The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Wednesday launched its New Press Center (NPC) and Viber Community Channel to mitigate misinformation and disinformation reaching its millions of beneficiaries, as well as its media partners. ‘Ang layunin natin dito is we want to make sure that we are communicating properly yung mga program ng ating departamento, pati na rin magkaroon ng forum or venue kung saan pwede niyo (media partners) rin kaming tanungin dun sa mga pressing matters na gusto niyong talakayin o linawin (Our objective here is we want to make sure that we are communicating properly our department’s programs, as well as to provide a forum or venue where our media partners can also ask us on the pressing matters that you want to discuss),’ DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said after the inauguration of the NPC at the DSWD Central Office in Batasan, Quezon City. The establishment of the NPC is part of the DSWD’s thrust and priority in strengthening its partnership with members of the media. The NPC was established to serve as a hub that would ensure a smooth process for journalists and reporters in covering events, conferences, and public announcements of the DSWD. On the other hand, the launch of DSWD’s official Viber Community Channel for accredited media partners provides an additional platform where journalists and reporters could access up-to-date and accurate information related to the department’s ongoing projects, programs, and services. Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez highlighted the important role of the media in providing DSWD clients and stakeholders with accurate, relevant, and updated information about the department’s initiatives and projects. ‘In this age of disinformation and misinformation, important talaga ang pakikipagtulungan natin with media. With the help of our media friends, kahit papaano nami-mitigate iyong effect at nalalabanan natin ang misinformation na nakaaapekto sa ating mga beneficiary (In this age of disinformation and misinformation, our collaboration with the media is truly important. With the help of our media friends, we can somehow mitigate the effects and counter the misinformation that affects our beneficiaries),’ said Lopez, who is also DSWD spokesperson. He also called for the support of the media to help the department in advocating for and promoting its social protection programs and services. ‘Pagtulung-tulungan natin na ipaabot pa sa publiko ang mga programa at serbisyo ng DSWD na nakalaan para sa kanila mula sa national government (Let us work together to further inform the public about the programs and services of the DSWD that are prepared for them by the national government),’ Lopez said.
Source: Philippines News Agency
