CLAIM: A graphic circulating online had claimed that Filipino students can avail a scholarship from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) if they register on the link provided, which initially led to “libreng-ayuda-pilipinas.blogspot.com”.
The post, which used the DSWD logo, promised the students a monthly grant of P6,500 and a free cellphone and a laptop. Meanwhile, their parents can also avail the P7,000 monthly cash aid.
It was shared by various Facebook pages like the “DSWD Deped Scholarship”, “Philippine Scholar 2022”, “DSWD Scholarship Program Updates”, and “DSWD School Assistance”.
“NO WALK IN. ONLINE REGISTRATION ITO DITO. Lahat ng hindi pa nabibigyan ng CASH ASSISTANCE pakiusap mag message sa amin at mag palista dito sa link,” a caption read in one of the FB posts. (No walk in, online registration only. For those who were not able to receive cash assistance, kindly message us and register on this link.)
Social media users have shared and commented on these posts indicating they believed the announcement is real.
RATING: FALSE
FACTS: The post with false information has been spread by pages unrelated to the DSWD. The latter and its chief, Sec. Erwin Tulfo, did not issue any announcement about the said scholarship and cash aid.
In a statement on its official Facebook page last August 15, DSWD said: “Nais ipagbigay-alam sa publiko ng Kagawaran ng Kagalingan at Pagpapaunlad Panlipunan na huwag agad maniwala sa mga online post na hindi inilabas ng mga opisyal na social media account ng DSWD”.
(We ask the public not to immediately believe any post that was not published on DSWDs official social media accounts.)
“Nakasaad sa post na nagbibigay ang Ahensya ng educational assistance at scholarships…Nais linawin ng Kagawaran — walang ganyang alok sa publiko ang DSWD.”
(The post claimed DSWD gives educational assistance and scholarships but we wish to clarify that we don’t offer such to the public.)
The agency added that an individual may only apply for an educational aid through a program called “Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation”.
“Ang isa sa pangunahing kwalipikasyon nyan, dapat mapatunayan ng mag-aapply na indibidwal na dumaranas sya ng krisis o matinding kagipitan tulad ng sakuna, kalamidad o emergency.”
(One of its main qualifications, the applicant must be able to prove that he/she is under a crisis or undergoing extreme difficulties like accident, calamity, or emergency.)
DSWD shared its official announcements on its official website https://www.dswd.gov.ph and official social media channels on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
Posts from these imposter pages, which were created only this August, started circulating when Philippine schools have returned to in-person classes for the first time since the COVID-19 lockdowns.
Davao Today is part of #FactsFirstPH which brings together various sectors that are committed to promoting truth in the public space, and exacting accountability on those who harm it with lies. For those interested to join the initiative, email info@factsfirst.ph.
