The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in collaboration with partners, continues to empower Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries through the ongoing “e-Panalo ang Kinabukasan” digital financial literacy initiative in Palawan.
A two-day simultaneous financial education session was held on May 27 and 28 at the Bataraza Town Center in the munipality of Bataraza and at the Saraza Gymnasium in the town of Brooke’s Point.
“Sa panahon ngayon, hindi lang sapat na marunong tayong mag-impok. Dapat alam din natin kung paano ligtas at maayos na gamitin ang teknolohiya sa paghawak ng pera. Sa derektiba ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr, binigyang prayoridad ni Secretary Rex Gatchalian itong e-Panalo ang Kinabukasan ,” Director Gemma Gabuya of the DSWD’s 4Ps National Program Management Office (NPMO) said on Wednesday (May 28).
More than 400 program beneficiaries, mostly from Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs), participated in the activity aimed at enhancing their knowledge on the responsible use of digital financial tools and services.
“Ang layunin ng programang ito ay bigyan ng kaalaman ang ating 4Ps beneficiaries para maprotektahan ang kanilang kita at mas mapalago ang kanilang kabuhayan,” Director Gabuya said.
The financial literacy training covered various topics including mobile banking, online scam prevention, budgeting, and financial goal setting.
Leading the orientation were personnel from the DSWD, representatives from GCash, Ayala Foundation, Bank of the Philippines Islands (BPI) Foundation.
“It is part of the DSWD’s broader push for digital inclusion and sustainable development among our beneficiaries. Ang ‘e-Panalo ang Kinabukasan’ ay hindi lamang tungkol sa teknolohiya. Ito ay tungkol sa pagbibigay ng pag-asa at kaalaman na magagamit ng bawat benepisyaryo sa kanilang araw-araw na buhay,” the 4Ps director pointed out.
This initiative is being implemented in partnership with key government agencies, financial institutions, and non-government organizations that share the advocacy of promoting financial empowerment among vulnerable sectors.
A dedicated GCash booth was set up at the venue to assist 4Ps members who now want to receive their cash grants through GCash for greater convenience.
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) also provided on-site service for 4Ps beneficiaries who have not yet registered for their PhilSys ID.
“The DSWD affirms its continued commitment to support 4Ps households not only through conditional cash grants, but also by equipping them with the tools and knowledge necessary for long-term self-sufficiency,” Director Gabuya said. (YADP)
