A Universal Charity Fund with contribution from government-owned and -controlled corporations, big private firms, civic organizations, fund-generating institutions and wealthy individuals. A website with database of all charity organizations catering to the health and social services needs of underprivileged Filipinos. These were some of the recommendations made by civic organizations and medical institutions at the First Charity Congress, organized by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office from Jan. 29 to 30.

More than 200 participants from civic and health organizations discussed ways to expand the coverage and speed up delivery of health and social services to the poor.

The participants asked PCSO to take the lead in putting up the Universal Charity Fund that shall pool the charity fund of public and private institutions in performance of their corporate social responsibility. They also urged the Senate and the House of Representatives to pass legislation that would give tax breaks and other incentives to private corporations contributing to the Universal Charity Fund. The proposed Web site listing all charity groups in the country would provide the requirements and guidelines for Filipinos seeking financial and other assistance.