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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Gov't exploring digital payout for transport workers' cash aid

Gov't exploring digital payout for transport workers' cash aid

Published Apr 7, 2026 07:45 pm
Photo by John Louie Abrina/Manila Bulletin
Photo by John Louie Abrina/Manila Bulletin
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is considering shifting to digital distribution of cash assistance for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers as it prepares for the second tranche of its Cash Relief Assistance program.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the initiative builds on lessons from the initial rollout of the program, which relied on manual distribution to ensure proper validation of beneficiaries.
As part of the digital effort, the DSWD will hold a “Virtual Financial Service Providers (FSP) Summit” via Zoom on Wednesday, April 8.
The summit will bring together e-money issuers, mobile wallet operators, and financial technology providers to support the agency’s transition to electronic payouts.
“The first round of payouts for public utility drivers was done manually to make sure that we verified and validated that the drivers were real drivers and real people, especially since the lists were coming from external sources beyond DSWD. It’s like the ‘know your customer’ phase of banks when opening bank accounts. For the succeeding rounds, we will go digital payouts for PUV drivers who have e-wallets—TNVS, MC taxi, and delivery service drivers,” Gatchalian said.
DSWD has invited financial technology providers to participate in the summit as it explores accreditation of partners that can support real-time digital fund transfers.
The initiative is anchored on the agency’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program and aims to improve delivery mechanisms for beneficiaries affected by rising fuel prices.
DSWD Assistant Secretary and chief information officer Johannes Paulus Acuña said shifting to digital systems would help streamline operations and cut costs while improving access for beneficiaries.
“This will pave the way for more accessible and efficient financial payments, where more beneficiaries can be served faster and administrative costs from manual distribution will also be reduced,” Acuña said in Filipino.
He added that safeguards will remain in place to ensure only qualified beneficiaries receive assistance even as the agency modernizes its payout systems.
“Alongside the study of digital payouts, the DSWD ensures that our verification and validation processes remain strong. We will continue to make sure that financial assistance goes to the rightful beneficiaries,” Acuña said.
DSWD said it is currently reviewing and accrediting financial service providers that could support the rollout of e-wallet and mobile-based disbursements for future tranches of the program.
READ MORE: 
https://mb.com.ph/2026/04/07/dswd-activates-146-payout-sites-for-cash-aid-distribution-to-tricycle-drivers-nationwide

Related Tags

DSWD AYUDA PUV DRIVERS REX GATCHALIAN OIL CRISIS
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