DSWD probes hacking of official Facebook page

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is investigating an “apparent breach” of its official Facebook page with a stray, unauthorized post made on it over the weekend.

“We are grateful to those who immediately called our attention on the matter so we could properly address it,” the DSWD said in a statement yesterday as it apologized for the incident.

The department said it was already coordinating with its Information and Communications Technology Service to check on the security features of all its ICT infrastructure to ensure that other networks or links have not been compromised.

The incident has also been reported to Facebook management for appropriate action.

The DSWD assured the public, particularly its followers, that more stringent protocols would be implemented to prevent a similar incident from happening.

“We also appreciate the public’s understanding as we resolve the matter,” the DSWD stressed.

In another development, the DSWD welcomed the results of the latest Pulse Asia Ulat ng Bayan nationwide survey, which showed the department garnering the highest approval rating among government agencies at 78 percent.

The DSWD said the sustained favorable results of the Pulse Asia survey validate that the sectors it serves – primarily the marginalized and the poorest – are satisfied with the kind of service it was providing to them.

The high approval rating also affirms that their programs and services continue to trickle down to the target beneficiaries.