SEVERAL netizens called out the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for what they described as an insensitive caption in its social media announcement on the suspension of classes on November 10 to 11 due to Typhoon Uwan.
The post read: “Mga Abangers. Wow. Malupit ang hagupit ni Uwan. Buong Luzon sapol.”
The tone did not sit well with many online users, who said government announcements, especially during a calamity, must be serious and empathetic.
“That caption is INSENSITIVE at its finest,” one commenter wrote. Another said, “People are dying, caption mo ganyan?” Others described the tone as “bakya”, “pang-showbiz”, and “not appropriate during a crisis.”
Some also pointed out that this was not the first time the agency’s messaging drew criticism since DILG Sec. Jonvic Remulla assumed the post.
“Kung hindi n’yo sisibakin ang DILG Sec na puro papogi, huwag n’yong ipahawak ang socmed management!” another comment read.
Remulla had earlier defended his communication style, saying his posts are meant to make reminders “lighter” and easier to absorb.
“Siguro hindi nila ako naiintindihan. Pabiro talaga ako. Hindi ko minamaliit ang pinaghihirapan nila,” he said in a previous statement. “Ang ginagawa ko lang, ginagawa kong mas magaang para hindi negative vibes lagi ang naririnig.”
