frontline services.

Director Karina Antonette Agudo of the Administrative Service discussed various online systems and policies that have significantly reduced internal bureaucratic processes within the DSWD. These include the Property Records and Equipment Monitoring Inventory System (PREMIS), the General Services e-Ticketing Service (GSETS), adherence to the department’s records disposition process, and the adoption of framework agreements to expedite supply procurement.

The EODB Month, in line with Presidential Proclamation No. 818, s. 2019, underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing regulatory efficiency, reducing bureaucratic red tape, and improving the quality and timeliness of public service delivery. This year’s theme, ‘Red Tape to Red Carpet: Better Business Movement in a Bagong Pilipinas,’ encourages all government agencies to shift toward more streamlined, paperless, and client-centric processes that are responsive, accountable, and service-oriented.