In this age of ubiquitous digital communication, it has come to light that an unverified Facebook posts have been circulating widely. This post falsely alleges that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is set to distribute regular financial aid as part of the Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT) program. It further unfoundedly claims that the recipient list can be accessed through a provided link. We would like to clarify that this information is false. The UCT was a one-time subsidy implemented back in 2018 and concluded in 2020 under the mandate of Republic Act 10963, famously known as the Tax Reform Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law.
The falsehood of the post is clear to those familiar with the UCT program’s history and its legislative context. However, for the wider public, the fraudulent claim could be misleading. That’s why it’s essential to reiterate that the UCT program has already concluded and any claims to the contrary should be treated as suspect.
What is the Unconditional Cash Transfer Program?
The Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT) was a social assistance program designed to provide financial aid to poor families and individuals affected by the implementation of the TRAIN law. The UCT aimed to offset any potential increase in prices of goods and services due to the new tax measures.
You can read the full guidelines from the official rules here – https://www.dswd.gov.ph/issuances/MCs/MC_2018-003.pdf
The Department of Social Welfare and Development was tasked with implementing the UCT program, which provided an annual cash transfer of P2,400 for three years (2018-2020) to eligible beneficiaries. The selection of recipients was based on the Listahanan database, a comprehensive system that identifies poor and vulnerable households in the country.
But take note that this program (as it is already beyond the 2020 time frame) is no longer active. So any claims that the DSWD is currently distributing UCT benefits are false.
Beware of Imposter Facebook Accounts
We have identified the following Facebook pages: page 1, page 2, page 3, as unendorsed by the DSWD. These pages illegitimately claim affiliation and authority with the DSWD, misleading the public into wrongly assuming these to be official channels. We strongly advise everyone to report these pages to prevent the spread of misinformation further.
Such deceptive activities tarnish not just DSWD’s reputation but also risk public trust and safety. As we work towards mitigating these issues, your vigilance plays a crucial role. Therefore, we heartily encourage your active support in reporting these fraudulent activities whenever encountered.
Authorized and Official DSWD Social Media Channels
To ensure the authenticity of the information you receive, we implore the public to be judicious in assessing the credibility of their sources. Trust only those posts that originate from reputable and verified avenues. For your convenience, here are the official social media channels and website of the DSWD:
- Facebook: @dswdserves (www.facebook.com/dswdserves)
- Twitter: @dswdserves (www.twitter.com/dswdserves)
- YouTube: @dswdserves (www.youtube.com/dswdserves)
- Instagram: @dswdphilippines (www.instagram.com/dswdphilippines)
- Website: www.dswd.gov.ph
These are the only authorized digital channels through which DSWD communicates with the public. We kindly ask that the public only trust and share information disseminated through these verified accounts.
How to Identify Fake DSWD Social Media Posts
To avoid falling prey to fake DSWD posts, please be mindful of the following:
- Check for spelling and grammatical errors – Official statements are carefully crafted and undergo multiple levels of review and fact-checking before publication.
- Look for verified badges – Most social media platforms have a verification system that indicates official accounts.
- Verify with the official website or other authorized social media accounts – If there is doubt about the legitimacy of a post, cross-check with the official website or other verified DSWD channels.
- Be wary of false claims and promises – Any post claiming to offer financial assistance or benefits should be approached with caution.
- Report suspicious posts – As a responsible citizen, it is your duty to report any fraudulent activity on social media to protect others from being misled.
By following these simple steps, you can help prevent the spread of false information and contribute to promoting digital literacy and responsibility. Let us work together in creating a safer online space for everyone. Remember, always #ThinkBeforeClicking! So, please be cautious and stay vigilant while using social media platforms. Let’s help each
Summary
We invite everyone to join hands with us in our stand against disinformation. At DSWD, we have zero tolerance for fake news as it undermines our mission to provide a trustworthy and reliable source of information for all our stakeholders. Your partnership in this endeavor is truly appreciated.Our shared cause not only aids in promoting truthful information dissemination but also fortifies our societal fabric against the havoc misinformation can wreak. Let’s work together to ensure public safety and trust in our institutions by combating the spread of false information.
Below is the said post from the official Facebook Page of DSWD:
𝐏𝐀𝐁𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐃 𝐒𝐀 𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐎
Hindi totoo ang kumakalat na Facebook post na ang Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) ay magkakaroon ng payout ng buwanang tulong-pinansyal bilang bahagi ng Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT) program at ang listahan ay maaaring ma-access sa pamamagitan ng isang link.
𝗙𝗔𝗖𝗧 𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗖𝗞: Ang UCT ay subsidiya na ipinatupad noong taong 2018 at nagtapos noong taong 2020 sa ilalim ng Republic Act 10963 o Tax Reform Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law.
Ang mga page na ito:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091778960199
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091676024488
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089108576197, ay hindi opisyal na Facebook page ng DSWD.Ang mga page na nabanggit ay gumagamit ng identidad ng DSWD ng walang pahintulot at nanlilinlang sa publiko sa pag-aakalang ito ay isang opisyal na plataporma ng ahensya.
Hinihikayat naming i-report ang mga Facebook page na sa itaas.
Kilatising mabuti at i-verify muna ang mga nababasa. Huwag basta-basta maniwala sa mga content na hindi nanggaling sa credible at reliable source tulad ng mga page na ito.
Narito lamang ang mga opisyal na social media accounts at website ng DSWD:
𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸: @dswdserves (Department of Social Welfare and Development)
𝗧𝘄𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿: @dswdserves (www.twitter.com/dswdserves)
𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗧𝘂𝗯𝗲: @dswdserves (www.youtube.com/dswdserves)
𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺: @dswdphilippines (www.instagram.com/dswdphilippines)
𝗪𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲: www.dswd.gov.phSama-sama tayo sa paglaban sa mga maling impormasyon dahil sa DSWD, bawal ang fake news!