The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in partnership with Globe and GCash, recently handed out refurbished smartphones to 256 beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in the southern Palawan towns of Bataraza and Brooke’s Point.
The initiative falls under the “E-Panalo ang Kinabukasan” campaign and the private sector-driven Pre-loved Phone Donation Drive, aiming to empower vulnerable communities through digital financial literacy and access. With these phones, 4Ps households can now receive their cash grants digitally and explore online learning or small digital business ventures.
“Our aim is to bring government services closer to where people are,” emphasized DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian. “With digital tools in hand, families no longer need to walk long distances just to access their cash grants. That alone can change lives.”
Beyond phone distribution, beneficiaries also participated in financial literacy sessions to equip them with the know-how to navigate digital platforms effectively.
Globe President and CEO Carl Cruz highlighted the broader vision of the project: “We hope these devices would help families not only receive their cash grants easily, but also for them to get the various opportunities to uplift their lives that technology makes possible.”
GCash mobile wallet operator G-Xchange Inc. echoed the sentiment. “This is more than just onboarding users,” said President and CEO Oscar Enrico Reyes Jr. “It is about financial inclusion and making sure no one gets left behind in the digital economy.”
Similar smartphone distributions have already taken place in Navotas and Romblon, with more areas expected to benefit soon.
