The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is set to implement its newest digital platform that seeks to provide easier access to donation channels for local social welfare initiatives, an agency official said on Thursday.

Assistant Secretary Ana Maria Paz Rafael of the DSWD’s Partnerships Building and Resource Mobilization said preparations are now in place for the launch of the Kaagapay online portal in February.

“Dito po sa Kaagapay donations portal po natin, kung gusto nyo pong mag-donate sa DSWD during disaster o kung gusto niyong mag-donate sa care facilities natin, pwede po (If you want to donate to the DSWD during disasters or if you want to donate to our care facilities, you could do so through our Kaagapay donation portal),” Rafael told reporters during the DSWD Thursday media forum.

Rafael said the website is designed to provide the donors with a simpler and more convenient way to offer in-kind and financial support for DSWD’s disaster response efforts, as well as for the agency-managed Center and Residential Care Facilities (CRCFs).

For donations under disaster response, she said, the portal will only accept cash donations through digital transactions to prevent poor quality perishable goods from being distributed to disaster-stricken areas.

In-kind donations, on the other hand, can be sent directly by the donors to their chosen CRCF.

The portal will help link the donor to partner courier services of the agency from the logistics industry. The payment for the delivery will also be shouldered by the donor.

The portal also links donations to registered and licensed social welfare and development agencies (SWDAs), as well as to local government units engaged in humanitarian response during times of disasters and emergencies.

“Kahit gaano kaliit, kung gusto mong tumulong at ipakita kung paano ka magmalasakit, pwede rito sa portal po natin (Even if it’s just a small amount, you can help and show your empathy through our portal),” Rafael said. (PNA)