CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — In line with the government’s thrust to modernize public service delivery, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office MIMAROPA continues to advance its digital transformation efforts through the rollout of the Hybrid Digital Payout in Calapan City on April 7, 2026.

Implemented by the Crisis Intervention Section (CIS), the initiative forms part of the Department’s broader strategy to enhance the delivery of financial assistance programs by integrating digital solutions that ensure faster, safer, and more efficient services for beneficiaries.

The pilot implementation was conducted at the Lalud Covered Court, initially serving senior citizen beneficiaries under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program. Through the hybrid system—combining digital and manual processes—the activity demonstrated a more organized and streamlined payout process that significantly reduced waiting time, improved data accuracy, and enhanced the overall beneficiary experience.

In her message, DSWD MIMAROPA Assistant Regional Director for Operations Sheila S. Tapia highlighted the importance of innovation in strengthening social protection services.

“The introduction of the Hybrid Digital Payout reflects our continuing commitment to improve the way we serve our beneficiaries. Through digital innovation, we are able to provide faster, safer, and more transparent assistance, while ensuring that no one is left behind in accessing government services,” Director Tapia said.

The initiative aims to improve the efficiency, transparency, and security of financial transactions, supporting the Department’s long-term goal of transitioning toward full digitization of its programs and services. By reducing reliance on manual cash handling, the system minimizes risks, enhances accountability, and lessens the administrative burden on Social Workers and Special Disbursing Officers—allowing them to focus more on responsive and client-centered service delivery.

The Calapan rollout builds on the successful pilot implementation of the Hybrid Digital Payout for beneficiaries of the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) in Barangay Sto. Niño, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro on October 4, 2025. Lessons learned from the initial rollout were incorporated to further refine processes and ensure a more seamless and accessible payout experience in subsequent implementations.

The initiative was carried out in close coordination with the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and its financial service provider partner, the Palawan Group of Companies, whose support was instrumental in ensuring the reliability, security, and efficiency of the digital payout system, particularly in geographically dispersed and hard-to-reach areas.

Aligned with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen digital governance and improve the delivery of government services, and under the leadership of DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, the Department continues to adopt innovative solutions that enhance transparency, accountability, and accessibility in social protection programs.

Through initiatives such as the Hybrid Digital Payout, DSWD MIMAROPA reaffirms its commitment to innovation and excellence in public service—ensuring that assistance remains inclusive, adaptive, and responsive to the evolving needs of communities across the region.