Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian reiterated on Tuesday (March 18) that the newly-launched Kaagapay Donations Portal allows donors to send donations—in cash or in kind—directly to their intended social welfare and
development agencies (SWDAs) which are legitimate as they are registered, licensed, and accredited by the DSWD.
“Meron din tayong ni-launch na donors portal natin, ‘yung Kaagapay Portal. Ito ‘yung mga na-accredit natin na mga foundation, bilang insentibo, ilalagay natin sila sa portal. Para ‘yung mga gustong mag-donate na mga pribado na tao, pwede na dumiretso sa kanila. Hindi na dadaan sa DSWD,” Secretary Gatchalian said during an interview over One Balita Pilipinas.
The DSWD chief said the portal features a list of legitimate and DSWD-accredited foundations, or what he called ‘good-doers’, allowing donors to provide support without going through the DSWD’s Central and Field Offices.
“Yes, diretso na. Kumbaga, alam natin na napakahirap lumikom ng mga pondo para sa mga foundation na gusto ring tumulong, tutal na-accredit na natin sila, at ang tingin naman natin sa kanila ay partners sa pagsugpo ng kahirapan at kagutuman, ifi-feature natin sila doon sa portal na ‘yon para ‘yong mga donors makilala sila at pwede ng dumiretso sa kanila,” Secretary Gatchalian said.
According to the DSWD chief, all SWDAs that apply for certification for registration, license to operate, and accreditation (CRLA), and public solicitation permits through the agency’s Harmonized Electronic License and Permit System (HELPS) will be automatically added to the Kaagapay Donations Portal to help them match or directly connect with prospective donors and their chosen donees.
“Tama, legit at may permit na galing sa amin. So, hindi siya nangangamba na fly-by-night ‘yong foundation na lumalapit sayo, so anything featured there, ay legitimate, accredited na mga social welfare and development agency na bahagi ng partners ng DSWD,” Secretary Gatchalian said.
Donors may also send their donations to support local government units (LGUs) engaged in humanitarian response during disasters and emergencies and to the DSWD-managed centers and residential care facilities (CRCFs) through the Kaagapay Donations Portal.
The donations portal also allows donors to support the DSWD’s relief operations and help the agency respond to the needs of families and individuals affected by disasters and other emergencies. (YADP)