The University of the Philippines Office of the Student Regent (UP OSR) debunked social media posts claiming its call for donations for the fire-hit Philippine General Hospital (PGH) is "fake."
In a statement on Sunday, May 16, UP OSR said it initiated a donation drive to help those affected by the PGH fire.
"It is a practice of the OSR to support those ravaged by calamities with donation drives and partnerships with other efforts," UP OSR said.
"As an institution within the UP System, the OSR offers its time and resources to assist all efforts related to relief, rehabilitation, and response whenever disasters and calamities arise in different parts of the country," it added.
UP OSR said it is open to partner with institutions and organizations inside and outside the university "to widen the scope of aid that can be provided to those affected."
Several social media posts warned against donating to UP OSR, branding its initiative as "fake."
However, UP OSR assured that they are in contact with PGH and other UP administrators to coordinate the immediate provision of aid.
"In this time of crisis, let us all unite and use our platforms to spread our appeals for donations and aid to the affected. At the same time, let us call for more hospital facilities, better healthcare policies, and the end to this pandemic."
The UP-PGH on Sunday appealed for donations for the hospital, the country's largest COVID-19 referral center, after a fire damaged a portion of its facility and displaced patients.
READ MORE: Call for donations raised for PGH