In the Philippines, Social Welfare and Development Agencies (SWDAs) and Service Providers (SPs) are fundamental in delivering services to marginalized and vulnerable communities.
In order for these organizations operate with quality and integrity, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) oversees their registration, licensing, and accreditation.
This process is designed to validate that SWDAs, and SPs meet national standards, deliver effective programs, and comply with legal requirements.
It is mandatory for organizations involved in social welfare activities, whether they operate in a single region or across multiple regions.
The cost for these processes typically includes a PHP 1,000 processing fee, and the time it takes depends on the completeness and compliance of the application.
Why Are These Processes Important?
The registration, licensing, and accreditation of SWDAs and SPs are not just formalities.
They exist to confirm that organizations operate legally, are held accountable, and deliver services that align with national standards for social welfare.
By undergoing these processes, SWDAs:
- Registration: Officially establish their organization, making them eligible to operate as a recognized entity in social welfare.
- Licensing: Authorizes the organization to deliver social welfare services while verifying compliance with legal and operational standards.
- Accreditation: Confirms that the organization provides high-quality services and meets the standards set by the DSWD for service delivery.
These processes protect the beneficiaries of social welfare programs by guaranteeing that they receive services from qualified and well-regulated organizations.
Who Needs to Register, License, and Be Accredited?
The DSWD requires the following groups to undergo the registration, licensing, and accreditation process:
- Social Welfare and Development Agencies (SWDAs): These are non-government organizations, associations, corporations, or government agencies that provide social welfare services to different sectors of society.
- Service Providers (SPs): Individuals or groups who offer social welfare services as part of their work or mission.
Whether operating in one region or multiple regions, these organizations must comply with the DSWD’s standards to deliver dependable and high-quality services.
Registration of SWDAs Operating in One Region
Registration is the first step for organizations that wish to operate within a single region.
It establishes the organization legally and verifies that its activities align with social welfare and development goals.
Eligibility
- Individuals, corporations, organizations, or associations operating within one region and engaging in social welfare and development activities must register.
Requirements
To register, applicants need to submit the following documents:
- Duly Accomplished and Notarized Application Form: This form can be downloaded from the DSWD website.
- Certificate of Registration and Articles of Incorporation: Issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), these documents establish the organization’s legal identity.
- Manual of Operations or Brochure: These documents outline the programs, policies, and procedures of the organization.
- Work and Financial Plan: This plan, covering two years, must be signed by the head of the agency.
- Processing Fee: A PHP 1,000 fee is required for registration.
Steps to Register
- Secure the Application Form: Download the form from the DSWD website or visit a DSWD Field Office to obtain it.
- Submit the Completed Application: File the application along with the required documents at the DSWD Field Office.
- Document Review: The DSWD reviews the submission for completeness and compliance with social welfare standards.
- If Complete: You will receive an acknowledgment receipt.
- If Incomplete: The documents will be returned with a checklist of missing items.
- Settle the Processing Fee: Pay the PHP 1,000 registration fee at the Cash Section or online.
- Receive Registration Certificate: Once approved, the organization will receive its certificate of registration, authorizing it to operate within the region.
Licensing of SWDAs Operating in One Region
Licensing is the next step after registration and is required for SWDAs that are fully operational within one region.
The license verifies that the SWDA is authorized to deliver social welfare services within that region.
Requirements
Licensing requires the following documents:
- Application Form for Licensing: Available on the DSWD website.
- Profile of Employees and Volunteers: The SWDA must have at least one full-time staff member managing its operations.
- Manual of Operation: This document outlines the organization’s programs and administrative policies.
- Work and Financial Plan: A detailed financial plan for the next two years.
- Safety Certificates: For residential care facilities, submit an occupancy permit and fire safety inspection certificate.
- Processing Fee: A PHP 1,000 fee is required.
Steps to License
- Submit the Application Form and Documents: File the application form and supporting documents at the DSWD Field Office.
- Document Review: The DSWD checks the documents for compliance with social welfare standards.
- If Compliant: You will receive an acknowledgment letter and a schedule for a validation visit.
- If Non-Compliant: The documents will be returned with recommendations for improvement.
- Conduct of Validation Visit: A validation team visits the SWDA to assess compliance through interviews, document reviews, and site inspections.
- Issuance of License: After successful validation, the SWDA receives its license to operate within the region.
Accreditation of SWDAs Operating in More Than One Region
Accreditation is a required process for SWDAs operating across multiple regions.
It ascertains that the organization meets DSWD standards for service delivery across different areas.
Eligibility
Accreditation applies to SWDAs operating in more than one region.
Requirements
To apply for accreditation, the following documents are required:
- Accreditation Application Form: Available on the DSWD website.
- Certificate of Good Standing: Issued by the SEC, this certificate confirms the organization’s legal status.
- Work and Financial Plan: For the next two years.
- Client Profiles and Annual Reports: Records of the SWDA’s activities and the clients it has served.
- Safety Certificates: Required for residential facilities, including fire and building safety permits.
- Processing Fee: A PHP 1,000 fee is required.
Steps to Accreditation
- Submit the Application and Documents: File the accreditation application and required documents at the DSWD Central Office or a DSWD Field Office.
- Document Review: The DSWD Standards Bureau reviews the submitted documents for compliance with national standards.
- Validation and Assessment: The DSWD conducts a validation assessment of the SWDA’s operations, including interviews, client feedback, and operational reviews.
- Issuance of Accreditation Certificate: Upon successful assessment, the SWDA receives a certificate of accreditation, confirming that it meets DSWD’s standards for delivering social welfare services.
Processing Times and Fees
For complete and compliant applications:
- Registration: Processing takes three working days.
- Licensing and Accreditation: These processes take approximately 20 working days.
If the submission is incomplete, the processing time may be extended.
A processing fee of PHP 1,000 is required for each stage (registration, licensing, and accreditation).
Conclusion
The registration, licensing, and accreditation processes are necessary for SWDAs and SPs to legally and effectively operate in the Philippines.
These procedures not only establish the organization’s legitimacy but also confirm its commitment to providing quality services to the communities it serves.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, SWDAs and SPs can secure the necessary approvals to continue their valuable work in the social welfare sector.
For additional guidance and the latest updates, always consult the DSWD website or contact the nearest DSWD Field Office for assistance.