Cordillera Administrative Region-The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) here reminds the public to be careful in providing donations to groups or individuals asking for donations for those who are affected by the volcanic activities of Mt. Taal in Batangas Province.
This follows the report that some groups and individuals are allegedly conducting solicitation activities.
“We believe that many good hearted people want to extend their blessings to our kababayans who are in a difficult situation now but we also need to ensure that our donations will be used for the welfare of the identified beneficiaries and not for the personal interest of the solicitor ” DSWD-CAR OIC Regional Director Leo L. Quintilla said.
DSWD is mandated to provide solicitation permit to individuals, groups, organizations, or offices that wish to solicit monetary donation for public and charitable purposes.
Under Memorandum Circular (MC) 17 Series of 2014, any group or organization issued with a solicitation permit is required to submit fund utilization report, list of donors and beneficiaries, and other pertinent documents upon the expiry of issued permit. DSWD Offices issue permits for regional or national fund solicitation activities. The validity of the said permits shall not exceed six (6) months or one (1) year, respectively. Meanwhile, fund raising activities covering only one municipality or city will be handled by the concerned local government unit.
Non-government organizations, civil society organizations and private entities who wish to conduct fund raising activities are also regulated by the DSWD.
“We encourage our donors to coordinate with the nearest local social welfare and development office or DSWD office in their area for them to be guided in the donation process.
Meanwhile, the public can also ask for the solicitation permits of individuals or groups asking donations from them”, Director Quintilla said.
Individuals or organizations that fail to present their solicitation permit maybe reported to any DSWD Office or LGU in the area of concern. Legal sanctions may be implemented as stipulated in PD 1564 or the Solicitation Permit Law.