DSWD to boost digitization of services in 2026

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is currently digitizing their systems and programs for 2026, which includes the "automated Crisis Intervention Management System."

The new system shall integrate real-time client-data monitoring, which will minimize duplication risks and automate tracking features to determine whether the client had already availed assistance through different DSWD offices, according to DSWD Spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao.

“Dahil diyan, maiimprove natin yung monitoring and yung distribution ng financial assistance,” Dumlao said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB.

(Because of that, we can improve the monitoring and the distribution of financial assistance.)

The DSWD will also soon allow financial assistance distribution through e-wallets, which will eliminate the need for physical disbursement sites and prevent long lines and political interference.

“Isa yan sa nagsasabi na napopoliticize daw ang programa dahil may political actor sa pay-out sites. Kung tanggalin natin ang pay-out sites at diretso na sa electronic wallets ng ating mga clients, they need not go to the covered courts para pumila at doon nga po pwedeng maimpluwensyahan,” she said.

(One of the things they said was that the program is being politicized due to political actor in payout sites. If we remove the payout sites and head straight for the electronic wallets of our clients, they need not go to the covered courts to line up and be influenced.)

Meanwhile, Dumlao said that they are also looking into conducting online interviews instead of physical assessments to apply for assistance.

She noted that a similar online application system is currently being used for permits to travel abroad for minors.

“Iniiwasan na din natin nga is yung pinipila pa po nila… That’s where the DSWD is moving towards. Nagproprogress na kami ng digitalization ng ating programa,” she added.

(We are avoiding having them line up… That’s where the DSWD is moving towards. We are progressing towards the digitalization of our programs.)

Earlier efforts to digitize DSWD programs in 2022 were dropped due to several legal barriers. —Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/ VAL, GMA Integrated News