Bulacan aid beneficiary dies waiting in line; DSWD eyes digitalization

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Monday extended its condolences to the family of 40-year-old Walfredo Ople Catajan Jr., a beneficiary from Barangay Sto. Niño, Hagonoy, Bulacan, who died while waiting to receive his P5,625 emergency cash transfer (ECT) from the agency.

Catajan, who had long suffered from a heart ailment, succumbed to acute coronary syndrome while being revived at the Bulacan Medical Center.

“Ikinalulungkot po ng DSWD ang pangyayaring ito at nakikiramay kami sa naiwang pamilya ng nasawing benepisyaryo. Tinitiyak po namin na agad silang mabibigyan ng kaukulang tulong alinsunod sa mandato ng ahensya,” DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said.

She added that the agency has already reached out to the bereaved family and assured them of appropriate support. Dumlao also reminded vulnerable individuals, including senior citizens, PWDs, and the chronically ill, to send authorized representatives when claiming aid to avoid health risks.

“Nais din po naming ipaalala sa publiko...na maaari pong magpadala ng kanilang duly authorized representative... Layunin po nito na mapangalagaan ang kalusugan at kaligtasan ng bawat benepisyaryo,” she said.

Following the incident, the agency reiterated its commitment to fast-track digital reforms to reduce waiting times and physical visits to DSWD offices.

As directed by Secretary Rex Gatchalian, the Information and Communications Technology Management Service (ICTMS) is developing a digital roadmap to modernize frontline services.

Assistant Secretary for ICT and Chief Information Officer Johannes Paulus Acuña said digital access would eliminate opportunity costs for clients who often lose income due to long lines and absences from work.

“Kung sila po ay pumipila... iyon po ay tinatawag na may opportunity cost. Basically, lost income po ‘yun,” he explained. “Kung meron tayong digital service...at their own convenience po magagamit na po nila ang ating DSWD digital service.”

Starting in Q4 of 2025, the DSWD will pilot the digitized processing of Guarantee Letters (GLs) under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, allowing partner hospitals and pharmacies to verify GLs online.

The agency is also exploring teleconsultation-style virtual interviews and assessments for clients—similar to remote medical consults done during the pandemic.

Other initiatives in the pipeline include a dynamic social registry, case management system, social pension system, solo parent system, and improved Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) IT infrastructure, among others.

This digitalization drive supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to modernize the delivery of social protection services and make them more responsive to the evolving digital landscape.