The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) has brought the benefits of digital technology to over 200 members of the
Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Bukidnon as they are now the
latest beneficiaries of the agency’s enhanced digital financial literacy
program.

On the DSWD’s “e-Panalo ang Kinabukasan,” official launch at the Bukidnon Sports and Cultural
Complex in Malaybalay City last Tuesday (July 22), the beneficiaries, who are
Indigenous Peoples (IPs), were given mobile phones donated by Globe Telecom which they can use as they shift from cash card disbursement to digital wallets.

Alma Mansumina, a 39-year-old mother from the Matigsalug tribe in Bukidnon, could not contain her excitement over what she cited “as a life-changing step” toward safety, dignity, and a better future for her children.

Alma, her husband, and three children have been enrolled in the program since 2010. Back then, accessing her grants from the 4Ps meant braving a three-hour journey — often on horseback.

“In our hometown in Barangay Panganan in Kitaotao town, it could take up to 3 hours to get into the nearest ATM. We either ride by motorcycle or bus. Our house is far away from the more civilized part of Kitaotao. You have to pass through 3 barangays before
you go down,” Alma shared in her native dialect.

Now, through the e-Panalo initiative, Alma will be receiving their family’s grants via Gcash and steer her away from constant danger she used to endure in getting their grants.

Alma is also excited as to how the mobile phone she received will assist her eldest daughter’s study, who is now a 3rd year college student taking up a course in Education.

“I’m excited to receive the GCash so I can help my child,” Alma pointed out.

Alma said she regards the 4Ps and its evolving initiatives as a big boost to her children as they strive to finish their education and better their lives.

“I really wanted to study back then, but we had no support. My mother struggled to raise us. So now, even though I was not able to fulfill my dream, I am happy that I am able to help my children go to school,” Alma said.

More than just a streamlined way to receive aid, the e-Panalo project ensures that no one is left behind in the evolving digital world.

The project enlists the technical expertise of private sector partners from BPI Foundation and Ayala Foundation to help beneficiaries gain critical knowledge in navigating digital tools for their improved financial independence while simultaneously raising their awareness on the dangers of the internet.

Aside from marking the official launch of the e-Panalo initiative, the event also recognized 100 beneficiaries who have led inspiring stories of transformation.

Lolita Abero, from Malaybalay City, who was among the graduating members, happily shared the state of her life in the aftermath of her 10 years with the program.

“Back when we were not yet part of the 4Ps, I did not have a house yet, but now we do. This is the result of the 4Ps grant. Without the grant, all of our livelihood and income will be used up. We were able to set aside capital to support our children’s education. They taught us financial literacy, which helped us with budgeting,” Lolita said in her native dialect, her eyes welling with tears.

Lolita’s journey materializes the goal of the 4Ps program to not only address indigent Filipino’s immediate needs, but to pave the way for their long-term
independence and empowerment.

“Before we were the ones being helped — now we can help others,” Lolita said.

Sherlyn Villalon, a beneficiary from the Kitaotao town said the 4Ps gave her the dignity and means to dream big.

“The 4Ps has taught us that we should not settle in our current situation in life. As an indigenous people, we are often placed at the bottom but we do not want to remain there. Instead, we will better our lives,” Sherlyn said.

Amid the fast-evolving world, the DSWD ensures that the support given to 4Ps members are also beefed up in partnership with different bodies of government alongside private sector
partners, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said in his message delivered by Assistant
Secretary Marites Maristela of the DSWD’s Conditional Cash Transfer Group
(CCTG).

“Napakainspiring na mga story po na ating na-witness na nagpapatunay na walang imposible na itawid
ang ating pamumuhay mula sa kahirapan sa pamamagitan ng pakikipagtulungan sa ating gobyerno at sa pagtulong na rin ng ibat-ibang miyembro ng private sector,” Secretary Gatchalian said.

Joining Asst. Secretary Maristela in the twin events dubbed, “Kinabukasang e-Panalo, Pugay-Tagumpay na Tunay,” were Asst. Secretary Elaine Fallarcuna of the CCTG’s Support to Operations and New Initiatives and DSWD Northern Mindanao Regional Director Ramel Jamen.

Local government officials were also present to firm up their support to the two milestone events for their constituents. # (LSJ)