Cordillera Administrative Region- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) here urges the public to be more vigilant towards donation giving this Christmas season.
DSWD- CAR OIC- Regional Director Janet P. Armas said that the public should be reminded that fund raising activities such as solicitation and caroling for charitable and public welfare purposes are regulated by the law. “It’s Christmas time and a season for sharing. However, there are entities that would take advantage of this. That is why we are asking the public to be cautious in supporting any kind of fund drives”, Dir. Armas said.
Presidential Decree 1564 of 1978 also known as the Solicitation Permit Law states that “any person, corporation, organization, or association desiring to solicit or receive contributions for charitable or public welfare purposes shall first secure a permit from the Regional Offices of the Department of Social Services and Development…”. Moreover, DSWD Administrative Order No. 14 Series of 2007 or the omnibus rules and regulations on public solicitation and Administrative Order No. 18 Series of 2010 also known as Code of Ethics for Fund Raising were issued to regulate the practice of solicitation of voluntary contributions in the Philippines.
“During this season, many groups would be roaming around to ask for donations and this includes adults that are caroling for their organizations. For us to ensure their legitimacy, we should ask for their solicitation permit released by the Local Government of the DSWD. This permit ensures us that the donation we will be giving will serve its rightful purpose”, Dir. Armas added.
As mandated, parties interested in fund raising for charitable and public welfare purposes should secure a solicitation permit from the DSWD Field Office or their respective Local Government Unit for activities involving only one city or municipality. Individuals who seek solicitation permit for their relatives who need medical and financial assistance should be coursed through a DSWD registered and licensed Social Welfare and Development Agency or the Crisis Intervention Unit of the DSWD or the Local Government Unit. This individual should be further certified by the Social Worker of his/her Local Social Welfare and Development Office (LSWDO) as a legitimate and eligible representative of the patient.
On the other hand, no solicitation permit will be issued to any business corporation, organization or association intending to solicit for the aforementioned purposes such that these bodies shall donate as part of their corporate social responsibility. However, their welfare arm, if any, will be allowed given that these bodies have a separate Security and Exchange Commission registration as a non-profit and non-stock organization.
Moreover, solicitation activities should also never involve lottery, raffle, and other game of chances or hazard. Solicitation paraphernalia should not portray a dehumanizing picture or situation of the intended beneficiaries.
Persons involved in the fund raising activities should have absolutely no share in the proceeds of the activities. Not more than 15% of the proceeds should be used for the administrative cost and the remaining 85% should be utilized entirely for the beneficiaries or intended projects.
Solicitation permits can be acquired from the DSWD-CAR Regional Office located at #40 North Drive, Baguio City beside NBI and BIR-CAR. Applicants should submit a duly accomplished application form, SEC certification, registration, license or accreditation certificate from the DSWD or LSWDO on the status of the applicant, list and profile of people involved in the activity, Work and Financial Plan, and other requirements to be identified after assessment.
On the other hand, mendicants or individuals roaming around asking for donations or alms should be reported to the nearest Social Welfare and Development Office. Any person, especially children, who beg for any kind of assistance should not be tolerated but should be referred to DSWD offices for proper intervention.
“It is the season of giving and we do not see anything wrong in sharing what we have, given that the circumstance is safe for the children who will be caroling in our neighborhood or that the money gathered will be used for the intended purpose and not for individual interests.”
“Also, it is not only through donation or alms giving that we can show gratitude towards the blessings we have received all throughout the year. We are also encouraging those who are interested and able, to donate to or spend time with our center clients this holiday season”, Armas shared.
DSWD-run centers include the Regional Haven for Women and Girls which serves as a center for vulnerable, disadvantaged and abused women, the Reception and Study Center for Children which is a temporary shelter for abandoned and neglected children and the Regional Rehabilitation Center for the Youth which serves as temporary home for children in conflict with the law.
Interested volunteers or donors to these centers may coordinate with DSWD-CAR through (074)446-59-61 or focar@dswd.gov.ph # DSWD-CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, Nerizza Faye G. Villanueva
