QUEZON CITY, (PIA) — At least 50 beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) from the cities of Navotas and Malabon received new mobile phone units during a distribution event held at the Navotas Sports Complex, Tuesday.
The initiative was led by Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian, along with key officials from Globe Telecom, GCash operator, and G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI). Secretary Gatchalian was joined at the ceremony by Navotas City Representative Toby Tiangco, Globe Telecom Deputy Chief Executive Officer Carl Cruz, G-Xchange President and CEO Oscar Enrico Reyes, Jr.
This mobile phone distribution is part of the “e-Panalo ang Kinabukasan” financial digital initiative aimed at educating and encouraging beneficiaries to utilize digital applications for effective financial management, particularly for those living in remote areas.
Representative Tiangco thanked the DSWD for choosing Navotas as pilot site for e-Panalo. While some 852 4Ps beneficiaries, who attended the launch, also received P2,000 in financial assistance.
“Malaki ang pasasalamat natin sa DSWD sa pagpili sa Navotas bilang unang lungsod sa NCR na makikinabang sa e-Panalo program. Sa pamamagitan nito, mas mapapabilis at mapapadali ang pagbibigay ng tulong sa ating mga 4Ps beneficiaries,” Tiangco said.
“But more than that, we are equipping them with knowledge and skills in digital technology while helping them build a stronger foundation in financial literacy,” he added.
Tiangco also commended the DSWD, under the leadership of Sec. Gatchalian, for its commitment to innovation in social services.
“Muli, taos-pusong pasasalamat sa DSWD, sa pangunguna ni Sec. Rex Gatchalian, sa pagpapalawak ng programang ito. Hindi lang natin ginagawang mas accessible ang tulong pinansyal—binibigyan natin ang ating mga 4Ps beneficiaries ng kakayahan para mas maging handa sa digital at financial landscape ng ating panahon,” Tiangco said.
Other DSWD officials in attendance included Undersecretary Vilma Cabrera and Assistant Secretary Marites Maristela from the Conditional Cash Transfer and Beneficiary Targeting Group, as well as Assistant Secretary Ana Maria Paz Rafael from the Partnership Building and Resource Mobilization Office.
DSWD Field Office NCR Director Michael Joseph Lorico also participated in the event.
The distribution of mobile phones marks a significant step in enhancing digital literacy and financial inclusion among the 4Ps beneficiaries, aligning with the government’s efforts to support vulnerable communities through technology.
Notable guests included Navotas City Vice Mayor Tito Sanchez, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Mamerto Tangonan, Land Bank of the Philippines Vice President Arnel Tuazon, BPI Foundation Executive Director Carmina Marquez, and Ayala Foundation Head of Corporate Citizenship and Volunteerism Cenen Milan. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
(Photo courtesy: DSWD)
