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Every April 9, the nation commemorates Araw ng Kagitingan or Day of Valor, honoring the bravery, sacrifice, and steadfast resolve of Filipino heroes. In today’s governance landscape, courage takes on a renewed meaning. It is manifested not only in extraordinary acts, but also in everyday decisions to uphold integrity, reject wrongdoing, and protect the public interest.

Within the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), this modern expression of courage is championed through the efforts of the Committee on Anti-Red Tape (CART). As the Department’s central mechanism for advancing transparency, efficiency, and citizen-centered service delivery, CART plays a vital role in safeguarding clients from exploitative practices such as fixing and misinformation.

Despite ongoing reforms to streamline procedures and improve access to services, the threat posed by fixers remains. These unauthorized individuals or groups take advantage of clients by offering to facilitate transactions for a fee, often spreading false information about requirements, timelines, or processes. Such acts are illegal and undermine public trust, while also compromising the integrity of government service delivery.

Under Republic Act No. 11032, fixing and related corrupt practices are strictly prohibited. The law imposes severe penalties on those found guilty, including imprisonment, fines, and administrative sanctions. Through CART, the DSWD actively supports the full implementation of this law by strengthening internal systems, promoting awareness, and monitoring compliance across offices.

CART also underscores the importance of empowering clients through accurate and accessible information. By promoting the use of official DSWD channels such as verified websites, authorized social media platforms, and designated frontline service points, the Committee helps ensure that citizens are properly guided and protected from deception. This includes ongoing initiatives to enhance digital services and improve communication mechanisms, making legitimate processes more transparent and user-friendly.

In addition, CART’s social media monitoring and coordination with concerned bureaus serve as critical tools in identifying and addressing potential fixing activities. By proactively responding to reports and feedback, the Committee reinforces the Department’s commitment to accountability and continuous improvement.

In this context, refusing to engage with fixers becomes a meaningful act of civic responsibility. It reflects a stand for fairness, a rejection of corruption, and a contribution to a system that works for all. Each client who chooses to follow the proper process affirms the values that CART seeks to uphold, which are integrity, efficiency, and trust.

As we commemorate Araw ng Kagitingan, the call to action is clear. Let us embody courage not only in remembrance, but also in practice. By rejecting fixers, resisting misinformation, and relying only on official DSWD channels, we strengthen the foundations of good governance and honor the enduring spirit of valor in our daily lives.

The Policy and Planning Group (PPG), through the Committee on Anti-Red Tape (CART), successfully conducted a virtual orientation on the PASPAS Gobyerno – Work-from-Home (PASPAS-WFH) Version on April 7, 2026, via Google Meet. The activity marks a significant step toward ensuring uninterrupted and efficient service delivery, even under flexible work arrangements.

As part of the Department’s ongoing digital transformation efforts, the PASPAS-WFH Version was introduced as an enhanced work management system designed to monitor productivity, streamline document workflows, and ensure compliance with established performance and service delivery standards. The initiative reinforces the Department’s commitment to maintaining operational efficiency and accountability, regardless of employees’ work locations.

The orientation was attended by Division Chiefs and Section Chiefs from Central Office Offices, Bureaus, and Services (CO-OBS), along with their respective PASPAS focal persons. Participants were provided with a comprehensive walkthrough of the system’s key features, including navigation, document handling, and reporting mechanisms. This ensured a uniform understanding and consistent implementation across all concerned units.

To further underscore the importance of the system, the effective utilization of the PASPAS-WFH Version will be integrated into the Division Performance Contract (DPC). This move is expected to encourage full participation and strengthen adherence to the Department’s standards for timely and quality service delivery.

Through this initiative, the Department of Social Welfare and Development continues to uphold its commitment to responsive governance, innovation, and service excellence—ensuring that public service remains uninterrupted and accessible to every Filipino, anytime and anywhere.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is taking a significant step toward digital transformation and regulatory compliance through the roll-out of the Anti-Red Tape Electronic Management Information System (ARTEMIS) Training for Central Office Process Owners on March 26 and 30–31, 2026, at the Kagalingan Auditorium, DSWD Central Office. 

This initiative supports the implementation of Republic Act No. 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, which mandates government agencies to streamline procedures and regularly update their Citizen’s Charter.

