As a sign of our commitment to transparency, Oxfam in the Philippines is registered under the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) since 1988 with the primary purpose of “to relieve poverty, famine or distress”. It has also been reviewed, validated, and certified as a Social Welfare and Development Agency (SWDA) under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). It aims to better monitor and coordinate among members the implementation of social welfare and development programs and services for the disadvantaged and vulnerable sectors.

For more than 30 years of existence in the Philippines as a country office, Oxfam in the Philippines is set to transition as an independent affiliate of the Oxfam Confederation. Oxfam Pilipinas (OPH) as a local organization has been registered under SEC in 2019 and registered and licensed as an auxiliary SWDA in 2022 under DSWD. To further intensify its commitment to transparency and accountability, OPH is currently working on its registration and certification under the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Philippine Council of NGO Certification (PCNC).

How we keep people safe

Code of Conduct

As one Oxfam, we are a strategic network of organizations working together internationally to find lasting solutions to poverty and injustice. We share a common vision, common philosophies and, to a large extent, common working practices. We all have the same brand values, the same passion and commitment. We have joined forces as an international confederation because we believe we will achieve greater impact by working together in collaboration with others. Together we are working towards a world in which people can live with dignity, have their basic needs met and their basic rights respected, and have the ability to control their own lives.

As we work to achieve our ambition and vision of ‘a just world without poverty’ we should always remain true to our core mission, aims and values. This Code of Conduct will help you live by them by providing guidance in the face of ethical dilemmas you may experience. It shows you what to do when a situation is complex by providing standards and values for you to follow and how to protect against situations that may damage you or Oxfam. It also seeks to ensure that employees avoid using possible unequal power relationships for their own benefit.

Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Policy

At Oxfam, we believe all people recognise that there are unequal power dynamics across the organisation and in relation to those we serve, and that we face an inherent risk of some staff exploiting their position of power for personal gain.

Oxfam will not tolerate its employees, volunteers, consultants, partners or any other representatives associated with the delivery of its work carrying out any form of sexual harassment, sexual abuse or sexual exploitation.

It is the responsibility of all representatives of Oxfam to raise any concerns you have or those which are reported to you according to this policy. It is not your responsibility to decide whether or not sexual harassment, abuse, or exploitation has occurred.

It is the responsibility of all Oxfam GB managers to ensure the delivery of this policy and to promote it as relevant in all aspects of their work, to hold themselves and others to account and to help create a safe environment for all.

This policy will automatically apply in the UK and in all geographies where Oxfam GB is the Executing Affiliate and must be used in conjunction with Oxfam’s PSEA Procedures.

This policy does not form part of an employees’ terms and conditions of employment and may be subject to change at the discretion of management.

Safeguarding Children Policy

At Oxfam, we believe all children regardless of age, gender, disability or ethnic origin have a right to be protected from all forms of harm, abuse, neglect and exploitation. Oxfam will not tolerate the abuse of children (defined as under the age of 18) in any form.

It is the responsibility of all representatives of Oxfam to raise any concerns you have or any concerns which are reported to you according to this policy. It is not your responsibility to decide whether or not child abuse has occurred.

It is the responsibility of all Oxfam managers to ensure the delivery of this policy and to promote it as relevant in all aspects of their work, to hold themselves and others to account and to help create a safe environment for all.

Safeguarding in Action: Our 10-point Plan

On 16 February 2018, we agreed on a 10-Point Action Plan to strengthen Oxfam’s safeguarding policies and practices and to transform our organizational culture. 

Oxfam made critical mistakes in Haiti in 2011, failing to properly prevent and investigate sexual misconduct by our staff. We are sorry for these failures in care and proper processes. Everyone in Oxfam is committed to putting that right now. 

We will update it regularly to demonstrate how change is taking shape at Oxfam.

Whistleblowing

Whistleblowing: Independent confidential hotline

Oxfam offers an independent, third party whistleblowing hotline and case management system for use by anyone connected to our work: this includes people we work to support, staff, volunteers, partners and supporters. Anyone using this system can remain anonymous. This is in addition to our current internal safeguarding system.

1. Dial the following direct access number:

PLDT – Tagalog Operator – 1010-5511-00

Globe, Philcom, Digitel, Smart – 105 – 11

2. At the English prompt dial 844-855-9522