More groups helping poor

CEBU - The number of non-government organizations and welfare institutions helping underprivileged families and persons with disabilities in Cebu City has increased up to 87 percent in 18 years.

Records at City Hall showed that from 28 groups in 1990, there are now 223 groups catering to the welfare of the city’s underprivileged sector and persons with disabilities.

Jaybee Binghay-Carillo, spokesperson of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, said more groups are expected to be registered in the coming year, as there are pending applications for registration.

“More groups are still in the process of complying with the requirements,” she said.

Of 223 groups, 87 caters to the needs of children and youths, 39 to the needs of underprivileged families, while 25 are helping persons with disabilities and old persons. The remaining 72 are helping disadvantaged women and are assisting welfare agencies.

Carillo explained that while the purpose of these groups is noble, they need to be registered with DSWD so that they can be made aware of social welfare and development standards. 

Likewise, registering the organization is also intended to protect the beneficiaries from exploitations by groups with unscrupulous motives.

“The DSWD recognizes the vital role of these agencies and private entities as partners in the promotion of the welfare of the disadvantaged population,” Carillo said.

She explained that DSWD-accredited organizations can avail of technical assistance from the agency’s programs and services, and participate in DSWD’s capability building and skills enhancement programs.

They can also avail of the endorsement for duty free of foreign donations. — Rene U. Borromeo/JMO   (THE FREEMAN)