The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is calling on the public to stop creating and spreading memes about “Rose,” the woman who went viral after she was rescued from a canal in Makati.
In a media interview, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian appealed to netizens to show respect and empathy, saying that Rose should not be the target of jokes or negative comments online.
He emphasized that her situation is not a joke and shouldn’t be made into one. The secretary also clarified that Rose is going through personal challenges and should not be blamed for becoming a beneficiary of the agency’s support.
Gatchalian further explained that the ₱80,000 given to Rose was not a reward or prize but livelihood assistance as part of their program.
The case of Rose has drawn national attention, not only for the circumstances of her rescue but also for the wave of online reactions that followed. Many users shared memes and edited videos, often ridiculing her.
The DSWD urged the public to show more compassion, reminding everyone that behind the viral moment is a real person dealing with hardship.
As of this writing, Rose is under the care of the agency as they continue efforts to support her recovery and reintegration.
