The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), led by Secretary Rex Gatchalian, officially launched the first-ever nationwide digital payout for beneficiaries of the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport (UPLIFT) program at the Bacolod City Government Center on Tuesday, Sept. 22, making Bacolod City the pilot site for the program’s shift from manual disbursement to direct digital payout through GCash.
Gatchalian was joined by Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya and Rep. Emilio “Dino” Yulo (Neg. Occ., 5th District) during the launch, which was witnessed by beneficiaries and local officials, a press release from the Bacolod City communications Office said.
Gatchalian said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had instructed government agencies to prioritize measures that would ease the burden on Filipinos, especially during difficult times.
“You will no longer need to fall in line. From now until December, you will be able to receive your assistance through GCash. My request to you is to share with others how easy it was for you to receive your financial assistance under the UPLIFT assistance program. You will now feel the relief, the convenience of this process. Just share your story with them,” Gatchalian said, explaining the partnership with GCash for beneficiaries who already have GCash accounts.
The digital payout system allows UPLIFT beneficiaries to receive their cash assistance directly and securely through their mobile wallets, eliminating long lines and delays associated with manual, in-person disbursement.
During the launch, 52 beneficiaries received their assistance through the new digital process, following the 2,245 eligible Bacolodnons who had already received assistance under the program’s first tranche.
Gasataya said the digital payout system is faster and more transparent, ensuring that the program’s benefits go directly to the people.
“They have raised the bar of services by having this digitalization program in partnership with GCash,” the mayor said, commending Secretary Gatchalian’s leadership and his efforts in ensuring the delivery of needed assistance not only to Bacolod but to Filipinos across the country.
Among the beneficiaries who received their first payout through the new system was 33-year-old Kevin Lozada of Barangay Taculing.
“This is very convenient for our part, since we no longer need to fall in line like during the first payout at SM. We can now receive it through a digital payout. It’s a relief that the national government and the city government really looked for a way to make it easier for us to receive our assistance,” he said.*
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