Manila: The government will conduct literacy activities to raise public understanding and awareness of the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) digital services, Malaca±ang said Wednesday. This initiative comes as Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro welcomed the DSWD's ceremonial distribution of mobile phones to Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries in Navotas City and Malabon on Tuesday. The distribution aims to enhance the digital financial literacy of beneficiaries.

According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative represents a significant step forward in assisting Filipinos in a more inclusive and innovative manner. In a Palace press briefing, Castro noted that through technology, beneficiaries will be able to receive government support more quickly, effectively, and safely. She emphasized the importance of teaching those not yet familiar with using gadgets, stating that providing the right skills to those in need ensures the success of the President's project.

The DSWD has partnered with telecommunications firm Globe and GCash operator G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI) for the distribution of mobile phones to 50 beneficiaries during a ceremony at the Navotas Sports Complex. This collaboration is part of a larger effort where a total of 32,684 4Ps beneficiaries, classified at Level 1 or Survival Level of well-being and residing in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, will receive mobile phones donated by Globe and GXI.

The provision of mobile phones to 4Ps members is expected to facilitate the faster, safer, and more efficient release of cash grants. Beneficiaries will no longer need to travel to town centers to withdraw money from the Land Bank of the Philippines' automated teller machines, marking a significant improvement in the delivery of government support.