DSWD: Beware of unlicensed groups soliciting donations

Inquirer files

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has urged the public to watch out for unlicensed organizations soliciting donations or organizing charity events after it filed criminal charges against a Cebu-based foundation operating without a permit.

The DSWD regional office in Central Visayas filed a complaint on Tuesday against officers of SimplyShare Foundation Inc. after the foundation was found to have been conducting public solicitations for several years without a valid permit, a violation of the 46-year-old Solicitation Permit Law.

READ: DSWD will strictly monitor public solicitation permits

A list of organizations accredited by the DSWD can be found on the recently launched DSWD Kaagapay donations portal.

At the same time, the public was asked to report groups holding solicitation or charity activities without the necessary permits to sb@dswd.gov.ph. —Kathleen de Villa