SEC bags inaugural ‘Parangal’ plum in war vs loan scam

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) received the Outstanding Digital Campaign: Best Short-Form award from the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) for its exemplary initiative to inform, educate and protect the public from fraudulent loan schemes.

In a ceremony held on 16 December, the PCO recognized the SEC for its Advance Fee Loan Scam FAQ Reel Series during the first ever “Parangal: Gawad sa Kahusayan sa Komunikasyong Pampubliko.”

The flagship ‘Parangal’ ceremony aims to recognize outstanding communication campaigns and strategies of national government agencies and local government units that contribute to improving public understanding of government programs, promote transparency and accountability, and build trust between the government and the public.

The SEC Advance Fee Loan Scam FAQ Reel Series was launched in August to address frequently asked questions about advance fee loan scams — an emerging scheme that traps borrowers into paying advance fees before the payout of loans — through easy-to-understand and relatable language to help the public identify and avoid fraudulent loan schemes.

“It is an honor to be recognized by no less than the Office of the President for our communication initiatives,” SEC chairperson Emilio B. Aquino said.

“The ‘Parangal’ we received serves as a testament to our unwavering efforts to inform, educate and engage the public to help them realize their entrepreneurial aspirations, guide them toward smart investing, and protect them from fraud in order to secure their financial future.”