March 29, 2024

Do not be duped.

City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong warned certain individuals and groups engaged in the solicitation of funds and donations for typhoon victims without the necessary permit from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) or the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

“We have been monitoring certain individuals and groups engaged in the illicit solicitation of funds and donations for typhoon victims,” the mayor said.

CSWDO Betty Fangasan said while the city government lauds the initiative of private groups and individuals to mount their own fund and relief missions, they are encouraged to legitimize their project by requesting for a permit from the CSWDO.

A solicitation permit is mandatory under Presidential Decree 1564. The requirements for its issuance in Baguio City vary between individuals and organizations.

For individuals, requirements are application form from the CSWDO with notarized pledge of commitment; applicant’s social case study report from his/her area social worker duly signed by the CSWD officer; and treatment protocol (original/certified true copy by attending physician with corresponding license number) or medical certificate of medical abstract (certified true copy of the hospital’s records section).

For organizations, required are accomplished form with notarized undertakings and board resolution; certified true copy of the Securities and Exchange Commission registration or from agencies which have jurisdiction to regulate the association/organization, including articles of incorporation and by-laws (in non-government organization/association); endorsement from appropriate agency which has jurisdiction over the project to be undertaken; memorandum of agreement between the soliciting party and the beneficiary/beneficiaries stating therein the amount of percentage of the proceeds to be given. The awarding of the proceeds shall be within one month after the conduct of the solicitation activity.

There are also specific requirements depending on the method of the solicitation.

Baguio City will reach out to local government units severely affected by typhoons Rolly and Ulysses.

Magalong said the city will send cash donations to these LGUs to help them recover from the devastation wrought by the typhoons.

The cash aid has been finalized and awaiting approval by the city council.

The mayor also gave the go-signal for the mounting of a fund and relief goods drive also for the typhoon victims.

The city started accepting donations Nov. 18 at the CDRRMC Evacuation Center, Motorpool, Lower Rock Quarry, City Camp.

In-kind items may be food packs, bottled water, hygiene kit, blankets and clothing, preferably new but used clothes are allowed as long as these are clean and usable.

Perishable items like vegetables are also allowed except those that easily spoil like leafy vegetables.

Donors are requested to itemize and label their donations for easy sorting and packing. – Jessa Samidan and Aileen P. Refuerzo