By Kenneth Marcos 
A brightly colored quote card began appearing on Facebook feeds this week, shared in group chats and pages followed by farmers and consumers alike. The message looked official and carried the name of Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel Jr. But the words on the card were never spoken by him.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has warned the public that the circulating quote and art card attributed to Secretary Laurel are fake. The agency said the material did not come from the secretary or any official DA channel and should not be trusted.
According to the DA, the false quote started spreading online through screenshots and reposts, creating confusion among farmers, traders, and the general public. Some readers believed the message reflected a new policy or position of the agriculture chief, even though no such statement was ever issued.
The DA stressed that Secretary Laurel has never released the words shown in the viral image. Officials said the content was created by unknown individuals and shared without verification, making it a clear case of misinformation.
“This is fake news,” the department said in a public advisory. It urged netizens to stop sharing the post and to report it on social media platforms to prevent further spread.
False quotes attributed to public officials can cause serious harm, especially in the agriculture sector. Farmers rely on accurate information when making decisions about planting, harvesting, and selling their produce. Consumers also depend on clear and truthful updates about food supply, prices, and government support.
In recent months, the DA has been actively communicating policies related to rice supply, price monitoring, import regulations, and support programs for farmers and fisherfolk. Any official announcement, the department said, is released only through verified channels such as official DA social media pages, press briefings, and accredited news outlets.
Misinformation often spreads quickly because of eye-catching graphics and emotionally charged messages. Experts warn that fake quote cards are designed to look credible, using photos of officials and logos similar to government agencies. This makes it harder for ordinary readers to tell what is real and what is not.
The DA reminded the public to check the source before believing or sharing posts. Readers are advised to look for confirmation from official pages or trusted news organizations. If a statement seems shocking or too good—or too alarming—to be true, it likely needs verification.
Social media platforms have become a powerful tool for sharing information, but they have also made it easier for fake news to circulate. Government agencies say public cooperation is crucial in stopping the spread of false content.
As the country faces ongoing challenges in food security and agricultural development, accurate information remains vital. The DA said it will continue to issue timely and transparent updates to keep the public informed and to counter misleading content online.
The department ended its advisory by calling on Filipinos to be responsible digital citizens. Sharing only verified information helps protect farmers, consumers, and the wider public from confusion and unnecessary worry.
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