The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), and Palawan Group of Companies (PGC) has entered into an agreement in a significant step towards streamlining government financial aid distribution.
This partnership aims to deliver critical support to approximately 650,000 beneficiaries under the government’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) and Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP). The agreement was formally signed recently at the DSWD Office in Malate, Manila to pave way for more efficient and accessible financial aid delivery nationwide. .
With over 70,000 branches, Para padala outlets and PalawanPay Money Shops nationwide, the Palawan Group of Companies is well-positioned to serve beneficiaries across both urban and remote areas. Its expansive network, combined with a long standing reputation of “mura, mabilis at walang kuskos balugios” (affordable, fast and hassle-free), makes Palawan a vital partner in ensuring the smooth and inclusive rollout of the AICS and AKAP programs.
“This is a momentous occasion for DSWD because its actually the first time we will do this hybrid digital payment. And we extend our gratitude to Palawan Group of Companies. Kung wala kayo ay hindi natin magagawa ito,” DSWD Mimaropa regional director Leonardo Reynoso said.
As outlined in the partnership, DSWD social workers are tasked with validating and assessing qualified beneficiaries while LandBank oversees the cashering and release of funds. LandBank has engaged third-party financial service providers including Palawan Group of Company to expand the reach and efficiency of its aid distribution efforts.
Pursuant to the agreement, financial aid beneficiaries under the AICS and AKAP programs will be able to receive their assistance through Payout Caravans. This initiative is designed to improve the efficiency and accessibility of disbursements, particularly in both Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) and non-GIDA communities, with minimal service charges. By leveraging a mix of physical and digital financial services, the partnership aims to reduce service barriers and demonstrate the impact of strong public-private sector collaboration in delivering essential support to vulnerable populations.
Adeline Ramos, Vice President of Southwest Luzon Branches Group of Land Bank explained that through the partnership, they are amplifying the impacts of the program which she said that barriers to accessing aid are reduced, allowing for a more inclusive and responsive system.
“We bring not just aid, but hope and dignity to thousands of Filipinos,” she emphasized.
