ABSNet marks its 16th anniversary celebration at Abreeza Ayala Mall following a motorcade around downtown Davao City. ABSNet or Area-Based Standards Network is an organization of DSWD-licensed and accredited Social Welfare and Development Agencies (SWDAs) that implement different social welfare and development programs and services. To date there are 126 members of ABSNet XI.

A license is a certificate issued by DSWD to an agency which has complied with the statutory requirements to operate.  RA 4373 requires NGOs and government entities “utilizing social work methods and interventions to secure a license from DSWD before they can operate as a social work/social welfare and development agency.”  The DSWD, through its regulatory function provides the standards and guidelines that govern the service delivery by the NGOs to ensure that the goal of uplifting the well-being of the disadvantaged is achieved.  (DSWD)