As part of its commitment to enhance digital financial literacy among beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is set to launch the 4Ps Mobile Phone Distribution on March 18 at the Navotas Sports Complex.
Director Gemma Gabuya, 4Ps National Program Manager, said the kick-off ceremony will highlight the ceremonial distribution of mobile phones to some 51 members of 4Ps from the Cities of Malabon and Navotas. This will allow the beneficiaries to access financial services conveniently and securely through digital platforms and the actual receipt of their cash grants.
“The 4Ps strongly advocates the importance of financial education and digital financial literacy to its household-grantees. To encourage them to apply what they have learned from the family development sessions (FDS), the mobile phones that will be distributed will help our 4Ps beneficiaries to access more opportunities in our financial system,” Director Gabuya explained.
These beneficiaries are those who belong to 4Ps households at the survival level and have signified their intention to transition from cash-based payouts through their cash cards to digital financial platforms such as e-wallets, according to Director Gabuya.
The mobile phone distribution will be spearheaded by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian; GLOBE Telecom Deputy Chief Executive Officer Carl Cruz; G-Xchange President and CEO Oscar Enrico Reyes, Jr.; DSWD Conditional Cash Transfer Undersecretary Vilma Cabrera; Conditional Cash Transfer Assistant Secretary Marites Maristela, and Navotas City Mayor John Reynald Tiangco.
Director Gabuya said the distribution of mobile phones is part of a larger goal to provide mobile devices to 32,684 4Ps households nationwide, prioritizing those at the survival level of well-being and in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA).
The DSWD’s Mobile Phone Distribution is in collaboration with key private sector partners, including G-Xchange Inc. (GCash), Globe Telecom, BPI Foundation, and the Ayala Foundation.
“These organizations have pledged their support in providing the necessary digital infrastructure and financial education to 4Ps beneficiaries,” Director Gabuya said.
The DSWD’s Mobile Phone Distribution is an extension of the 4Ps’ Digital Financial Inclusion Initiative which was launched by Secretary Gatchalian in December 2023 to promote financial inclusivity among household-beneficiaries.