MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through its Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), has officially launched the “e-Panalo ang Kinabukasan” initiative in Bukidnon — the first of its kind in the region — with subsequent rollouts planned across Mindanao in the coming days

As part of its digital and financial inclusion efforts, the DSWD, in partnership with Globe Telecom, distributed 207 mobile phones to Indigenous Peoples (IP) 4Ps beneficiaries during a ceremonial turnover held on July 22, 2025, at the Sports Complex and Cultural Center in Barangay Laguitas, Malaybalay City.

The beneficiaries, hailing from the municipalities of Kitaotao, Kalilangan, Talakag, and Lantapan, are IP 4Ps members who voluntarily transitioned from cash card disbursements to digital wallets.

DSWD Assistant Secretary Marites M. Maristela, who delivered the keynote message on behalf of Secretary Rex Gatchalian, emphasized the program’s goal of enhancing beneficiaries’ financial literacy by equipping them to navigate various digital platforms.

“By adopting digital wallets, beneficiaries in remote communities reduce travel expenses previously incurred when withdrawing grants from ATMs,” she noted during an interview with the Bukidnon Press.

She added that the initiative offers practical alternatives to traditional banking systems, especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas where e-wallets are more accessible.

To implement the initiative, the DSWD is working closely with the Land Bank of the Philippines, Ayala Foundation, BPI Foundation, and G-Xchange, Inc. (operator of GCash). The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Region X is also providing support by offering free Wi-Fi access during registration and assisting with digital financial literacy orientation until July 24, 2025.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Region X extended their e-Gov services to help IP beneficiaries, particularly those without physical national IDs, access government programs.

The ceremonial turnover was led by Asec. Maristela and Asec. Elaine F. Fallarcuna, together with DSWD Field Office X Regional Director Ramel F. Jamen and GCash Public Sector Manager Charles Maghirang. They were joined by Bukidnon Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque, Malaybalay City Mayor Atty. Jay Warren R. Pabillaran, and Malaybalay City Councilor Brian Nelson T. Flores, who represented 2nd District Representative Atty. Jonathan Keith Flores.

The event also featured a Pugay Tagumpay graduation ceremony honoring 100 4Ps members from Malaybalay City who have successfully completed the program.

Governor Roque distributed food packs to the graduates and expressed his continued commitment to support their transition into self-sufficiency.

“Today’s phone distribution is part of that continued transformation. It symbolizes empowerment through technology. With these tools, our families stay connected and better equipped to access public services. To our 4Ps graduates, I offer my sincerest congratulations. Your success is Bukidnon’s success,” said Gov. Roque.

Mayor Pabillaran likewise pledged continued support, including skills training and livelihood interventions for exited 4Ps beneficiaries in Malaybalay.

The launch was also attended by Cabanglasan Mayor Bernie Castallanes, Lantapan Mayor Ricky James Balansag, Pangantucan Mayor Manolito Garces, and Maramag Vice Mayor John Lester Malack.

According to the DSWD, the Pugay Tagumpay ceremony serves as a recognition event celebrating the resilience and improved quality of life of 4Ps families who have met the program’s graduation criteria. It includes testimonials, acknowledgments from partner agencies, and the distribution of support packages.

As of June 30, 2025, the DSWD records 184,021 active 4Ps household beneficiaries in Northern Mindanao. This year alone, 11,000 households in the region are expected to graduate from the program due to improved well-being or natural attrition. (melbmadera)