DSWD orients LGUs, NGOs on public solicitation
THE Department of Social Welfare and Development in Central Visayas (DSWD) recently conducted an orientation on public solicitation to 43 non-government organization (NGOs) and four local government units (LGUs), namely, the cities of Cebu, Dumaguete, Canlaon and Talisay.
The one-day event aimed to identify and discuss specific amendments to the guidelines of Administrative Order 14 Series of 2007, known as Supplemental Guidelines on Public Solicitation, and recommend new provisions for the enhancement of public solicitation bill in the 16th Congress.
“LGUs and partner NGOs should be fully aware of the omnibus rules and regulations on public solicitation in order to ensure protection of beneficiaries as well as the general public from whom the donations are going to be solicited,” said Grace Subong, DSWD-7 Institutional Development Division Chief.
Subong added the agency has been receiving complaints and feedback about individuals and organizations that are soliciting without a permit from DSWD and without identifying the programs, projects or beneficiaries on which the solicitation proceeds will be spent.
Solicitation methods for public welfare or charitable purposes such as house-to-house, vehicle-to-vehicle, public transport and other similar activities are prohibited without seeking permission from DSWD.
NGOs may only apply for a permit to solicit from DSWD if their solicitation activities cover two or more municipalities or provinces within the region. Likewise, they can seek permits from the LGUs if the fund raising or solicitation activities covers their town or city.
A fee of P500 is required for local solicitation, while P1,000 for those national in scope. Without a permit from DSWD, the act of soliciting is illegal and could be sanctioned by imprisonment or monetary fine. It may also be grounds for revocation, suspension, non-renewal and blacklisting of their registration and license to operate.
Subong urged the public to report to their office any individual or group that are conducting public solicitation and check on the validity of the permit.
