July 09, 2024 - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) issued a warning today, July 9, urging the public to be cautious of accounts on TikTok and other social media platforms promising educational assistance from the agency.
"We strongly advise the public not to interact with social media content that doesn't originate from DSWD's official accounts," stated DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, the agency's spokesperson. "These pages and groups spread misinformation to mislead the public and potentially steal personal information for online scams," she added.
Assistant Secretary Dumlao emphasized that applicants for the agency's financial aid under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program require an interview and assessment.
"Financial aid is distributed only through the agency's Crisis Intervention Unit/Section (CIU/CIS) at the Central Office and all DSWD Field Offices nationwide," clarified Assistant Secretary Dumlao.
The AICS program is a DSWD frontline service offering various forms of assistance, including cash aid for food, transportation, medical needs, funeral expenses, and other essential needs for those deemed eligible by a social worker after a crisis evaluation.
Regarding educational assistance, the DSWD currently implements the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program, a reformulated program offering educational aid.
The Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program establishes a learning environment where college students from state universities and colleges (SUCs) are trained and deployed as tutors and Youth Development Workers (YDWs) to enhance the reading skills of struggling or non-reading elementary students.
"We encourage citizens to verify information online and only engage with official government websites and social media pages with verification badges," advised Assistant Secretary Dumlao.
The DSWD will continue issuing advisories through its official Facebook page,