Beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), are also doing their part in preventing the spread of COVID-19 by observing safety protocols such as social distancing as they withdraw their cash grants from the Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). 

On March 24, the cash grants of more than 140,000 beneficiaries of the Modified Conditional Cash Transfer (MCCT) nationwide have been credited to their accounts which they can withdraw anytime in any Land Bank Automated Teller Machine (ATM) or any ATM of other banks with minimal charges. MCCT is a sub-component of the 4Ps which uses a modified approach in implementing the conditional cash transfer program for poor families including Homeless Street Families, Indigenous Peoples, and Families in Need of Special Protection.

Likewise,  the cash grants of  more than 700,000 beneficiaries of the Regular Conditional Cash Transfer (RCCT) from the National Capital Region (NCR), Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Regions I, II, and III have also been credited to their accounts on March 24. 

The cash grants of beneficiaries from other regions will be credited on March 26 and March 28. Overall, some 3.6 million beneficiaries nationwide have Europay, Mastercard, and Visa (EMV)-enabled cash cards which they can use to withdraw their grants.

DSWD reminded the beneficiaries that in withdrawing their cash grants, they are highly encouraged to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) like face mask, gloves, handkerchief, and to bring hand sanitizers or alcohol before they leave their homes. Physical distancing of at least one meter should also be strictly followed by beneficiaries while queuing at any ATM.

After withdrawing their cash grant or purchasing important items, they  are also advised to properly wash their hands or disinfect before entering their homes, and to change their clothes.

DSWD ensures the delivery of unhampered public service during this critical period without prejudice to the health and safety of its beneficiaries and personnel. ###

(Photo from DSWD FO1: Beneficiaries practice social distancing while lining up to withdraw their cash grants)