It was indeed another remarkable and rewarding moment as the Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO) received its certificate of accreditation from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as an Implementing Entity of Government or Public funds.

Last March 6, 2017, during the DSWD flag ceremony, CODE-NGO formally received the certificate as awarded by no less than Sec. Judy Taguiwalo.  Mr. Sixto Donato C. Macasaet, Executive Director, and Ms. Rowena Caverte, Finance and Administration Manager, represented the organization in the said awarding.

This DSWD certificate of accreditation recognizes Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) as recipients, beneficiaries, or implementing entities of government funds, after qualifying the guidelines under Joint Resolution 2014-001 signed by DSWD, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and Commission on Audit (COA). Under this guideline, a CSO must meet the following criteria: 1) must have operated at least three years; 2) no derogatory record with any government agencies; 3) must not be in default or delay in liquidating any funds received from any Government Agencies (GAs), and 4) must not be related within the fourth civil degree of affinity to any DSWD official involved in the processing of its application or any official of the funding government agency. (Refer to www.dswd.gov.ph for complete information).  After all the shared hard work and persistence, CODE-NGO is pleased to have passed the said criteria.

Based on the 2017 General appropriations Act (GAA), this certificate is no longer required for government projects funded by this year’s budget, but is still required for those projects which will be implemented this year but using 2016 funds.

True to its advocacy, CODE-NGO is thankful for recognizing its capability to partner with the government and connect with the CSO community in order to achieve national development goals.

CODE-NGO is also accredited with the DSWD as an Auxiliary Social Welfare Development Agency (SWDA).

Dimple Labios-Demata is the Finance and Administration Assistant of CODE-NGO.