In the effort to ensure responsible allocation and use of public funds, Civil Society Organizations are called to undergo assessment through the Department of Social Welfare and Development before they can be recipients, beneficiaries, or implementing entities of government funds
The assessment is part of DSWD’s mandate which is to register, license and accredit CSOs that intend to seek and utilize public funds for the implementation of Social Welfare and Development programs or projects.
CSOs or NGOs applying for DSWD accreditation shall be subjected to “social investigation”, wherein projects and programs that they claim to have implemented will be verified through communities they also claim to have served and worked with. Through the Standards Unit, DSWD shall also conduct series of assessment and validation through existing offices and past involvements in different organizations.
“The process is really tedious. But it’s all worth it because after all we are talking about the public’s money. And we just want to make sure that, families and communities receive quality services in non-discriminatory fashion.” Standard’s Unit Head, Flor Nicanor said in a statement.
Nicanor also reiterated the call for CSOs operating without a registration to start coordinating with the department because they are only given a period of one year to apply.
CSOs shall initiate the registration by submitting an application letter together with accomplished information sheet and complete requirements. For the list of complete requirements and downloadable form, they may visit DSWD’s website at http://www.dswd.gov.ph/downloads-2/forms/
To be accredited, CSO as an implementing entity must meet the following criteria: must have operated for at least three years, no derogatory record with any government agencies, must not be in default or delay in liquidating any funds received from any government agencies, and must not be related within the fourth civil degree of affinity to any DSWD official involved in the processing of its application or any official of the funding government agency.
Whereas, CSOs wanting to be accredited as a beneficiary must satisfy the following criteria: (1) Must be organized and composed of individuals directly affected by the problem/ crisis; (2) Must have undergone social preparation specific to the proposed project; (3) Must be in good standing with all Gas from which it has received; (4) Must not be in default or delay in liquidating any funds from any GA.
DSWD also puts forward the benefits that NGOs may enjoy if they will have their organizations registered: (1) technical Assistance from the DSWD on programs and services implementation.(2) Participation in DSWD’s capability building and skills enhancement and (3) Other benefits and privileges provided from time to time by DSWD.
DSWD has been partnering with various NGOs to monitor and assist in the implementation of its core programs such as Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, Sustainable Livelihood Program and Kalahi-CIDSS, as part of its ‘Gabay, Tulay, Kaagapay’ Partnership Framework.