DSWD debunks claims on financial assistance for typhoon victims

FILE PHOTO: This photo shows piled boxes of relief items from the Department of Social Welfare Development (DSWD) and a woman helping in the repacking of goods. The DSWD said more than P70 million worth of assistance was distributed to families affected by heavy rains and floods in recent days due to Typhoon Carina and the strong southwest monsoon. INQUIRER / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has debunked claims that all families affected by typhoons will receive P10,000 worth of financial assistance from the department.

The DSWD issued the statement on Tuesday after a false post circulated online saying that families impacted by typhoons could apply for “ayuda” or financial assistance through a link attached to the post.

The agency warned the public to be cautious of posts that include links used in the alleged registration for assistance.

The DSWD also reiterated that it never asks for personal information online as it violates the Data Privacy Act.

“We remind the public to refrain from engaging in fake pages [on social media], and we urge everyone to immediately report them,” it added.

The department said that family food packs and non-food items were prepared in its different field offices and prepositioned goods in LGUs to aid families that experienced calamities.

It likewise mentioned that people can access the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program, which aims to protect individuals and families in crisis.

READ: DSWD distributes over 1 million food packs to areas hit by Carina

As of August 5, the DSWD said it has released 1,295,419 family food packs to regions affected by Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon.  – Arianne Denisse Cagsawa, INQUIRER.net intern