WHO WE ARE
ABSNET as acronym refers to Area Based Standard Network- a group of partners of NGO’s and PO’s and LGU’s that are requiring license and accredited by the DSWD. They have regulatory and assistive function of facilitating the application for registration, licensing and accreditation of non-government organizations, PO’s and LGU’s.
They conduct assessment and recommends to the DSWD NGO’s and PO’s applying for registration and licensing.
ABSNET as a whole are partners in the promotion of the welfae of the disadvantaged population by promoting public accountability, transparency, professionalism and integrity in the delivery of social services.
They augment basic social welfare services in the province of PAMPANGA.
MANDATE AND LEGAL BASIS:
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R.A. 4373 Amended by RA 5175 – Regulating the practice and operation of social welfare agencies in the Philippines.
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Section 23 – No Social Work agency shall operate and as accredited as such unless it shall first have registered with the DSWD
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PD 903 – Child and Youth Welfare Code - “No private persons, natural or juridical shall establish temporarily or permanently child welfare agency without first seeking a license from DSWD”.
OUR OBJECTIVES
GENERAL OBJECTIVE:
To institutionalize the AREA BASED STANDARDS NETWORK (ABSNET) structure that would strengthen cooperation and coordination among Social Welfare and Development Agencies (SWDAs). This is aimed in ensuring quality of implementation of Social Welfare and Development (SWD) programs and services for the disadvantaged and marginalized sectors of the society.
SPECIFIC:
1. To promote meaningful participation of the intermediaries as partners of DSWD along standards development, promotions and compliance.
2. To continuously organize local or cluster networks and build their capabilities along standards development, registration, licensing and accreditation assessment.
3. To mobilize the networks for actual registration, licensing and accreditation assessment.
4. To provide a vehicle of mutual help and learning among intermediaries for coordination and partnership building.
5. To strengthen Regional and National Area Based Network to assist the department in the implementation of its regulatory functions; and
6. To define the membership, qualifications, and structures of ABSNET from the cluster level to its counterpart in the Regional and National level.
DOWNLOAD
Memorandum Circular No.17
Series of 2018
Revised Guidelines Governing the Registration, Licensing of Social Welfare and Development (SWD) Agencies and Accreditation of SWD Programs and Services
WHAT WE DO
We Network.
In helping the poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged groups, it takes more than just one government agency to tackle the job. Working with partners from non-government organizations (NGOs), local government units (LGUs), and people's organizations (POs), among many other well-meaning individuals and groups will ensure a wider service delivery. It was in recognizing this need to network and partner that ABSNet was organized.
NGOs and POs with registration, license, and accreditation would mean that operations were all legal following set standards. In addition, this will provide them with peer help, exchange of information, and expertise.
NGOs and POs will also be able to facilitate to police their own ranks and to complement with the different resources. An opportunity will open for them to be engaged in social welfare activities that will lead them to information services both public and private. The growth of ABSNet confirmed the enthusiasm and willingness of NGOs and LGUs to forge partnership with the DSWD to ensure quality social welfare service delivery, thus, uplifting the living conditions of the vulnerable sectors.
Memorandum Circular No.04
Series of 2018
Guidelines in the Organization, Mobilization and Strengthening of Area-Based Standards Network (ABSNET)