THE House of Representatives Committee on Social Services chaired by Nueva Ecija Rep. Rosanna “Ria” Vergara on Tuesday approved an unnumbered substitute bill that would establish a comprehensive system for the registration and licensing of social welfare and development agencies (SWDAs), as well as accreditation of social welfare and development (SWD) programs and services, and appropriate funds therefor. The panel also approved the corresponding committee report on the substitute bill.
The proposed “Social Welfare and Development Agencies Act” recognizes the important role that the private sector plays in the delivery of SWD programs and services to the public. In this regard, the State would ensure that SWD programs and services in the public and private sectors comply with national standards and adhere to the principles of human rights. The State would set standards, register, license, accredit, and monitor SWDAs, service providers, groups or organizations engaged in SWD activities.
The State, under the bill, would further promote and strengthen the partnership among SWDAs, national government agencies (NGAs), local government units (LGUs), nongovernment organizations (NGOs), faith-based organizations, and the private sector to include easy access of resources between and among them for the upliftment of the marginalized and disadvantaged sectors of society.
Section 11 of the substitute bill includes the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) among SWDAs for registration, subject to existing laws and DSWD processes. Allowing CDA registration would broaden the base of entities that can register as SWDA. To be officially recognized as an SWDA operating within the purview of SWD, a SWDA should also apply for registration with the DSWD not later than six months from the issuance of the certificate of registration from the concerned government agency.
The bill substituted HB 1328 filed by COOP NATCCO Party-list Rep. Felimon Espares; HB 6105, by Quezon City Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas; HB 7308, by Rep. Vergara and San Jose del Monte City Rep. Florida “Rida” Robes; HB 8936 by Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Roriguez; and HB 9024 by Parañaque City Rep. Gus Tambunting.
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