The training equips Central Office process owners, Anti-Red Tape Unit (ARTU) focal persons, and CART Secretariat members with the knowledge and technical skills necessary to migrate the Department’s Citizen’s Charter to the ARTEMIS platform. Participants are guided through the system’s features, compliance requirements, and hands-on encoding processes to ensure accurate and timely submission of service information.

Resource persons from the Anti-Red Tape Authority are facilitating the sessions, providing technical guidance on the use of ARTEMIS as a centralized database for the online encoding, submission, and management of government services. The platform was developed to strengthen compliance and improve efficiency in public service delivery.

Through this activity, the Department aims to ensure the successful migration of its Citizen’s Charter into ARTEMIS, reinforcing its commitment to red tape reduction, process streamlining, and the delivery of faster, more responsive services to the public.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through the Committee on Anti-Red Tape (CART) Secretariat, conducted the Cascading and Orientation on the KliyenTell Information System (IS) for concerned offices in the DSWD Central Office on March 24, 2026, via Google Meet.

The KliyenTell Information System, co-developed with the Information and Communications Technology Management Service (ICTMS), is a digital platform designed to streamline the collection, consolidation, and analysis of client satisfaction feedback across the Department’s programs and frontline services. Through the system, offices can efficiently administer the electronic Client Satisfaction Measurement (CSM) Form, enabling more responsive and data-driven improvements in service delivery.

The session gathered designated Client Satisfaction Measurement (CSM) consolidators, service focal persons, and personnel involved in client service delivery, feedback management, and reporting. Participants were guided through the system overview, procedures for accessing and administering the electronic CSM form, and the roles and responsibilities of offices in monitoring and reporting client satisfaction feedback.

A similar orientation for DSWD Field Offices (Regional Offices) is scheduled on March 25, 2026, supporting the Department’s efforts to institutionalize a more efficient and technology-enabled client feedback system nationwide.The implementation of the KliyenTell Information System will begin on April 1, 2026.

To strengthen awareness and compliance with the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018 (R.A. 11032), also known as the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Law, Director Wayne C. Belizar of the Internal Audit and Management Service (IAMS), which houses the Committee on Anti-Red Tape (CART), conducted an orientation with employees of the Protective Services Bureau (PSB) - Minors Traveling Abroad (MTA) on October 23, 2025, at the DSWD Auditorium, Central Office.

The session was attended by MTA Assessors, Interviewers, and Grievance Officers, who play key roles in frontline service delivery. The orientation aimed to enhance their understanding of the EODB Law, which mandates government agencies to streamline processes, reduce bureaucratic delays, and promote transparency and accountability in public service.

Director Belizar expounded on the key provisions of the Ease of Doing Business Law, emphasizing the establishment of clear service standards, the streamlining of documentary requirements, and the strict observance of prescribed processing periods for government transactions. He also identified potential lapses that MTA personnel may inadvertently commit at various stages of the Citizen’s Charter and provided practical recommendations to prevent service standard gaps. The session further highlighted the shared responsibility of all DSWD employees in fostering a client-centered culture and ensuring the delivery of efficient, transparent, and responsive public service.

The orientation is part of the Department’s continuing efforts to institutionalize anti-red tape practices and promote the principles of good governance across all offices and bureaus.

To equip DSWD offices with tools to craft more effective and client-responsive regulations, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through its Committee on Anti-Red Tape (CART), convened a Consultation Meeting on Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA). During the session, Director Wayne Belizar of the Internal Audit and Management Service (IAMS) opened the session, highlighting the role of sound regulatory processes in ensuring quality public service delivery. The consultation gathered representatives from the Standards Bureau, Crisis Intervention Program (CIP), Minors Traveling Abroad (MTA), ARTU Focals, and IAMS.

Mr. Anton Miguel T. Valde, Assistant Division Chief of the Better Regulations Office of ARTA, provided technical inputs on RIA’s application in policy development. He emphasized how evidence-based regulatory design can improve the Department’s responsiveness to client needs.

#DSWDPPG #PPG_Update 

#BawatBuhayMahalagaSaDSWD ❤️

Manila, Philippines – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has launched the PASPAS G-IS (Paspas Gobyerno Information System) on February 17, 2025, aimed at expediting document processing and reducing transaction times across government services.

