Guiding Philosophy of Accreditation
- Recognition of inherent worth and dignity of every person
- Right to opportunities for individual fulfillment; societal obligation to assist those with difficulties
- Importance of coordination and resource sharing among agencies for effective delivery
- Accreditation as tool to forge partnerships between government and NGOs for human development
Legal Basis for Accreditation
- Mandate drawn from:
- Republic Act No. 4373 regulating social work practice and agencies
- Executive Order No. 123 reorganizing social services ministry into DSWD
- Administrative Code of 1987 (EO No. 292) defining DSWD powers and functions
Definitions
- Social Work Agency: entities engaged in social development and welfare, funded by government and/or community
- Government Organization: agencies funded by government providing social services
- Non-Government Organization/People's Organization: community or privately funded entities engaged in social welfare
- Registration/Licensing: official compliance per RA 4373 for NGOs to operate as social work agencies; includes certificate issuance
- Social Development and Welfare Program: integrated services promoting welfare for specific clientele groups facing difficulties
- Social Development and Welfare Service: specific activities under a program addressing needs/problems using social work methods (case work, group work, community organizing)
- Accreditation: certification that services comply with accepted social work standards as assessed by DSWD
Scope of Accreditation
- Applies to social welfare services of:
- Licensed non-government agencies
- Government centers, institutions, branches, units including DSWD entities
Period and Consequences of Accreditation
- Licensed NGOs have 3 years post-license issuance to meet accreditation standards
- Failure results in license suspension and a 1-year grace period
- Continued non-compliance after grace period results in license revocation
Benefits of Accreditation for Non-Government Agencies
- Eligibility to purchase/subcontract projects from DSWD
- Access to technical assistance including expertise and materials
- Potential program subsidies subject to fund availability
- Human resource development and training support
- Linkages to national and international social work networks
- Invitations/recommendations to conferences and policy dialogues
- Representation recommendation in social work councils
- Endorsement for Official Development Assistance and international aid
- Endorsement for duty-free importation of related goods
- Recommendation for Subsidized Power Rate Program benefits
Detailed Accreditation Process
- Notification upon licensing that accreditation will be required within 3 years
- Endorsement of licensed NGOs to concerned Bureau with necessary documents; not applicable to government agencies
- Written application by NGOs to Bureau within one year of license for accreditation
- Bureau acknowledges and schedules assessment
- Bureau reaches out to non-applying NGOs to reiterate consequences and offer assistance
- Government units scheduled directly by Bureau
- Accreditation Assessment involving:
- Interviews with supervisors, implementors, beneficiaries
- Review of program and administrative records
- Site visits and operational observation
- Minimum Standards and Rating:
- Administration: minimum 30 out of 40 points
- Service Delivery: minimum 50 out of 60 points
- Total minimum: 80 out of 100 points
- Results:
- Accreditation recommended if standards met
- Technical assistance provided if standards partially met with six-month upgrade period
- Validation visit after six months to verify improvements
- License suspension if standards unmet after 3 years with one-year grace
- License revocation and agency closure if standards unmet after grace
- Issuance of Accreditation Certificate:
- Specifies accredited services
- Valid for three years
- Signed by DSWD Secretary
- Monitoring and Technical Assistance:
- Conducted quarterly or as agreed
- Both Bureaus and Field Offices involved
- Renewal:
- Every three years by written application
- Bureau to notify before expiration
This comprehensive regulatory framework ensures that social development and welfare services in the Philippines meet quality standards, protect vulnerable populations, and promote coordinated efforts among government and non-government entities.