In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure the efficient distribution of Cash Relief Assistance (CRA) to public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers in this time of crisis, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) held a virtual summit with various Financial Service Providers (FSPs) and Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs) on Wednesday (April 8).

Asst. Secretary Johannes Paulus Acuna, the DSWD’s Chief Information Officer (CIO), has noted the critical challenge being faced by the Department in ensuring that the cash assistance reaches the PUV drivers quickly, safely, and efficiently.

“Traditional methods like over-the-counter payouts remain part of our system, but it can lead to delay, higher costs, and added burdens on beneficiaries who travel and line up to receive assistance. In a situation like this, speed and accessibility are essential,” Asst. Secretary Acuna said during the summit.

According to Asst. Secretary Acuña, digital disbursement ensures efficient, transparent, and contactless delivery, supporting immediate bulk and on-demand payouts as the need arises.

“By using accounts-based payout through e-money and mobile wallets, we can deliver assistance in real time. This allows us to respond faster, reduce friction, and ensure funds go directly to the beneficiaries without unnecessary barriers,” the DSWD’s CIO pointed out.

Asst. Secretary Acuña said there is a need to accelerate the shift toward digital disbursement, especially in time for the 2nd tranche of the CRA payouts as every transaction made easier will benefit the PUV drivers.

“Behind every transaction is a Filipino family needing support. Every improvement in speed and efficiency directly translates into more timely and meaningful assistance,” Asst. Secretary Acuña said.

The DSWD official stressed that transitioning to the digital disbursement method is one way of bringing the Department’s programs and services closer and more accessible to its intended beneficiaries.

“Digital disbursement ensures secure, efficient, and contactless delivery. It supports both bulk and on-demand payouts as needs arise. It strengthens transparency and auditability, while reducing administrative costs for DSWD. Most importantly, it provides beneficiaries with more convenient and accessible ways to receive support during these difficult times,” Asst. Secretary Acuña told the summit participants.

To achieve this, the DSWD CIO called on the FSPs to partner with the Department in exploring ways to expedite the distribution of cash assistance to PUV drivers.

“We are scaling our rollout and calling on FSPs to partner with us in delivering this assistance. We need to ensure, secure, scalable, and reliable solutions that can reach even the most underserved communities,” Asst. Secretary Acuna said.

During the summit, the DSWD presented the documentary requirements for the planned digitalized payouts, such as a letter of intent, company profile, proof of an existing Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) account, and proof of registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), among others.

The DSWD also discussed the system requirements for digital banks and e-wallets, which include beneficiary verification, onboarding processes, and payment transparency reports.

Despite the transition to digital platforms, the DSWD will still implement face-to-face or over-the-counter payouts whenever it is necessary.

DSWD beneficiaries will choose their preferred banks or digital wallets from the list of partnered FSPs and EMIs. They will also exercise discretion on where to cash out their financial assistance.

To ensure that all accounts and beneficiaries are legitimate and properly aligned, the DSWD directs the partnering banks and digital wallets to rigorously validate the registered individuals and their financial details.

The FSPs and EMIs that attended the meeting and expressed interest in strengthening the DSWD’s initiative included the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Maya Philippines, G-Xchange Inc., Palawan Group of Companies, Universal Storefront Services Corporation (USSC), Paynamix Tech Inc., Vision Technology Inc., BPI Direct BanKo, Cebuana Lhuillier Corporation, and GoTyme Bank.

The DSWD requires all interested FSPs and EMIs to submit their requirements electronically to records@dswd.gov.ph, or submit physical copies to the Administrative Services – Records and Archives Management Division at the DSWD Central Office Building in Quezon City. Applicants must submit these documents on or before April 15, 2026, no later than 3:00 PM. (KB)