Aligned with the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Law and the government’s anti-red tape initiatives, PASPAS G-IS is built to streamline and accelerate government transactions by tracking document movement at every stage, ensuring no transaction is left unmonitored or misplaced. The system also identifies office or personnel responsible for pending actions, ensuring accountability. One of the system’s key features is it provides real-time analytics on transaction delays, idle times, and handoffs which can identify process bottlenecks, allowing management to intervene when necessary. Moreover, the PASPAS G-IS features an interactive visual dashboard displaying pending transactions and prioritization cues, helping employees manage their workload efficiently thus ensuring adherence to the EoDB Law’s "3-7-20 Rule," which aims to resolve transactions within 3 days for simple cases, 7 days for complex cases, and 20 days for more complicated matters, significantly reducing the typical processing times for government services.

Secretary Rex Gatchalian expressed his support for the initiative, emphasizing that “extra love and extra care” should not only apply to clients but also to employees. By providing staff with a more efficient system, DSWD aims to create a better working environment that enhances productivity and job satisfaction, ultimately benefiting the public.

The PASPAS G-IS system is expected to be fully implemented at the DSWD Central Office by March 1, 2025, with field offices to follow in the 2nd Quarter of 2025. The system promises to significantly cut down document processing times, reduce backlogs, and improve overall citizen satisfaction by providing quicker access to services.

With this advancement, DSWD reaffirms its commitment to efficiency in service delivery. By accelerating internal processes, DSWD ensures that its services reach those in need promptly and with compassion—leaving no Filipino behind.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is set to enhance service efficiency with the PASPAS Gobyerno Information System, following its official approval by Secretary Rex Gatchalian during a meeting on February 7, 2025.

Developed under the Committee on Anti-Red Tape (CART), the PASPAS Gobyerno Information System is designed to streamline processes, improve client satisfaction measurement, and strengthen compliance with the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Act. Initiated in October 2024, the system has undergone rigorous development and is currently in its pilot testing phase.

During the meeting, Secretary Gatchalian emphasized the importance of digital transformation in ensuring swift and effective public service delivery. He recognized the system’s potential to enhance transparency, reduce processing times, and promote a more responsive governance framework. He also directed CART to assess the system’s efficiency in scanning bulk documents to further optimize workflow processes.

The PASPAS Gobyerno Information System is set to be officially launched on February 17, 2025, as part of the celebration of DSWD’s 74th anniversary. With the Secretary’s approval, the system will proceed to full implementation by March 3, 2025, marking a significant milestone in DSWD’s commitment to efficient and people-centered public service.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) was honored by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) at the 2023 ARTA Report Card Survey (RCS) Awards on October 30 at Conrad Hotel in Pasay City, for its outstanding performance in reducing red tape and improving public service. 

Leading the DSWD delegation, Undersecretary Adonis Sulit, Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Anti-Red Tape (CART), accepted the award along with Assistant Secretary for Policy and Plans Group Rodolfo Santos; FO-7 Director Shalaine Marie Lucero; FO-CARAGA Assistant Regional Director for Administration Tristan Telen; FO-CALABARZON Assistant Regional Director for Administration Alkent Bacolod; FO-11 OIC-Assistant Regional Director for Administration Mia Dulce Corazon Vergara, and other Anti-Red Tape Unit (ARTU) focal persons.

“The accolades received by the DSWD is a reflection of our strong commitment to upholding the provisions of the EODB law and streamlining its processes to deliver efficient, client-centered services ” Undersecretary Sulit remarked.

In ARTA’s RCS 2.0 survey of 860 agencies, seven of the eight evaluated DSWD offices received top honors. The Central Office, along with FOs CALABARZON, Central Visayas, Davao, and CARAGA, earned the prestigious Gold Award, while FOs Bicol and SOCCSKSARGEN achieved Silver. FO-11 (Davao Region) distinguished itself as a Top 3 national performer, excelling in access, facilities, payments, and processes, and was among the nine highest-scoring agencies.

Congratulations, Team DSWD! 

After the rigorous three-day external audit conducted by Socotec Certification Philippines Inc. (SCPI) for the ISO 9001:2015 recertification of the Quality Management System (QMS)—covering the processes of Registration, Licensing, and Accreditation (RLA), Minors Travelling Abroad (MTA), and Essential Support Services—we are proud to announce that NO non-conformities were raised by the auditors! 

As a result, the DSWD is immediately recommended for certification! 

