PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga, through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), today kicked off its “e‑PANALO Ang Kinabukasan” Technical Rollout earlier today, July 28, 2025, gathering 4Ps beneficiaries, partner agencies, and local officials at the Datu Lipus Macapandong Cultural Center in Patin‑ay, Prosperidad, Agusan Del Sur.

A total of 86 4Ps Beneficiaries who were identified as Level 1 or “Survival” and beneficiaries living in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) received donated cellphones and SIM Cards care of Globe Telecom. This activity aimed to equip families with the knowledge and tools to receive their cash grants through smartphones and digital wallets instead of traditional cash card payment methods.

The rollout was graced by Vilma Cabrera, Undersecretary for Conditional Cash Transfer Group, 4Ps Assistant Secretary Marites Maristela, Assistant Secretary Elaine Fallarcuna, DSWD Field Office Caraga Regional Director Mari-Flor Dollaga, and Provincial Vice Governor Hon. Patricia Anne Plaza. Representatives from key private‑sector partners, namely Globe Telecom, GCash, Ayala Foundation & BPI Foundation, set up booths throughout the venue, while GCash and Agusan Del Sur Municipal Links assisted beneficiaries through their GCash account registration and activation.

Meanwhile, an orientation on Financial Literacy was given by Ms. Gladys Malapo, Program Manager of BPI Foundation. Further talks on GCash Digital Financial Services and Mobile Phone Usage was led by Mr. Cash Maghirang, Manager for GCash Public Center.

Opening ceremonies featured remarks from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Razel Montemor, who touts the program’s initiatives in empowering the 4Ps Beneficiaries into modern financial transactions.

“The E-PANALO initiative marks a transformative step forward, enabling our beneficiaries to transition from traditional cash payouts to more secure, convenient, and empowering digital financial services,” she said.

Usec. Vilma Cabrera delivered DSWD Secretary Rex Gachalian’s message of support for the rollout. His message emphasized DSWD’s mission in transitioning beneficiaries’ basic financial services towards digital finance systems.

“Ngayong araw ay madadagdagan kayo ng mahalagang kaalaman: Kung papano gamitin ang GCash, kung paano mag budget at mag impok, at kung paano maging ligtas sa digital transactions. Alam nating hindi ito madaling proseso, pero sa pagpapakita Ninyo ng interes na matuto, kayo ay patuloy naming pahahalagahan at susuportahan,” Secretary Gachalian added.

Mista Man-Anohog, a Person with Disability (PWD) and a 4Ps Beneficiary, is one of the 86 beneficiaries who received the technical assistance and digital financial literacy lecture during the e-Panalo Rollout. He expressed his difficulties in claiming his cash grants via cash card, saying how it is challenging for him as a PWD to fall in lengthy lines and spend money for fare which takes away from the total amount of his grant. Now, he is optimistic that the new digital methods via GCash would be easier for him.

“Ang akong gilauman karon nga naa na sa cellphone, sa GCash na, sayon ra ni kay naa man sa mga silingan namo nga naay mga gcash, maka-cash out na mi,” he said.

Launched in 2023, the e-Panalo Technical Rollout aims to provide technical assistance via cellphones and digital literacy lectures to 32,684 4Ps households nationwide, prioritizing Households in Level 1 or the Survival Level and beneficiaries in GIDA areas. Furthermore, distribution is consent-based for those beneficiaries transitioning to digital payouts. With today’s caravan, DSWD moves one step closer to its nationwide target, ushering 4Ps Beneficiaries to a more modern and quicker way to receive their grants.