Can learning how to use a smartphone transform the way families manage their finances?

For 100 beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Buhi and Iriga, Camarines Sur, the answer is a resounding yes. These families recently received not only smartphones but also hands-on digital financial literacy training through a joint initiative of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Globe Telecom, and GCash.

The training was held on July 9–10, 2025, at the Millenium Covered Court and Iriga Sports Complex.

This initiative aims to equip low-income households, especially those in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA), with the tools and knowledge to access, manage, and protect their government cash grants in today’s digital world. The rollout is part of the DSWD’s ongoing campaign, “e-Panalo ang Kinabukasan,” which seeks to integrate digital financial literacy into 4Ps and help beneficiaries transition from traditional disbursement methods such as cash cards or over-the-counter payouts to secure and convenient digital wallets.

Through this partnership, identified 4Ps households particularly those classified as “Survival Level” or Level 1 in the 2023 Social Welfare and Development Indicators (SWDI) received smartphones donated by Globe and were trained to navigate the GCash platform.

Beneficiaries learned how to create and use e-wallet accounts, cash in and out, track expenses, set budgets, and avoid common digital scams.

“Sa pamamagitan ng aktibidad na ito, sama-sama nating tinitiyak na walang magiging huli o maiiwang Pilipino sa ating daan patungo sa isang digital, secure, at mas madaling serbisyong pampubliko. Ang hakbang na ito ay hindi lamang nagpapadali ng pagtanggap ng mga grants, kundi higit sa lahat, ito ay nagbubukas ng mas maraming pagkakataon sa larangan ng pinansyal para sa ating mga 4Ps beneficiaries. Pinapalawak nito ang inyong mga kakayahan upang magpatuloy sa paglago at pag-unlad, hindi lamang habang kayo’y nasa programa, kundi maging pagkatapos ng inyong pag-graduate mula sa programa”, said DSWD Bicol Regional Director Norman S. Laurio.

This transformation is anchored in the mandate of Republic Act No. 11310 or the 4Ps Act, which institutionalizes the use of transaction accounts for cash transfers. It also aligns with Executive Order No. 170, which promotes the adoption of digital payments in government disbursements reinforcing the broader push toward e-governance, operational efficiency, and financial inclusion.

Buhi Mayor Rey Lacoste delivered an inspiring message, highlighting the government’s commitment to reaching 4Ps families in remote communities:

“It is our great honor and privilege that Buhi was selected as one of the pilot municipalities for the e-Panaloinitiative. When the 4Ps program was established in 2010, our town was among the beneficiaries—and until now, its implementation continues to be a success. Ang daming nabagong buhay, ang daming naging professional because of the program. Kahit walang kakayahan ang pamilya, nabigyan ng pag-asa at pagkakataon na mabago ang kanilang buhay. Maraming salamat, DSWD!”

For many Indigenous Peoples (IP) beneficiaries, the transition to digital is a welcome and timely change.

“Buo po ang loob ko na lumipat sa GCash kasi po sobrang hirap sa amin ang pagpila sa bangko para lang makakuha ng cash grant. Bumabyahe po kami at pumipila sa bangko nang mahigit isang oras,” shared Meriam San Juan, a 4Ps-IP beneficiary from Cagmaslog, Buhi, Camarines Sur. She added,

“Ngayon po, hindi na ako gagastos ng Php200 para mag-withdraw ng cash grant. Isang pindot na lang po sa telepono, nandiyan na agad. Masaya po ako—kami pong mga katutubo ay dapat sumabay din sa pagbago ng panahon.”

Josefina Canada from Santa Isabel, Buhi, Camarines Sur, her eyes welling with tears, shared:

“64 na po ako, ngayon lang po ako nakahawak ng cellphone. Masayang-masaya po ako. Gusto ko po matuto.Hindi pa po ako masyado marunong gumamit nito pero magpapaturo po ako sa anak ko.”

To support the transition, a dedicated Help Desk was set up during the event to address technical concerns, answer questions, and guide participants in using their mobile wallets and devices. In total, Globe Telecom distributed smartphones to 75 beneficiaries in Buhi and 25 in Iriga.

Looking ahead, the DSWD, under the leadership of Secretary Rex Gatchalian, is continuously sustaining and expanding its digital financial literacy program as part of a broader vision to empower 4Ps families through financial inclusion and digital transformation. This initiative also supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Ten-Point Agenda for Economic Transformation, particularly in promoting digitalization, advancing e-governance, and building resilient and inclusive communities.