The Department of Education (DepEd) has warned the public about the fake “cash assistance” programs being promoted in online posts.
“Binabalaan namin ang ating mga kababayan laban sa mga kumakalat na mga post sa social media patungkol sa mga umano’y ‘cash assistance’ na ginagamit pa ang logo ng DepEd (We are warning our fellow citizens against the spreading posts on social media about alleged ‘cash assistance’ that still use the DepEd logo),” DepEd Undersecretary and Spokesperson Michael Poa told reporters in a Viber message.
Poa stressed that DepEd “does not have” such a program. “Mag-ingat po tayo sa mga ganitong post at huwag po tayong magbigay ng mga personal na impormasyon sa mga ito (Let's be careful with these posts and refrain from giving out personal information),” he added.
On its official Facebook page, DepEd has already issued a misinformation alert for the public. “DepEd reminds everyone to stay vigilant against misinformation,” the agency said.
DepEd urged the public to refer only to its official platforms on Facebook (fb.com/DeparmentOfEducation.PH); on Twitter (twitter.com/DepEd_PH); on Instagram (instagram.com/depedphilippines); and its website (www.deped.gov.ph) for official announcements and information from the department.
“Nagpapasalamat po kami sa lahat ng lumapit para i-report sa amin ang mga ganitong post, pati na rin sa ating mga media partners (We are grateful to everyone who approached us to report such posts, including our media partners),” DepEd said.
It also urged stakeholders and all others concerned to report any “misleading and suspicious” information about basic education to [email protected].