DSWD Urges Public to Respect Relief Efforts & Avoid Making Jokes Online
The Department of Social Welfare and Development urges public to respect relief efforts and avoid making jokes online.
DSWD has reminded the public to be sensitive and respectful when posting or sharing anything related to relief goods and assistance given to disaster victims. It came after an incident in Davao Oriental where a netizen made a joke online about selling DSWD relief goods.
The post quickly spread like wildfire on social media, prompting the agency to clarify that such behavior is not only inappropriate but also harmful to those who truly need help.
According to DSWD Spokesperson Irene Dumlao, spreading false information or making jokes about relief operations disrespects calamity victims and disrupts the smooth delivery of aid. She emphasized that social media users should always think before posting and make sure the information they share is true and helpful.
“These misleading contents, when disseminated online, trivialize disaster response efforts by the government and other humanitarian organizations,” Dumlao said.
The DSWD also reminded the public that behind every relief operation are people who have lost their homes, belongings, and even loved ones. For them, every pack of rice, canned goods, or bottled water means hope and survival.
Making light of these efforts can hurt those who are already struggling to recover.
The agency further encouraged everyone to use social media responsibly and to promote compassion instead of humor at the expense of others. Dumlao noted that while Filipinos are known for their resilience during disasters, not everyone copes in the same way.
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Some victims experience deeper stress and trauma, so it’s important to be kind and respectful when talking about their situation online.
“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 added.