A fatal incident during a cash assistance distribution in Quezon City has prompted the Department of Social Welfare and Development to explore shifting toward electronic payment systems for its aid programs.
DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao told GMA News’ Unang Balita that the agency has already begun consultations on adopting digital platforms, citing the practical and humanitarian value of moving away from physical queuing.
“Meron na tayong ginagawa na konsultasyon para sa adoption naman ng mga digital systems kasi nakikita naman natin ‘yung value ng pag-adopt ng mga electronic wallets,” Dumlao said.
She noted that the shift would be especially critical during periods of extreme heat, when requiring vulnerable beneficiaries to line up poses serious risks. “Especially sa panahon na ganito na mainit po ‘yung panahon, ayaw talaga natin na pumipila rin ‘yung ating mga vulnerable sectors,” she added.
Beyond protecting recipients from the elements, the move is also expected to cut down on the operational and administrative expenses associated with in-person payouts.
A motorcycle taxi rider died during a weekend distribution activity in Quezon City. The DSWD said it has extended assistance to the victim’s family, though Dumlao noted the agency has yet to receive official information on the cause of death, as the family is still awaiting a death certificate.
The weekend payout was open to motorcycle taxi and delivery riders across the country, with claimants allowed to collect aid at any distribution site nearest to them. That arrangement contributed to an unexpectedly high turnout at certain locations. Dumlao acknowledged that the agency underestimated the number of beneficiaries who would converge on the Quezon City site, and admitted that stronger crowd control and queuing systems should have been in place.
Cash aid distribution will continue despite the incident, with the DSWD set to announce additional schedules for riders who were unable to claim their assistance.
In a separate development, the agency is looking into a complaint from Taguig where a rider reported that someone else collected cash aid under his name. Dumlao said identification cards and relevant documents are being gathered to determine what happened.
The DSWD is also weighing whether to extend assistance to additional sectors affected by ongoing energy-related difficulties, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and the middle class.
