AN investigation will be made into the identity and activities of a group of foreigners who set up a typhoon Yolanda relief drive in Sta. Fe town, Bantayan island after the mayor complained that it was taking credit for projects that were not theirs.
Shalaine Marie S. Lucero, head of the Protective Services Unit of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-7 said agency representatives will visit Bantayan to check on media reports about the Young Pioneer Disaster Response (YPDR).
“It’s difficult to say if it’s bogus so we have to check it for ourselves,” Lucero said.
Lucero said they will check the DSWD registry which has more than 200 registered non-government organizations (NGO).
YPDR president Chris White, in an earlier phone interview, dismissed allegations of credit grabbing and said they have documents to support their work. in Sta. Fe.
The DSWD will also look into the group’s activities and projects.
“It’s the responsibilty of the local government to look into any new NGO or structure. If they cannot see board members or people operating behind it, then they have to report it to DSWD for validation,” Lucero said.
Sta. Fe Mayor Jose Esgana earlier complained that the YPDR is “not even a legitimate organization.” He accused the group of posting online photos of relief assistance given by other NGOs and claiming it as theirs.
The website ypdr.org described the group as having partnered with the Polish Humanitarian Action (PAH), and said the organization has funded their operations in Sta. Fe.
Their website also posted that they had received a total of $71,538 in donations. /By by Irish Maika R. Lam, Xavier University Intern
Xavier University Intern