The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is now enforcing strict monitoring of social welfare and development agencies (SWDAs) that have been granted public solicitation permits, an agency executive said Saturday.

According to Director Megan Therese Manahan of the DSWD’s Standards Bureau, the department issues public solicitation permits to non-stock and non-profit organizations to protect the public from falling prey to fraudulent solicitation activities and resource generation efforts.

“When there are public solicitations, they must obtain a permit from us. If they apply for a permit, they must also have a distribution plan, identify their intended beneficiaries and specify the region they will assist. After two months, when the permit expires, they must submit their reportorial requirements to us,” Director Manahan told reporters at the weekly news forum.

With the newly launched online portal of the agency, called HELPS (Harmonized Electronic License and Permit System), Director Manahan said the approval of public solicitation permits will be done more efficiently — within three working days for temporary permits and seven days for regular permits.

The department has also delegated its field offices to monitor the compliance of SWDAs with their public solicitation permits.

“We are very strict in requiring reports because if they do not comply, they will not be allowed to renew their permits and could be blacklisted. It is critical for us to track where the solicited funds are going,” Manahan explained.

Under Presidential Decree 1564, also known as the Solicitation Permit Law, the DSWD holds exclusive authority over the regulation of donation solicitations and contributions for charitable or public welfare purposes.

Individuals, groups, and organizations must obtain a solicitation permit from the DSWD before collecting donations or voluntary contributions.

This requirement ensures the legitimacy of fundraising efforts and prevents fraudulent activities that could take advantage of donors’ generosity and the needs of beneficiaries.