Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) regulatory services are now made more accessible as its digital systems called Harmonized Electronic License and Permit System (HELPS) and Minors Travelling Abroad (MTA) have been integrated into the eGov PH (e-Government Philippines) Application. The move is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s vision to harness the power of technology to make government services closer to the reach of Filipinos.

According to Philippines News Agency, Director Megan Therese Manahan of the Standards Bureau, which oversees the HELPS, expressed satisfaction with the integration, highlighting its significance for social welfare and development agencies (SWDAs). The eGov PH app simplifies transactions between the government and the Filipino public, allowing SWDAs, foundations, and charitable organizations to apply for their required permits through the app.

The platform will facilitate the application process for registration, licensing, and accreditation (RLA) of SWDAs, public solicitation permits, and the issuance of certifications for duty-exempt importation (DEI) of donated goods. Manahan noted that clients can expect streamlined processes, with the RLA available in as fast as 14 days and public solicitation permits taking a maximum of seven days. The DEI can be processed in just one to three days.

Additionally, the DSWD's MTA system for issuing travel permits for minors travelling abroad has been integrated into the app. Assistant Secretary Colico emphasized that this service is crucial for protecting children from trafficking and abuse. Through the platform, parents and guardians can apply for travel permits anytime and anywhere, with complete and correct applications processed online.

This initiative aligns with the Marcos administration's goal of building a connected nation, integrating more than 1,000 government systems into the eGov PH app to minimize economic costs for citizens.