MANILA — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is exploring the use of digital payment systems for cash aid distribution following the death of a motorcycle taxi rider during a payout activity in Quezon City.
DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao said the agency has begun consultations on adopting electronic wallets to improve the delivery of assistance and prevent overcrowding at payout sites.
“Meron na tayong ginagawa na konsultasyon para sa adoption naman ng mga digital systems kasi nakikita naman natin ‘yung value ng pag-adopt ng mga electronic wallets,” Dumlao said in an interview with GMA’s Unang Balita.
She noted that shifting to digital platforms could help protect beneficiaries, especially amid extreme heat, by reducing the need to line up for long hours.
“Especially sa panahon na ganito na mainit po ‘yung panahon, ayaw talaga natin na pumipila rin ‘yung ating mga vulnerable sectors,” she added.
The agency said the move could also cut operational and administrative costs.
The DSWD has yet to determine the exact cause of death of the rider, as the family is still awaiting the issuance of a death certificate. Assistance has already been extended to the victim’s family.
Following the incident, the agency acknowledged lapses in managing large crowds, admitting that it did not anticipate the number of beneficiaries who gathered at the Quezon City payout site.
The payout program, which covered motorcycle taxi and delivery riders nationwide, allowed beneficiaries to claim aid at any distribution site, contributing to the surge in turnout.
Despite the incident, the DSWD said it will continue distributing assistance and will schedule additional payout dates for those who were unable to claim their benefits.
The agency is also investigating a reported case in Taguig where a rider claimed that someone else received aid using his identity. Authorities have collected documents to verify the complaint.
Meanwhile, the DSWD is studying the possible expansion of aid to other sectors affected by ongoing economic pressures, including middle-income households, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities./PN
