DSWD asks public to report unauthorized solicitations

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MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has asked the public to report groups or institutions conducting solicitations without the agency’s permits.

DSWD Standards Bureau Director Megan Therese Manahan on Tuesday said that foundations, non-government organizations (NGO), or other institutions must be registered and licensed with the DSWD before they can apply for a solicitation permit.

READ: DSWD will strictly monitor public solicitation permits

“Kung may mga NGO po kayong nakikita or mga solicitation activities na nakikita, pakireport na lang po sa Standards Bureau at sb@dswd.gov.ph,” Manahan said in a National Press Club, as quoted in a statement.

(If you see NGO or solicitation activities, report them to the Standards Bureau at sb@dswd.gov.ph.)

The Presidential Decree No. 1564 mandates the regulation for solicitation permits.

Manahan noted that the permits of the organizations are processed and issued through the agency’s Harmonized Electronic License and Permit System (HELPS).

She added that HELPS is a platform that conducts the processing of the issuance of the Certificate of Registration, License to Operate, and Accreditation; public solicitation permit; and duty tax exemption for importing donated goods.

DSWD said that HELPS, launched in February, will process issuance of licenses for seven days.

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Further, Manahan emphasized that regulation of permits ensures that those activities are legitimate.

“Dahil ultimately, ang gusto natin, may quality ng services ang narereceive ng mga beneficiaries, at saka para masigurado natin na yung mga solicited funds ay napupunta sa targeted beneficiaries,” Manahan added.

(Because ultimately, we want beneficiaries to receive quality services and to ensure that solicited funds are given to targeted beneficiaries.)