MARAMAG, Bukidnon (October 13, 2025) — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has suspended the operations of the Bukidnon Multi-Sectoral Services Foundation Inc. (BUMSSEFI) in this town for operating without a license, rescuing 17 senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) last Friday, October 11

According to Ian Dave Santiago, personnel of the Maramag Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWD) office, the foundation originally operated in Kalilangan, an interior town bordering Wao, Lanao del Sur, before relocating to Purok 1, Tuban Village of North Poblacion.

Santiago said the caregiving facility failed to secure the necessary permits and licenses from local authorities as required by law.

Local authorities and DSWD personnel carried out a joint operation to ensure the safety and welfare of the residents, who have since been placed under temporary government care for assessment.

In a statement, DSWD Region 10 said earlier monitoring visits by its Standards Section revealed that BUMSSEFI had been operating without a Certificate of Registration and License to Operate (CRLTO) and was housing clients under unsafe and hazardous conditions.

The rescued clients reportedly came from Balingasag and Laguindingan towns and Gingoog City in Misamis Oriental, Cagayan de Oro City, and several towns in Bukidnon.

They have been transferred to DSWD-10’s residential care facilities in Manolo Fortich, Santiago said.

Among the violations observed were unsanitary restrooms and sleeping areas, lack of occupational safety standards, and health-threatening conditions, the agency reported.

The facility also failed to maintain proper case management records and lacked qualified caregivers or professional social workers to attend to its residents.

The DSWD-10 has ordered BUMSSEFI to immediately cease all social welfare and development activities, including outreach programs, public solicitations, and partnership engagements, until it fully complies with registration and licensing requirements.

Despite prior directives to suspend client intake while processing its CRLTO application, the organization allegedly continued to accept new clients, prompting the issuance of the suspension order.

The DSWD regional office said the foundation has been given 30 days to comply with the requirements and submit the necessary documents for registration.

The agency has also provided technical assistance to help BUMSSEFI complete the licensing process. (Mel N. Velez – @inquirerdotnetInquirer Mindanao)