MALATE, Manila – To combat the spread of misinformation on social media, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) MIMAROPA has  intensified the “Tamang Tulong sa Tamang Impormasyon” (3TI) campaign, targeting Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries across the five provinces in the region.

The 3TI campaign focuses on educating communities about the importance of verifying information before sharing it online.

“In response to the growing challenge of misinformation on social media, this initiative aims to ensure that accurate details about government programs reach the public, preventing confusion and misinformation that may hinder access to essential social services,” said Regional Director Leonardo Reynoso.

To support this effort, beneficiaries are strongly encouraged to follow the official Facebook pages of the department.

“DSWD MIMAROPA seeks to create a network of informed citizens who can disseminate correct information about the department’s programs and services,” Reynoso added.

For Rowena Tavares, a 4Ps parent leader from Balogo, Boac, Marinduque, following the official social media pages has been an important tool in staying updated with accurate program guidelines.

“Ang pag-follow sa page ng DSWD ay mahalaga sapagkat tayo ay nagiging updated sa mga impormasyon tungkol serbisyo ng department. Bukod dito, tayo mismo bilang followers ay makakatulong sa pag-share ng tamang impormasyon sa publiko at makapagbigay ng mahahalagang update sa panahon ng kalamidad o iba pang pangyayari na nangangailangan ng agarang aksyon,” she shared.

She emphasized that several beneficiaries in her area have received fraudulent messages pretending to be from DSWD, asking for personal details in exchange for supposed cash grants.

“Dati, may mga kakilala akong muntik nang mabiktima ng mga pekeng mensahe na nangangako ng dagdag na ayuda kapalit ng kanilang impormasyon. Buti na lang may opisyal na Facebook page na nagbibigay ng babala at tamang gabay,” she added.

Meanwhile, Rowena shared her thoughts on the dangers of misinformation and the role of social media in spreading or stopping it.

“Naniniwala po ako na ang fake news ay hindi karapat-dapat na kumalat. Ito po ay maglalagay sa mga taong nakabasa ng maling pananaw at desisyon. Kaya’t marapat po nating suriin ang mga impormasyon nababasa sa social media,” Tavares explained.

Through the 3TI campaign, the social welfare office aims not only to fight misinformation but also to protect beneficiaries from scams, fraud, and potential data privacy risks that could compromise their financial aid and personal security.###