The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has recently launched a financial literacy program for beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps. Dubbed as “e-PANALO ang Kinabukasan,” the program aims to enhance the digital financial literacy and inclusion of 4Ps beneficiaries.
DSWD Field Office XI hosted the event at Barangay Paquibato Proper Barangay Hall, Davao City on Monday, 27 May 2024. Aside from helping 4Ps members to be mainstreamed in the country’s financial system, the program improves their access to financial services.
Financial Literacy Program for 4Ps Members Kicks Off
According to DSWD Asst. Secretary for 4Ps and the National Household Targeting System, Marites Maristela, the e-PANALO program provides additional methods for beneficiaries in receiving their grants, while enhancing their digital financial literacy, a DSWD press release reported.
At the same time, the program seeks to prevent “cash card pawning.” It also aims to reduce the expenses of beneficiaries living in remote areas, who have to travel far to access their cash grants.
Helping 4Ps Members Adapt to Digital Platforms
“The DSWD undertakes this initiative to help 4Ps beneficiaries adapt to the emerging modern platforms and technology for faster access to various financial online services,” Asst. Secretary Maristela said.
“By equipping the 4Ps beneficiaries with better knowledge and skills in handling their financial transactions and accessing digital financial service providers, we deliver cash grants in a timely and convenient manner,” she added.
Collaborations with LandBank, GCash, and More
Asst. Secretary Maristela shared that the e-PANALO program involves collaboration with LandBank of the Philippines and the private sector, including Ayala Foundation, BPI Foundation, Maya, and G-Xchange Incorporated, which is the operator of GCash.
Notably, Asst. Secretary Maristela was joined by 4Ps National Program Manager and Director Gemma Gabuya, along with other personnel from DSWD Field Office XI (Davao Region), the Davao City Operations Office Team, and the Provincial Operations Offices.
For his part, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte — who was represented by City Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre and City Social Welfare and Development Officer Joy Dayaday — conveyed his full support as well as the commitment of the local government unit (LGU) in implementing the program for 4Ps beneficiaries in the city.
During the event, around 200 4Ps beneficiaries were in attendance, learning about digital applications and how they can use them for their financial activities. Together with more than 4 million 4Ps households nationwide, they have also been getting financial literacy sessions through the 4Ps’ Family Development Sessions.
Final Thoughts
In this day and age, more and more people are using digital technology in their financial activities – shopping, paying bills, and sending money. Through programs like e-PANALO, members of the 4Ps would not be left behind; they can access digital platforms and engage in mobile banking… just like everybody else!
Speaking of financial literacy, check out this article about a 4Ps member who learned the habit of “saving before spending” after attending the program’s Family Development Sessions (FDS).