DSWD distributes smartphones to 256 4Ps beneficiaries in Palawan
In a statement Sunday, DSWD said the distribution of refurbished smartphones is under the Pre-loved Phone Donation Drive, in partnership with the private sector.
It is a part of the agency's 'E-Panalo ang Kinabukasan' campaign, which aims to bring digital financial literacy and tools to 4Ps families, especially those in far-flung areas.
With smartphones, 4Ps beneficiaries can receive their cash grants through digital banking as well as use it for online learning and digital businesses.
'Our aim is to bring government services closer to where people are,' said DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian.
'With digital tools in hand, families no longer need to walk long distances just to access their cash grants. That alone can change lives,' he added.
During the distribution of smartphones, the 4Ps beneficiaries also engaged in financial literacy sessions.
For Carl Cruz, Globe President and CEO the initiative is about inclusion and access to opportunity: 'We hope these devices would help families not only receive their cash grants easily, but also for them to get the various opportunities to uplift their lives that technology makes possible.'
'This is more than just onboarding users, it is about financial inclusion and making sure no one gets left behind in the digital economy. Beneficiaries can receive their GCash directly and efficiently and they also gain access to digital financial services to support their daily needs.' said Oscar Enrico Reyes Jr., President and CEO of G-Xchange Inc., the mobile wallet operator of GCash.
DSWD has also distributed smartphones in Navotas and Romblon. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
GMA Network
3 days ago
- GMA Network
Globe offers free calls, data in storm-hit areas
Globe Telecom on Tuesday said it is offering communication aid to support its subscribers in areas affected by Typhoon Crising and monsoon rains. In a news release, Globe said its eligible prepaid and TM customers will receive free unlimited calls and texts to all networks, along with 100MB of data for all apps and an additional 100MB for Facebook, Viber, and more, valid for one day. Meanwhile, Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi eligible customers can access 5GB of free open data for three days, while GFiber Prepaid subscribers in affected areas are given a three-day promo extension. For Globe Postpaid and GFiber Postpaid customers, the telco said their payment due dates are being extended to help ease the burden during this difficult time. 'In times like this, it's critical that we help communities stay connected and feel supported,' said Yoly Crisanto, Globe chief sustainability and corporate communications officer. Globe also called on its customers to take part in the relief efforts. The telco said those with 'Globe Rewards' points can donate to the Ayala Foundation's Hapag Movement directly through the GlobeOne app. Moreover, it said GCash users can also send donations to the Ayala Foundation by scanning the QR code provided or via the app's donation feature. — BAP, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
7 days ago
- GMA Network
DTI's e-commerce Trustmark aims to protect consumers, boost trust in online shopping
A new government-issued digital badge called the E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark is being introduced to help consumers verify the legitimacy of online sellers and platforms, as part of efforts to strengthen trust and accountability in the country's digital marketplace. Developed by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) under the Internet Transactions Act of 2023 (Republic Act 11967), the Trustmark is awarded to e-commerce entities that meet specific verification standards, such as having a valid business registration, physical address, and contact details. 'Ang purpose po ng Trustmark is para magkaroon ng assurance ng safety and security po dun sa transaction ng consumer at ng merchant,' said DTI Assistant Secretary for the E-Commerce Bureau Atty. Marcus Valdez II at the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public briefing on Friday. (The purpose of the Trustmark is to give assurance of safety and security in transactions between the consumer and the merchant.) According to Valdez, the initiative addresses common concerns over fraudulent sellers and untraceable transactions by making it easier for consumers to identify trustworthy merchants. 'Kailangan po nating kriterya is meron ka pong address, meron ka pong contact details… saan ko pwedeng kausapin yung merchant kapag meron akong problema?' he noted. (Criteria include having an address and contact details… so I know how to reach the merchant if I encounter a problem.) Each Trustmark includes a QR code and security features, which link to an Online Business Database where consumers can check a seller's verified information. The database is accessible via 'Makikita rin ito sa website ng Trustmark. Ilalagay po namin dito yung mga merchant na na-verify na po namin,' Valdez pointed out. (It will also appear on the Trustmark website. We will list merchants that we have already verified.) Although application for the Trustmark is currently voluntary, the DTI is encouraging sellers to participate, highlighting potential benefits such as improved public credibility and consumer trust. 'We are encouraging all the merchants to get the Trustmark para po to tell everyone that it's safe to have your transactions with someone that you do not know and you cannot see,' he added. (We encourage all merchants to apply so they can assure customers it's safe to transact even without physical contact.) Valdez said that unlike private platform badges or 'preferred seller' labels designed to increase sales, the primary goal of the Trustmark is to create a safer and more reliable e-commerce environment. To complement the Trustmark, the DTI is also launching an Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) system that will allow consumers and merchants—regardless of size—to resolve conflicts at no cost. 'Ito po ay magagamit ng mga merchants, maliit o malaki, for free... consumers and merchants can have their dialogue,' he noted. (This can be used by both small and large merchants for free, to engage in dialogue with consumers.) Merchants may apply through the DTI website by submitting required documents, including SEC, DTI, or CDA registration, BIR Form 2303, and business address. Applications are reviewed, and once approved, merchants receive their digital Trustmark badge and certificate. He also emphasized that the Trustmark not only benefits domestic transactions but can also help Filipino sellers compete internationally by showing they are verified and supported by a government regulatory system. 'Kahit na hindi kilala yung merchant, at least alam ko na meron tayong matitrace… may government agency na tutulong,' he said. (Even if I don't know the merchant, I'll know they are traceable—and that a government agency can help if needed.) The DTI continues to encourage both consumers and merchants to use the platform responsibly. 'Huwag po natin gawing totoo yung 'budol is real.' Pag-isipan po natin maigi,' he added. (Let's not make 'budol is real' a reality. Let's think carefully before making purchases.) –NB, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
13-07-2025
- GMA Network
DSWD distributes smartphones to 256 4Ps beneficiaries in Palawan
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), with Globe and GCash, distributed smartphones to 256 Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries in the southern towns of Bataraza and Brooke's Point in Palawan. In a statement Sunday, DSWD said the distribution of refurbished smartphones is under the Pre-loved Phone Donation Drive, in partnership with the private sector. It is a part of the agency's 'E-Panalo ang Kinabukasan' campaign, which aims to bring digital financial literacy and tools to 4Ps families, especially those in far-flung areas. With smartphones, 4Ps beneficiaries can receive their cash grants through digital banking as well as use it for online learning and digital businesses. 'Our aim is to bring government services closer to where people are,' said DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian. 'With digital tools in hand, families no longer need to walk long distances just to access their cash grants. That alone can change lives,' he added. During the distribution of smartphones, the 4Ps beneficiaries also engaged in financial literacy sessions. For Carl Cruz, Globe President and CEO the initiative is about inclusion and access to opportunity: 'We hope these devices would help families not only receive their cash grants easily, but also for them to get the various opportunities to uplift their lives that technology makes possible.' 'This is more than just onboarding users, it is about financial inclusion and making sure no one gets left behind in the digital economy. Beneficiaries can receive their GCash directly and efficiently and they also gain access to digital financial services to support their daily needs.' said Oscar Enrico Reyes Jr., President and CEO of G-Xchange Inc., the mobile wallet operator of GCash. DSWD has also distributed smartphones in Navotas and Romblon. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News
