The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VI is reminding the public to observe the law when conducting fundraising and solicitation campaigns.
“We would like to remind the public that there are laws that have to be followed when conducting solicitation and fundraising campaigns. This is to promote transparency and accountability,” said Ma. Evelyn B. Macapobre, regional director.
This came in light of a recent report that reached the office of a fundraising campaign citing DSWD as its beneficiary without a notarized written agreement from the department.
“It is still the best interest of the beneficiaries which is the priority and not the principal interest of solicitors,” stressed Macapobre.
DSWD Memorandum Circular 17 Series of 2014 or the Revised Omnibus Rules and Regulations on Public Solicitation provides that “No individual, group, or organization shall be allowed to publicize or identify him/her/the,/itself as the beneficiary of a fundraising project using the name of another individual, group, organization or institution unless a notarized written agreement signifying the intended beneficiaries’ concurrence as recipient of the fundraising activity has been issued.”

WHERE TO GET PERMIT
Presidential Decree 1564, otherwise known as the Solicitation Permit Law, provides that the Department of Social Welfare and Development has exclusive authority to regulate the soliciting of donations or receiving of contributions for charitable or public welfare purposes.
Corresponding to this is Republic Act 7160 otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991 that gives the city and municipal mayors authority to regulate the holding of activities for charitable and welfare purposes within their respective jurisdiction. Such activities may be in the form of benefit shows or dances, bingo socials for charity, raffle draws and similar activities.
“Those covering two or more cities and municipalities should first secure a Solicitation permit from the DSWD Regional Office. Those which are conducted within a specific town or city will have to secure a permit from the Municipal or City Mayor,” said Macapobre.

FOR THE BENEFICIARIES
Pursuant to Memorandum Circular 17, the organizers of solicitation and fund raising campaign have to use only 20 percent of the proceeds for administrative expenses.
“In partnerships, the rules provide that the organizations have to adhere to the standard financial ratio in utilization of funds. Eight percent will have to be spent for the program component,” said Macapobre.

EXEMPTIONS
Caroling during Christmas season, as well as other forms of solicitation, intended for religious purposes, do not require a DSWD permit. 
Local Government Units, however, have the right to issue their ordinances regarding the conduct of caroling and other solicitation drives.