DSWD to use biometrics for beneficiaries’ cash grants

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Eastern Visayas is eyeing to use biometrics to ensure that beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) get their cash grant.

DSWD Regional Director Leticia Diokno said some project beneficiaries who were making their automated teller machine (ATM) cards as collateral to loan sharks are withdrawing cash aid even if they appear as non-beneficiaries.

“The new system will improve the modes of releasing the cash aid and the recording of data of the project’s beneficiaries,” Diokno said.

Diokno added the DSWD has already partnered with the Leyte Provincial Government, through its Income Opportunities through Technology Program (ICOT-P), to develop the system.

The new biometrics system already underwent a mock test and will be launched later August in Matag-ob, Leyte.

“If the system proves successful after its pilot use in Matag-ob, the same system will be implemented in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Armm),” Diokno said.

With the new biometrics system, the beneficiaries will be required to claim or withdraw their cash aid personally.

As of August this year, Eastern Visayas has 259,104 households covered by 4Ps. The program covers 91 percent of the villages in the region.

The 4Ps is Aquino administration’s five-year main poverty mitigation measure. It gives cash grants to poor households, provided that the mothers avail of pre- and post-natal care check-ups and their children are immunized and attend 85 percent of their classes.

Beneficiaries receive a monthly stipend of up to P1,400, or P500 per mother and P300 each up to three children. (Leyte Samar Daily Express)