Quezon towns begin shift to digital 4Ps grant distribution with mobile phones

By Nimfa L. Estrellado DSWD Secretary REX Gatchalian leads the distribution of mobile phones to Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program benefici...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado

DSWD Secretary REX Gatchalian leads the distribution of mobile phones to Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries during a digital financial inclusion initiative in Infanta, Quezon. (Infanta LGU)

INFANTA, Quezon — Several towns in Northern Quezon have begun shifting to a digital system for releasing Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) grants following the distribution of mobile phones to program beneficiaries. Faster and more convenient access to government cash assistance is expected for low-income families across the province as the government expands digital financial services.

The distribution was carried out during an outreach activity organized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development and held Tuesday at the Northern Quezon Auditorium in Infanta. Beneficiaries from several municipalities in Northern Quezon gathered for the introduction of the digital grant payment system under the government’s financial inclusion initiative.



Secretary Rex Gatchalian led the distribution of mobile phones to beneficiaries from Infanta and nearby towns including General Nakar. A total of 136 Pantawid beneficiaries received mobile phones during the activity, which formed part of the agency’s Convergence Mission aimed at strengthening social protection programs in Quezon communities.

The mobile phones, donated by Globe Telecom, will allow beneficiaries to receive their grants through digital payment platforms such as GCash. The initiative forms part of the government’s effort to expand digital financial inclusion among low-income households in rural areas.

During the event, Gatchalian highlighted how digital technology can simplify the process of receiving government assistance. He said mobile-based financial services will allow beneficiaries to receive their grants without unnecessary travel to town centers or payout sites.

“Now that you are registered on GCash, you no longer need to physically go to different places just to claim your grants,” Gatchalian said. “You can receive the assistance directly through your mobile phones.”

Gatchalian also emphasized that the use of digital platforms can make government service delivery faster and more efficient. Digital transactions can also help ensure assistance reaches beneficiaries more quickly and with fewer logistical challenges.

“Our goal is to make sure assistance reaches you quickly and conveniently through digital systems,” Gatchalian said. “This way, families can receive their support without spending time and money traveling just to claim their benefits.”

The social welfare chief said the initiative is intended not only to improve the delivery of government assistance but also to help beneficiaries develop digital and financial skills. Access to mobile technology can also open opportunities for online transactions, communication, and livelihood activities.

According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the devices will allow beneficiaries to receive and monitor their financial assistance using their mobile phones. Mobile-based transactions are expected to reduce delays in the release of government grants.

Called the “e-Panalo ang Kinabukasan Digital Financial Inclusion Initiative,” the program promotes the use of digital payment services among beneficiaries. Mobile applications allow recipients to receive and manage assistance through digital payment platforms such as GCash.

The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program is the national government’s flagship poverty reduction initiative that provides conditional cash grants to poor families. Beneficiaries must comply with health, education, and family development requirements to continue receiving assistance.

Digital payments can help beneficiaries receive their grants without traveling long distances to banks or municipal centers. This approach is expected to benefit families living in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas across Northern Quezon.

The visit also included a meeting with municipal link officers of the 4Ps program who serve as frontliners in implementing the initiative in communities. Representatives from Infanta, General Nakar, Real, and towns in the Polillo Group of Islands shared their experiences and suggestions to improve the program.