Manila: Solid North Party-list Rep. Ching Bernos and Abra Lone District Rep. JB Bernos are advocating for the passage of a legislative measure that aims to create a single window system for all social services at local government units (LGUs). The initiative is intended to ensure easier access and faster service delivery for citizens.
According to Philippines News Agency, House Bill No. 7465 proposes the establishment of an Accelerated Citizen-Centered Social Services (ACCESS) System in all LGUs. This system would serve as a unified access point for government social services, utilizing both physical service centers and a digital platform. The ACCESS System is designed to facilitate the access, intake, coordination, referral, and tracking of various government social services.
The proposed services under the ACCESS System include social welfare and assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development; health and social insurance services through PhilHealth; social security and retirement services via the Social Security System and the Government Service Insurance System; and housing and savings services under the Pag-IBIG Fund.
Additionally, the ACCESS System will encompass employment and labor assistance programs from the Department of Labor and Employment and Public Employment Service Offices; civil registration and identity services managed by the Philippine Statistics Authority; and local government social services for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents, scholars, and indigent residents, among others.
The system aims to serve as the primary entry point for citizens availing government social services, offering standardized intake, documentation assistance, and referral services. It will coordinate with relevant agencies for application processing, follow-up, and establish a unified tracking system for service requests. Furthermore, it will provide information on eligibility, requirements, and timelines, maintaining both physical service centers and digital access platforms.
Rep. Ching Bernos emphasized that the measure aligns with the principle that local governments should be the citizens' first line of help. She stated that through ACCESS, Filipinos would be able to approach their respective LGUs for necessary social services without the burden of navigating multiple government offices.
Meanwhile, Rep. JB Bernos highlighted the necessity for the government to simplify its processes, particularly in the realm of social services, given the urgent nature of these concerns.
