CSOs need to be accredited based on the following criteria: 1. Minimum criteria for CSO accreditation: a. The presence of the CSO in its stated address and area of operation has been validated; b. Identified membership and leadership, and defined organizational structure; c. Good standing with all government agencies from which the CSO has received public funds; d. Not in default or delay in liquidating any public funds received from any government agency; e. Must have a proven track record and good standing in undertaking civil society works; f. Must not have any Director, Trustee, Officer, or key personnel related within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity to any DOH official involved in the processing of its accreditation, or any official of the DOH unit or entity funding the program or project to be implemented by the CSO; and g. Must have proven legal existence. 2. All CSOs applying for accreditation must have operated at least three years prior to the date of application for accreditation in the Technical Areas or Focus of Activity being applied for. 3. In case of a cooperative which applies to be a CSO partner, the submission of a certificate of registration and certificate of compliance as issued by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) specifically for that purpose including meeting the minimum criteria stated in this section shall be sufficient for it to qualify as a CSO partner. Training Module on the Right to Mental Health for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), as the case may be. 4. The minimum criteria provided herein shall be deemed modified by any subsequent law providing a new set of minimum criteria for the accreditation of CSOs without the need of further amendments. D. The Role of CSOs According to the WHO, civil society movements for mental health in low-income and middle-income countries are not well developed. Organizations of people with mental disorders and psychosocial disabilities are present only in 49% of low-income countries compared to 83% of high-income countries; for family associations, the respective figures are 39% and 80% (WHO Comprehensive MH Action Plan 2013- 2030). In the Philippines, CSO is represented in the Philippine Mental Health Council (PCMH). 26