The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, more popularly known as 4Ps, is the national anti-poverty program of the Philippine government. Among the benefits received by member families is educational assistance: PHP 300 a month for day care and elementary; PHP 500 a month for junior high school; and PHP 700 a month for senior high school students — for the whole school year.
Recently, a viral post on social media claimed that all students from all levels who are graduating this school year will receive cash assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The department was quick to respond and clarify that the news was false. Read on for more details!
False: DSWD to Give PHP 5K to Graduating Students
A post from the Facebook page, “Philippines Scholarship” had been making the rounds on social media lately. According to the post, “All students in college, senior high, high school, and elementary will receive PHP 5,000 cash assistance.”
The post urges everyone to enlist through a given link, stating that the deadline for applying was on May 27, 2024. A picture of DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian was even featured on the announcement!
In response, the DWSD made an official announcement through its official Facebook page and other social media channels.
“Mga kababayan! Walang programa ang Department of Social Welfare and Development na nagbibigay ng Php 5,000 cash assistance para sa lahat ng mga estudyante na magtatapos ngayong taon (Fellow citizens! There is no DSWD program that promises to give PHP 5,000 cash assistance to all students who will graduate this year),” the post said.
“Nais naming bigyang-diin na kailanman ay hindi hihingin ng mga kawani ng DSWD ang inyong personal na impormasyon dahil ito ay labag sa Data Privacy Act of 2012 (We want to emphasize that DSWD officials would never ask for your personal details because this goes against the Data Privacy Act of 2012),” the post explained.
The post added: “Muli naming pinapaalala sa lahat na iwasan ang pagtangkilik sa mga fake pages at hinihikayat namin ang publiko na agad i-report ang mga ito (Once again, we remind everyone to avoid fake pages and urge the public to report these right away).”
As of this writing, neither the said post nor the “Philippines Scholarship” Facebook page are active; they have been deleted or taken down.
Official Social Media Channels of DSWD
In the same post, the DSWD shared its official website and social media channels, as follows:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dswdserves
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dswdserves
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/dswdserves
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswdphilippines/
Website: https://www.dswd.gov.ph/
Follow the above channels for the latest updates on DSWD’s programs and activities. Beware of fake news!
Bottom Line
There are many fake social media pages spreading false information about the DSWD and other government agencies. To avoid becoming a victim of fake news, be sure to follow the department’s official website and social media channels only!
Speaking of fake news, the DSWD had previously warned against another false announcement — this time about membership in the 4Ps program. Read this article to learn more about this issue!