MANILA – The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Strategic Communications is set to hold regional information caravans to counter misinformation, disinformation, and fake news on the agency’s programs and services, an official said Thursday.

At a news forum in the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City, Public Relations Service (PRS) Director Clarissa Lara Duran said the "Tamang Tulong sa Tamang Impormasyon" (Appropriate Assistance Through Accurate Information) caravan will be conducted twice in every region across the country.

She said the information drive is designed to educate the public on how and where to access accurate and verified information about the DSWD’s services, especially those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).

“The information caravan will focus on reaching marginalized communities that often fall victim to misleading or false claims about government assistance programs. Unfortunately, ang madalas na nagiging biktima ng (those who often fall victim to) fake news, misinformation, and disinformation ay yung mga benepisyaryo ng DSWD dahil sila yung pinaka-nangangailangan (are DSWD beneficiaries because they are the most in need),” Duran said.

Duran said DSWD beneficiaries are often the primary targets of fake news and scams, especially regarding assistance programs.

She clarified that DSWD does not hold raffles or contests on social media, warning the public against fraudulent pages posting misleading claims.

The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) alone serves 4.4 million beneficiaries, making them particularly vulnerable to false narratives.

The "Tamang Tulong sa Tamang Impormasyon" caravan, spearheaded by Secretary Rex Gatchalian, aims to ensure the public receives factual, timely, and transparent information about DSWD programs and services. (PNA)