Public warned on solicitation

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Social Welfare and Development warns the public to beware of individuals or groups soliciting this holiday season using the name of the agency.

Jaybee Binghay, DSWD-7 information officer, said the warning was issued amid complaints reaching their office about unscrupulous house-to-house solicitations using their department’s name.

Under the Memorandum Circular Number 2 Series of 1999, the DSWD can openly issue “Permit to Solicit” if the purpose of the activity is for public welfare or charitable purposes and if the activity covers two or more areas in the region.

Solicitation methods such as house-to-house, vehicle-to-vehicle, public transport solicitation and other similar activities are prohibited, DSWD regional director Ma. Evelyn Macapobre said.

But Macapobre said a known form of solicitation, which is caroling during Christmas season, does not anymore require a DSWD permit as it is part of the country’s culture and tradition.

The public may call the DSWD office at 2329507 or 2329505 to check the validity of the permit. — (FREEMAN)