For Yolanda survivors UNDP and partners roll out mobile cash transfer program

CEBU, Philippines - The ongoing mobile cash transfer program of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with Smart Communications and Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) expanded its coverage for Yolanda survivors in Sara, Iloilo.

A total of 630 beneficiaries were paid for work rendered for 15 days or from December 21-27, 2013, and January 2-14, 2014 under UNDP's cash-for-work program. These beneficiaries were able to withdraw cash on-site via LANDBANK’s mobile automated teller machines (ATMs).

The beneficiaries were all Yolanda survivors who lost their livelihood in the aftermath of the super typhoon.  They were identified by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) from all 42 barangays of the municipality.

“It (payout) took advantage of technology,” said UNDP Area Coordinator Jose Ongkiko during the media briefing at the Sara Municipal Hall.  He said the system also helped promote among the beneficiaries a sense of savings in banks and of ownership.

Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Dr. Neneth Q. Pador, who also represented Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr., lauded the beneficiaries for cooperating and supporting the cash-for-work program and for their courage in striving to get back on their feet and regaining their livelihood following one of the worst disasters to hit this town.  The cash grantees are also beneficiaries of the government conditional cash transfer program also known as Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, which is an anchor poverty alleviation program of the DSWD.

Municipal legal officer James G. Balsomo II thanked Smart, LANDBANK and UNDP for helping out the members of their community bounce back.

LANDBANK West Visayas Banking Group Vice President Camilo C. Leyba said having the beneficiaries receive their wages thru’ cash cards instead of actual cash payout provides them a more secure and convenient way of getting their hard-earned money.  

“This public-private partnership underscores the efforts to help the survivors rebuild their lives following Yolanda. More than just getting their wages for their hard work from UNDP, this also allows them to have their own savings account with LANDBANK, giving them access to the formal financial system,” said Orlando B. Vea, Smart’s Chief Wireless Advisor.

Under UNDP’s cash for work, the beneficiaries cleared up debris and cleaned up public infrastructure or facilities in their barangays such as schools, day care centers, rural health units, streets, drainage canals, barangays halls and gyms.

The cash for work initiative is part of UNDP’s response program in areas that were adversely affected by Yolanda. In December, UNDP, LANDBANK and Smart had the first formal live rollout of the mobile cash transfer program for emergency cash-for-work beneficiaries in Tacloban City. Over a hundred beneficiaries, all residents of the city’s barangay 64 initially benefited from the initiative. Apart from the cash cards, the beneficiaries also received new mobile phones from Smart.     (FREEMAN)