DSWD MIMAROPA and the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) staff held a consultation dialogue with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) CABAMIRO to address critical challenges faced by grassroots organizations in securing essential registrations in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, May 26, 2025.

The primary agenda focused on the difficulties encountered by community-based organizations (CBOs) and agrarian reform beneficiaries’ organizations (ARBOs) in obtaining Certificates of Registration (COR) and updating their line of business which are vital for their eligibility to become institutional suppliers for government entities like the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and the Department of Education (DepEd).

During the consultation, common issues were raised by stakeholders such as confusion surrounding BIR forms, requirements for maintaining books of accounts, and the need to update their line of business in their BIR 2303 forms.

It also emphasized the importance of aligning registration timelines with the procurement schedules of partner agencies, ensuring that capable suppliers are not excluded due to pending compliance.

Atty. Reina Geeline Castro, BIR CABAMIRO Legal Division, responded and committed to exploring the possibility of conducting localized orientations and capacity-building sessions in collaboration with DSWD that will assist organizations struggling with persistent registration backlogs, particularly in areas where support is most needed.

The meeting concluded with plans to simplify requirements and assign contact persons to support grassroots organizations. Through the EPAHP program, this collaboration strengthens efforts to fight hunger and poverty and promote inclusive development.