THE DEPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Thursday issued a stern warning against charitable institutions and social welfare and development agencies (SWDAs) operating without valid registration and license.
“Charitable institutions and organizations operating as social welfare and development agencies without securing the needed registration and license from the Department is a violation of the law, and with due penalties once proven,” Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said in a press release.
A SWDA refers to any organization that engages mainly and generally in programs and services that promote social welfare and development to one or more clientele group.
Under Republic Act No. 4373, as amended by RA No. 10847, individuals or entities running an SWDA without a valid CRLTO may be fined between PHP100,000 and PHP500,000. Violators could also face imprisonment of one year to three years, based on the discretion of the court.
Dumlao stressed that the DSWD, as the regulatory body, ensures that SWD programs and services meet quality standards. The department is also enhancing its regulatory functions, including digitalizing processes to improve efficiency and nationwide compliance.
To safeguard the welfare of intended beneficiaries, the DSWD urged the public to report unregistered or unlicensed SWDAs.
Complaints may be sent via email at sb@dswd.gov.ph, through the Facebook page @dswdserves, or by calling (02) 8931-3181 or 8951-7125. (Jose Cielito Reganit)
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