Social Welfare and Development Agencies (SWDAs) with ongoing applications with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) may continue to submit their applications via email while the agency prepares for the launching of its online facility on regulatory services, a DSWD official announced on Thursday (August 8).

“Once launched, the online facility called the DSWD Harmonized Electronic License and Permit System or HELPS will be utilized for the processing of registration and licensing of SWDAs, and accreditation of their SWD programs and services,” Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao, who also the DSWD spokesperson, said.

The submission via email is also in accordance with the approval of the DSWD Memorandum Circular No. 18, Series of 2024, titled Omnibus Guidelines on the Regulation of SWDAs and their Social Welfare and Development (SWD) Programs and Services, which provides that in case the DSWD HELPS is unavailable, applicants can still submit their duly accomplished application forms and requirements to the Standard Bureau’s (SB) official email address, sb@dswd.gov.ph.

The application form and templates can be downloaded from the DSWD website or by requesting a copy  from the SB or concerned DSWD Field Office, according to the DSWD spokesperson.

The SWDAs are non-stock, non-profit corporation, organization or association engaged in providing, directly or indirectly, social welfare and development programs and services and obtain their finances from any government agency or instrumentality, with fund generating activities, as authorized by law.

Asst. Secretary Dumlao said agencies may apply for registration and license as a SWDA, as well as accreditation of their programs and services with the DSWD, as part of the agency’s regulatory functions. #