Marcos streamlines accreditation process for social welfare groups
At A Glance
- President Marcos designated the DSWD as the sole accrediting body for social welfare and development agencies.
- The new order removes the need for separate accreditation from the Philippine Council for NGO Certification.
- The measure aims to simplify procedures and improve government service delivery.
President Marcos has streamlined the accreditation process for social welfare and development agencies (SWDAs) by designating the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as the sole accrediting entity for donee institutions.
Under Executive Order (EO) No. 117, signed on May 7, the President amended Executive Order No. 720 issued in 2008, which previously designated the Philippine Council for NGO Certification (PCNC) as the government’s partner in accrediting donee institutions.
The new EO said the move was intended to streamline government procedures and ensure the efficient delivery of social welfare and development services.
The order noted that social welfare organizations previously had to secure two separate accreditations — one from the PCNC as a prerequisite for Bureau of Internal Revenue registration as a qualified donee institution, and another from the DSWD for regulatory compliance.
President Marcos said there was a need to simplify the process “to further ensure effective and efficient delivery of social welfare and development services to the Filipino people.”
BIR to recognize DSWD accreditation
Under the EO, certificates of registration and accreditation issued by the DSWD will now be considered sufficient for the Bureau of Internal Revenue to grant donee-institution status for tax purposes.
The order covers non-stock, non-profit corporations, organizations, and associations engaged in social welfare and development programs and services, including auxiliary SWDAs.
The Department of Finance, through the BIR, and the DSWD were also directed to issue the implementing rules and regulations necessary for the effective implementation of the order.
Ease of doing business
The EO cited Republic Act No. 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, which directs government agencies to streamline systems and procedures to ensure prompt and efficient delivery of services.
The order also recognized the State’s policy under the Constitution to encourage non-governmental, community-based, and sectoral organizations that promote the welfare of the nation.
EO 117 took effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.