This is a testament to our dedication to excellence and continuous improvement. Well done, team DSWD!  Keep up the great work! #EASEangDSWD #ISOngByahe

Quezon City, October 2024 – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) held its CY 2024 Top-Level Management Review on September 27, 2024, led by the Committee on Anti-Red Tape (CART). Key officials gathered to assess DSWD’s compliance with ISO 9001:2015 standards and the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Law, while advancing the Department's digitalization efforts.

Assistant Secretary Rodolfo M. Santos, CESO II, emphasized DSWD’s ongoing initiatives to digitalize services, including the Registration, Licensing, and Accreditation (RLA) of Private Social Welfare Agencies and the issuance of Travel Clearances for Minors Traveling Abroad (MTA). He reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to quality service and continuous improvement in line with DSWD’s 2028 vision.

Atty. Divine Kristine S. Leaño, CART Lead Secretariat, provided updates on the ISO 9001:2015 Recertification Project, while Ms. Oliva Arcaina of the Internal Quality Audit Technical Working Group reported on the CY 2024 Internal Audit. No major nonconformities were found, but minor issues are being addressed.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to ensuring readiness for the upcoming ISO recertification audit and furthering DSWD’s digitalization and service improvements.

On August 22, 2024, DSWD Field Office VI was honored with a certificate of recognition at the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Summit held in Iloilo City. The invitation from the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) allowed the office to showcase its exemplary practices in governance and compliance.

The award was presented to DSWD Field Office VI's Assistant Regional Director for Administration, Director Joselito G. Estember, and the office's ARTU Focal, Mr. Percival L. Agsam. The award was given by ARTA Secretary Ernesto V. Perez and ARTA Undersecretary Gerald G. Divinagracia during a special ceremony on stage.

The recognition highlights DSWD Field Office VI's dedication to upholding the highest standards of efficiency and transparency in public service. The award underscores the office’s commitment to improving service delivery and setting a benchmark for excellence within the government sector.

The 2nd ARTU and Secretariat Regular Quarterly Meeting (ASRQM) was successfully held on 21 June, 2024 via Google Meet. The meeting brought together the ARTU Focal Persons and Secretariat to review progress, discuss ongoing projects, and strategize for the upcoming quarter. The meeting was presided by the CART Alternate Vice Chairperson Assistant Secretary Rodolfo M. Santos.

Presentations during the meeting can be accessed here: https://shorturl.at/J1JFa

The Department of Social Welfare and Development, through the Committee on Anti-Red Tape - Technical Working Group on Internal Quality Audit (CART TWG on IQA), conducted the IQA Capacity Building Workshop last May 20-24, 2024 at Sequoia Hotel, Quezon City and via Zoom Platform.

The five-day workshop, spearheaded by Undersecretary for Policy and Plans and CART Vice Chairperson, Atty. Adonis P. Sulit CESO II, Assistant Secretary and CART Alternate Vice Chairperson Rodolfo M. Santos CESO II,  and Policy Development and Planning Bureau - Management Division Chief Atty. Divine Kristine S. Leano, aimed to enhance the capability of the DSWD Internal Quality Auditors (IQAs) to carry out internal quality audits aligned with the ISO 19011:2018 standards of auditing Quality Management Systems, and to plan the DSWD’s Annual Internal Quality Audit Program. The activity was attended by IQA Team Leaders and Assistant Team Leaders in the Central and Field Offices.

MANILA Philippines - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has secured once more its eligibility for the grant of the FY 2022 Performance-Based Bonus. In the scorecard released by the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Harmonization of National Government Performance Monitoring, Information, and Reporting Systems or commonly known as the IATF AO 25, DSWD personnel are entitled to 52% PBB Grant of their monthly basic salary after garnering a total score of 16 equivalent to 80 total points. The Department has also ensured compliance to 8 out of 11 Agency Accountability Requirements.

To be eligible for the grant, agencies must satisfy the criteria and conditions under the four (4) dimensions of accountability namely Performance Results, Process, Results, Financial Results, and Citizen/Client Satisfaction Results and attain a total score of at least 70 points and achieve at least a rating of 4 for at least three (3) criteria based on the PBB Scoring System.

It is noteworthy that DSWD was able to get a perfect score for financial and process results. Financial Results refer to the actual spending of the agency's budget allotment vis-a-vis the realization of the committed programs and projects based on the FY 2022 GAA. On the other hand, Process Results refer to the achievements in ease of doing business/ease of transaction with the agency as a result of streamlining and standardization.