The PCSO Rear, Assist, Inspire, Support and Enhance (RAISE) Program is an initiative under the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office’s (PCSO) Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project. This program aims to deliver aid and support to vulnerable sectors of society, such as women, the elderly, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and marginalized communities. Individuals, families, and institutions can apply for this assistance by following a structured process overseen by PCSO’s Corporate Planning Department.
This guide outlines the steps to apply for the PCSO RAISE Program, from submitting the initial request to receiving the approved assistance. By understanding these procedures, applicants can navigate the process efficiently and access the support they need.
Program Overview
The RAISE Program is part of the PCSO’s CSR initiatives, primarily designed to provide assistance to marginalized and vulnerable sectors of society, including women, youth, elderly, and persons with disabilities. Through this program, PCSO collaborates with government agencies, local government units, and non-government organizations to address specific needs in society, by improving the quality of life for those who are most at risk through the delivery of financial grants, services, and material support to communities in need.
It was established to align with the agency’s mandate of uplifting Filipinos’ welfare through various health and social welfare services. Its implementation is guided by legal frameworks, including Republic Act No. 1169, which governs the PCSO’s operations, emphasizing its role in charitable programs. Over the years, the program has evolved into a structured initiative addressing the specific needs of underprivileged communities, cementing its role as a key component of PCSO’s CSR projects.
Benefits
This PCSO program provides targeted support to marginalized and vulnerable groups through various forms of assistance, including:
- Financial Assistance – Funding for social welfare programs and services.
- Medical Supplies and Equipment – Provision of essential items for healthcare needs.
- Disaster Relief Assistance – Aid during emergencies, such as food packs and basic necessities.
- Livelihood Support – Resources and tools to help beneficiaries improve their economic situation.
- Community Development Projects – Grants for infrastructure or facilities benefiting vulnerable groups.
- Educational Support – Assistance for programs that promote learning and skills development.
Target Beneficiaries
The program accepts applications from the following entities:
- Individuals and Families – Those in need of financial or material assistance.
- Government Agencies and Institutions – Local and national government offices aiming to assist communities.
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) – Organizations focused on social welfare initiatives.
Eligibility
Applicants must satisfy the following conditions before they can even be considered as potential beneficiaries. To qualify, they must:
- Belong to a marginalized or vulnerable sector, such as women, youth, elderly, persons with disabilities (PWDs), or other disadvantaged groups.
- Be officially endorsed by a local government unit (LGU), national government agency (NGA), or non-government organization (NGO).
- Provide certification proving their eligibility and need for assistance, issued by the endorsing organization.
- Submit a formal letter of request detailing the assistance required and its purpose.
- Demonstrate that the requested aid will directly benefit individuals or communities in need.
Documentary Requirements
Applicants also need to provide proof of their eligibility, ensuring that the assistance reaches the marginalized sectors of society. Preparing these documents will help:
- Letter of Request – Addressed to the PCSO and submitted by the requesting entity (e.g., LGU, NGA, or NGO).
- Certification – A document from the requesting organization certifying that the beneficiaries belong to a marginalized or vulnerable group.
- Recommendation Letter – Endorsed by the Corporate Planning Department-Public Relations and Corporate Communications Division (CPD-PRCCD).
- Purchase Request – Prepared by the CPD-PRCCD and the Office of the General Manager (OGM).
- Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) Resolution – A document provided by the BAC during the procurement phase.
- Purchase Order – Issued by the General Services Department-Procurement Division.
Application Procedures
To apply, simply follow these steps listed below:
Phase 1: Submission and Endorsement
Step 1. Submit the Request
Applicants must send their letter of request to the Office of the General Manager (OGM) at PCSO. This serves as the first step in initiating the assistance process.
Step 2. Endorsement to the Corporate Planning Department
Once received, the OGM endorses the request to the Corporate Planning Department-Public Relations and Corporate Communications Division (CPD-PRCCD) for review and evaluation.
Phase 2: Evaluation and Recommendation
Step 3. Review the Request
The CPD-PRCCD evaluates the application, verifies the beneficiaries’ eligibility, and identifies the type of assistance required.
Step 4. Prepare Recommendations
After evaluation, the CPD-PRCCD prepares the Recommendation and Purchase Request for the necessary items or services.
Step 5. Approval Process
The recommendations are submitted to the Department Manager of CPD for approval and are then forwarded to the OGM for final review.
Phase 3: Budget Approval
Step 6. Verify Funding Availability
The Accounting and Budget Department certifies that the project is included in the Annual Procurement Plan (APP) and allocates the necessary funds.
Step 7. Approve Purchase Request
The OGM reviews and signs the Purchase Request, certifying that funds are available for the assistance.
Phase 4: Procurement Process
Step 8. Request for Quotations
The General Services Department-Procurement Division (GSD-PD) prepares the Request for Quotation (RFQ) and other related documents.
Step 9. Submit to BAC
The quotations and procurement documents are submitted to the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) for finalization.
Phase 5: Distribution of Assistance
Step 10. Notification
Once the procurement process is complete, the CPD-PRCCD notifies the recipients of the availability of items or grants.
Step 11. Distribution
The requested items or assistance are distributed to the beneficiaries through the requesting organization.
Where to Get the Application Form
To apply for the PCSO RAISE Program, there is no standard application form available for download. Instead, applicants must prepare a formal letter of request addressed to the PCSO Office of the General Manager. This letter, along with the required documents, must be submitted directly to the PCSO Corporate Planning Department for processing.
Fees and Processing Time
The PCSO RAISE Program does not require any fees for application, making it accessible to all eligible beneficiaries. Processing typically takes 28 working days, starting from the submission of the request to the distribution of the approved assistance. However, this timeline may vary depending on the completeness of documents and delays during the procurement phase.
Tips for a Successful Application
Here are some tips to help make the application procedures a little easier for the interested parties:
- Make sure all documents, such as certifications and recommendation letters, are complete and accurate. Incomplete submissions can delay processing.
- Check the status of the request by contacting the CPD-PRCCD or the OGM for updates.
- Maintain open communication with PCSO representatives to address any issues or concerns during the application process.
Summary
The PCSO RAISE Program is a CSR initiative aimed at helping marginalized sectors of society through financial and material assistance. Applicants can simply follow the steps listed in the application procedures, as the agency has made it simple enough to enable individuals and organizations to access the program’s benefits efficiently. Apply today and contribute to creating a more inclusive and supportive society through the PCSO RAISE Program.