Quezon city: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has assured the 921 accredited social welfare and development agencies (SWDAs) that there is no cause for alarm on the agency's semestral monitoring visits as these inspections are aimed at ensuring their compliance with the existing standards.
According to Philippines News Agency, Director Megan Therese Manahan of the DSWD's Standards Bureau stated that there is prevailing apprehension among SWDAs due to recent incidents of violations that led to the shutdown of two private facilities in Pampanga and Zambales. However, she emphasized that the agency's stronger monitoring measures are not intended to abruptly close facilities. Manahan reassured the non-government organizations (NGOs) and SWDAs that as long as their operations are compliant and maintain good relationships with beneficiaries, there is nothing to worry about.
The DSWD's statutory function includes issuing a registration, license to operate, and accreditation (RLA) certification to organizations and facilities implementing social welfare and development programs and services. The department enforces quality standards that SWDAs must comply with, and any non-compliance or violations are met with sanctions and corrective measures.
Monitoring visits to two facilities in Central Luzon resulted in the issuance of cease-and-desist orders (CDO) by Secretary Rex Gatchalian due to non-compliance with standards and reports of abuses against children under their care. Manahan clarified that the issuance of the CDO undergoes a review process and is not an abrupt measure unless the complaint is substantiated with evidence of abuse.
Manahan emphasized the importance of due process, stating that the DSWD has a vetting process and a review committee composed of social workers, lawyers, and even SWDA members. The department acts on any report of non-compliance or complaint that is sufficient in form and substance. Grounds for filing a complaint include mismanagement of funds, improper case management, various abuses, and other serious violations.
The CDO is a preventive measure pending resolution of a complaint and becomes immediately effective once served. The SWDA is ordered to cease operations for a maximum of 30 days, during which the residents of the facility are placed under the protective custody of the DSWD. From February to September this year, the DSWD has issued eight CDOs.
Manahan reminded all SWDAs that application for RLA has been made more accessible through the online Harmonized Electronic Licensing Permit System (HELPS). The digitalization of the RLA service has streamlined the process from 20 days to just seven days, with fewer documentary requirements.
Despite the streamlined process, Manahan assured that the department remains stringent in maintaining quality standards. The DSWD encourages SWDAs to apply for their licenses and accreditation and emphasizes that the licenses of NGOs are thoroughly vetted by the department. Complaints against SWDAs, even anonymous ones, are honored and can lead to validation visits.
