The Department of Social Welfare and Development is pushing for the accreditation of Civil Society Organization in the region. This is to ensure that government programs and projects are properly, efficiently, and effectively carried out by Government Agencies in partnership with CSQs and that funds are properly guarded against misuse hence the need for accreditation.

As provided for in Section 34 and 35 of RA 7160 otherwise known as the Local Government Code mandate local government units (LGUs) to promote the formation and operation of NGOs to become active partners in the pursuit of local autonomy especially in the delivery of basic services, capability-building, livelihood projects and development of local enterprises designed, among others, to enhance the well-being of the people.

Director Arnel Garcia explained that the CSOs which composes community members is being recognized by the government to have better position to implement projects. Accountability and transparency of the project are exact if the implementers of the government projects are based in the community. The CSOs likewise play critical role in preparing the communities not only to receive government funds but eventually manage and implement government projects themselves.

As indicated in the guidelines for accreditation of CSOs, the criteria are as follows:

a.) Must have operated for at least three years prior to the date of application for accreditation in the Geographical Areas of Activity and Technical Area(s) of activity being applied for accreditation.
b.) Must not have any incorporator, organizer, director, trustees, offices or affinity to any DSWD official involved in the processing of its accreditation, or any official of the Government Agencies funding and implementing the program or the project to be implemented by the CSO
c.) Must not have any derogatory record with any Government Agency.
d.) Must not be in default or delay in liquidating any.

As of this reporting, there are four CSOs accredited and seven CSOs are under assessment. ###eejerusalem