DSWD warns public against text scams using Pantawid Pamilya

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MANILA — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Monday reiterated its warning to the public against text scams using the name of its Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

DSWD Secretary Corazon J. Soliman said fraudulent text messages are again circulating and using the 4Ps program by stating: “Congratulations, from President Noy-Noy Aquino Foundation 4Ps Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, your sim # won P950,000 as second prize winner in the Handog Pangkabuhayan raffle promo per DTI Permit No. 9513, series of 2013. Please call me now, I am Lyka Ramirez.”

Secretary Soliman added the text message is using the mobile number 0926-9124816.

Soliman appealed to the public to be vigilant and dismiss the malicious text message.

“The DSWD or 4Ps is not holding a raffle promo,” Soliman said. “I am urging all those who will receive that text message not to respond, instead, immediately report this to the nearest DSWD office or text to the Pantawid Pamilya Grievance Text Hotline: 0918-912-2813.”

4Ps is a poverty alleviation program of the government implemented under DSWD that provides cash assistance to poor families to ensure their education, health and nutrition needs.

There are 3.9 million poor families benefiting from the program nationwide.

The program is an investment on the education and health of poor Filipino children.

The government believes that the program will eventually lead to inclusive economic development wherein the poor children will not be left behind as they will be empowered through the education and health grants once they finished studying in school and make them more employable and productive.

The program aims to enable poor families and break the inter-generational cycle of poverty.