By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet

Consistent with various efforts to alleviate poverty and hunger, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) accompanied President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in two engagements in Pinabacdao, Samar over the weekend.

The “e-Panalo ang Kinabukasan” regional rollout involved the distribution of mobile phones to over 100 Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) household beneficiaries to promote digital financial literacy and bring the government’s financial assistance to their fingertips.

This initiative provides them with the option to receive their monthly grants through electronic wallets, in accordance with the President’s directive to ensure inclusivity amid the government’s push towards the digitalization of its services.

President Marcos Jr. said during the activity, “These are the underserved areas, walang branch ng bangko. Lahat ginagawa natin para sa kanila, makuha nila yung mga cash benefit nila.” 

Prior to receiving their mobile phone units, participating 4Ps beneficiaries underwent digital financial literacy sessions to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate online financial platforms.

Among the topics discussed with the beneficiaries were how to identify threats and scams common in digital transactions and ways to invest their savings.

DSWD Spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said in a statement, “Patuloy na binibigyan ng prayoridad ng pamahalaan na masiguro na may access ang bawat pamilyang Pilipino sa iba’t ibang serbisyo na makakatulong sa kanila na umangat ang kanilang pamumuhay. 

Kabilang dito ang mabigyan sila ng pagkakataon na matuto sa mga digital financial apps at iba pang pamamaraan kung paano nila ma-maximize ang kanilang cash grants.”

On reducing hunger

In a separate activity at the same locale, the President and Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian facilitated the Walang Gutom Program (WGP), where 129 beneficiaries accessed and purchased nutritious and affordable food items using their monthly food credits.

These credits amounting to P3,000, are received by the beneficiaries on their electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards, which helps augment their daily expenses and household food supply.

President Marcos Jr. noted the health benefits of adequate nutrition for children, “Mayroon na ring balansyado na nutritional value ang binibigay, lalo na sa mga bata.”

Through the WGP, beneficiaries receive Php3,000 in monthly food credits on their electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards, intended to help them augment their household food supply and ease daily expenses. 

This program not only serves to reduce hunger incidences in the provinces, but it also aims to support Filipino households and help them to become part of nation-building.

Secretary Gatchalian said, “Direktiba ng ating Pangulo na siguraduhin na dapat una, wala nang pamilyang Pilipino ang nagugutom para maging bahagi sila ng productive workforce.”

The WGP beneficiaries also engaged in the Kalusugan, Kakayahan, at Kabuhayan (3K) Sessions, where they are empowered to prepare nutritious, delicious, and affordable meals for their families, while also gaining practical skills and access to livelihood opportunities.

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