PCSO to hold charity summit next month

THE Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) will hold a charity summit next month to educate non-government organizations (NGOs) on how to avail themselves of the agency’s funds for their programs.

PCSO chair Margarita Juico said the conduct of the summit is aimed at strengthening the agency’s partnership with charitable institutions in delivering health services to those in need.

At present, the PCSO provides endowment to over 100 charitable institutions for their medical missions. A group obtains access to funds as soon as a memorandum of agreement is signed with the PCSO. The next release of funds is made after the group has submitted a liquidation report on its expenses.

Juico said the funds released can only be used for medical assistance and not for the operating expenses of the organizations.

She said the PCSO recognizes the important role of non-government organizations in helping the government provide health services to poor communities in rural areas. Charitable organizations also have specific causes covered by the mandate of PCSO such as providing assistance to cancer patients, special children and people with disability.

During the summit, charitable organizations will be briefed on the rules and regulations on availing of and spending charity funds.

Juico said the PCSO continue to provide funding assistance to groups that have complied with the liquidation requirement of the Commission on Audit.

Report from philSTAR.com