DSWD wants “intensive” licensing of NGOs, POs

The Department of Social Welfare and Development had recently pushed for the intensive licensing of non-government organizations (NGOs) and people’s organizations (POs).

DSWD Secretary Esperanza Cabral explained in a memorandum that licensing of these organizations complies with the requirements as mandated by Republic Act 4373, the law regulating the operations of social work agencies in the country.

Aside from strengthening the linkages between the DSWD and these organizations, licensing will assure the government that these NGOs and POs would work in line with standards set by the government itself.

“It is an enabling process of recognizing the capability of an agency and granting it the authority to implement services and operate as a social work or social welfare development agency.” Cabral said, adding that a licensed NGO may apply for accreditation at the DSWD.

Cabral said the DSWD can revoke an NGO or PO license to operate if the organization is found violating the provisions of the Omnibus Guidelines on the Registration and Licensing of Social Welfare Agencies and Accreditation of Social Welfare and Development Programs and Services. — Jasmin R. Uy/RAE