DSWD warns vs messages promising help for faster cash aid

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Wednesday warned the public not to fall for messages that promise to expedite the processing of cash aid requests through a supposed backer or insider.

In posts on its social media platforms, the DSWD flatly denied that communications or transactions related to its aid programs are done through private messages or personal accounts.

“May nag-PM ba sa’yo na may cash assistance na raw? Kung ang mensahe ay nagsasabing ikaw ay isasama sa listahan ng tatanggap ng tulong o kaya’y may binabanggit na ‘kakilala o backer sa loob.’ NAKO, RED FLAG ‘YAN,” the agency said.

(Did someone sent you a PM that cash assistance is available? If the message says you will be included in the list of aid recipients or there is mention of a backer or insider, THAT’S A RED FLAG.)

The post was accompanied by a screenshot of a message, in which the sender offered to include the recipient in the list of DSWD beneficiaries through a relative working in the DSWD. 

The DSWD then stressed that communications regarding its programs are never sent through personal accounts or private messages.

“Higit sa lahat, ang DSWD ay WALANG ‘backer system’ at HINDI pinahihintulutan ang paggamit ng ‘kakilala o kamag-anak’ para mas mapabilis at makakuha ng tulong,” the post said.

(Most importantly, the DSWD has NO backer system and DOES NOT ALLOW using one’s connections or relatives to expedite the processing of assistance.)

The agency reminded the public not to be easily duped by promises of having a supposed backer within the DSWD just so they could get help faster.

The DSWD also urged Filipinos to be skeptical of such offers and ensure that they get credible information from trustworthy sources and the DSWD’s official pages.

The DSWD’s website can be accessed at www.dswd.gov.ph while its official social media accounts are:

• Facebook: @dswdserves (Department of Social Welfare and Development)
• X: @dswdserves
• Youtube: @dswdserves 
• Instagram: @dswdphilippines
• Viber: DSWD Philippines

— JMA, GMA Integrated News