In line with the continuing efforts to foster compliance-driven digital transformation initiatives, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) officially launched its Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Compliance Team in an inaugural conference and workshop held on December 3-6 at the DSWD Field Office 4-A – CALABARZON in Muntinlupa City.
Sponsored by the Information and Communications Technology Management Service (ICTMS), the 3-day event welcomed the members of the group, citing their convergence as a ‘big boost’ to the agency’s digital systems and processes, particularly in strictly adhering to data privacy, cybersecurity, and regulatory standards.
In his keynote message, DSWD Chief Information Officer (CIO) Assistant Secretary Julius Gorospe urged the newly-hired team to uphold public trust and ensure that the Department’s modernization meets the highest standards of integrity and security.
“As we embrace technology to revolutionize social protection services, we must never lose sight of the trust our beneficiaries place in us. Your role as compliance officers is to ensure that our systems remain secure, ethical, and inclusive,” Asst. Secretary Gorospe said.
The DSWD’s CIO emphasized that under the directives of Secretary Rex Gatchalian, the formation of the compliance team comes at a critical time as the agency is accelerating its efforts to digitalize service delivery and improve transparency in service delivery.
The initiative also aligns with the priorities outlined in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, which calls for government agencies to embrace digital transformation to foster efficient, citizen-centered services.
“You are the guardians of our digital transformation, ensuring that we meet regulatory requirements while championing the values of accountability and service excellence,” Asst. Secretary Gorospe told the members of the compliance team.
A compliance-driven digital transformation
The ICT compliance team, composed of newly hired personnel from the DSWD’s Central and Field Offices will be the oversight team in ensuring that the Department’s digital initiatives adhere to national laws, including the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, as well as international standards such as ISO certifications for information security.
Their responsibilities will include monitoring compliance, providing guidance to Field Offices, and mitigating cybersecurity risks in the DSWD’s technology infrastructure.
The initiative also supports the DSWD’s ongoing programs, such as the Beneficiary FIRST (BFIRST) program in partnership with the World Bank, which leverages technology to improve the efficiency and transparency of social protection delivery.
These tasks and responsibilities were briefed to the members of the team during the conference and workshop, which included training sessions on regulatory frameworks, data protection protocols, and risk management strategies.
ICTMS Director Christian Joseph Regunay expressed optimism on the broader impact of the compliance team, noting that it will serve as a model for other government agencies that want to enhance governance and accountability in their digitalization efforts.
“Through our compliance team, and building systems that meet global security and transparency standards, we are improving service delivery and restoring faith in public institutions,” ICTMS Director Regunay said.
As the DSWD continues to implement its digitalization roadmap, the ICT compliance team is expected to play a crucial role in taking bold steps toward achieving the Department’s vision of a more inclusive and technologically advanced future for social welfare in the country.
