Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is urging the public to respect and exercise sensitivity when sharing information on family food packs and other relief items being distributed by DSWD personnel in times of disaster. ‘As the lead agency on disaster response, the DSWD urges the public to refrain from creating social media posts that make fun of the ongoing distribution of aid for disaster-stricken families. These misleading contents, when disseminated online, trivialize disaster response efforts by the government and other humanitarian organizations,’ Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the Disaster Response Management Group said in a statement on Thursday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Dumlao said spreading false information not only hinders the efficient and transparent delivery of assistance to those in need, but also disrespects the dignity of individuals and communities who are legitimate recipients of DSWD aid. She issued the statement after a netizen from the quake-affected town of Banaybanay in Davao Oriental posted a reel on Facebook showing six boxes of DSWD family food packs he was supposedly selling.

The netizen later admitted that his reel was a joke, as he knew that food packs are not for sale, as indicated on the boxes. He later took down his Facebook post after apologizing for his bad joke. Dumlao said food packs should not be used for jokes, especially on social media, as they can cause confusion and unnecessary distress among affected individuals.

‘One of the notable traits of Filipinos during disasters is our resilience. However, not all of us have the same level of resilience. Some affected individuals may experience greater stress levels or trauma than others, so we are requesting citizens to exercise compassion and respect when discussing or sharing information online,’ she said.

Dumlao reminded the public to only refer to the agency’s official Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/dswdserves or @dswdserves, for announcements and updates regarding the ongoing relief assistance for recent weather disturbances and earthquakes. ‘We also call on citizens to verify facts before sharing, and to use social media responsibly,’ she said.