The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reiterated on Thursday (February 6) that all charitable organizations and social welfare and development (SWD) programs have to secure a valid certificate of registration and license to operate (CRLTO) from the agency before they can legally operate.
DSWD spokesperson Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao warned that operating without a valid CRLTO from the DSWD is punishable under Republic Act No. 4373 as amended by RA No. 10847.
“Charitable institutions and organizations operating as social welfare and development agencies (SWDAs) without securing the needed registration and license from the Department is a violation of the law, and with due penalties once proven,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao said.
Under the law, any person, corporation or entity operating as a SWDA, without a valid CRLTO from the DSWD shall be fined with a minimum of P100,000 up to a maximum of P500,000. Moreover, proven violators of the law will face imprisonment of not less than a year up to three years, at the discretion of the court.
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.
Asst. Secretary Dumlao said that as part of DSWD regulatory functions mandated by RA 10847, the agency issues registration, license, and accreditation certificates to ensure quality standards in the implementation of SWD programs and services.
The DSWD spokesperson added that this measure is to ensure that quality SWD programs and services are implemented for the poor and vulnerable sectors.
Presently, the Department is continuously strengthening its regulatory services to ensure standard implementation of the law nationwide, including the digitalization of its systems and processes.
Asst. Secretary Dumlao also appealed to the public to report any individual or organization violating the law in order to protect the intended beneficiaries who might end up being used and exploited.
“Ipagbigay alam po kaagad sa DSWD kung mayroong organization or taong nagpapatupad ng social welfare and development programs na walang registration at lisensya. Mag-report sa email sb@dswd.gov.ph o mag-send ng message sa Facebook page @dswdserves or tumawag directly sa aming Standards Bureau sa numero (02) 8931-3181 o 89517125,” the DSWD spokesperson said. (GDVF)
