THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has allayed apprehensions of registered and licensed social welfare and development agencies (SWDAs) over the department’s annual and semestral monitoring visits, saying these inspections were simply aimed at ensuring their compliance to existing protocols and standards.
Director Megan Therese Manahan of the DSWD’s Standards Bureau (SB) said with stronger monitoring measures in place, there is a prevailing concern among the 921 SWDAs that the agency visits might lead to the closure of their facilities.
The inspections were conducted following reports of violations, resulting in the shutdown of two private SWDAs in Pampanga and Zambales.
“We want to guarantee the non-government organizations (NGOs), the SWDAs that the closure may not be abrupt, and would not happen if their operations are in order, if you deal well with the beneficiaries,” Manahan said.
In keeping with its mandate, the DSWD issues registration or license to operate and accreditation (RLA) certification to organizations and facilities implementing social welfare and development programs and services.
As part of this function, the Department enforces quality standards that must be complied with by the SWDAs. Non-compliance and violations are dealt with sanctions and corrective measures.
The inspection of the two facilities in Central Luzon led to the issuance of a cease and desist order (CDO) by Secretary Rex Gatchalian due to non-compliance with standards and reports of abuses against children under their care.
Manahan clarified that issuance of the CDO goes through a review process and is not an abrupt measure unless the complaint submitted to the DSWD is substantiated with testimonies and other evidence of abuse which put the vulnerable clients in danger. Maricel V. Cruz
She explained that the DSWD immediately acts on any report of non-compliance or complaint which is sufficient in form and in substance.
Grounds for the filing of complaints include mismanagement of funds, improper case management, various abuses, use of SWDAs for immoral or illegal purposes, falsification of documents, injury or death of a beneficiary due to poor management, and the presence of hazards to the SWDAs clients.
“The CDO is a mere preventive measure pending resolution of a complaint and shall be immediately effective once served and the SWDA is ordered to cease and desist from further operations for a maximum period of thirty days. The residents of the facility will be placed under the protective custody of the DSWD,” Manahan pointed out.
From February to September this year, the DSWD has already issued five CDOs.
Manahan reminded all SWDAs that application for RLA had been made more accessible with the online Harmonized Electronic Licensing Permit System (HELPS).
In digitalizing the RLA service, the Department streamlined the process from 20 days to just 7 days, and with 10 to 11 documentary requirements instead of 50.
Manahan emphasized that streamlining the process does not equal to leniency in quality standards.
Manahan said the agency honors complaints against SWDAs, even anonymously, which can serve as a take-off for the conduct of validation visits. Maricel V. Cruz
