The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has partnered with the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) as its depository and disbursing bank in the implementation of the 4Ps. With the ultimate aim to intensify ties for better service delivery to all 4Ps household beneficiaries in Region 1, the DSWD Field Office 1 – Ilocos Region, through the 4Ps Division, initiated the first DSWD – LBP Annual Evaluation.
The activity was graced by the LBP North West Luzon Branch Head-Senior Vice President Ma. Belma Turla, DSWD FO 1 Regional Director Marie Angela S. Gopalan and 4Ps Division Chief Rosalyn L. Descallar.
To ensure improved and prompt service delivery, 24 LBP Servicing Branch Managers and 4Ps staff from the Provincial/City/Municipal Operations Offices discussed the challenges found with the distribution of cash cards and cash grants.
DSWD FO 1 Regional Director Marie Angela S. Gopalan expressed her gratitude to the LBP staff, particularly the Bank Managers, for their diligence in processing requests, facilitating cash card distributions, and accommodating DSWD staff and 4Ps household beneficiaries. She relayed her high hopes of continuous improvement of service delivery through constant engagement within the LBP.
Acknowledging the pressure related to the number of clients in DSWD FO 1, she emphasized that during the activity, there is a space for anyone to vent, if needed. Additionally, she thanked LBP for consistently understanding DSWD FO 1’s perspective, which makes it easier for sharing principles. All these are essential for fostering better collaboration.
“Ever since, kapag DSWD transactions, priority namin ‘yan. Kasi alam namin na kailangan magtulungan kami. May iba (benepisyaryo) nanggagaling pa sa malayo, minsan wala pa silang pamasahe kaya binibigyan pa namin sila. Kung kailangang puntahan sa kanilang lugar ay pupuntahan talaga namin (Ever since, DSWD transactions are our priority. Because we understand the need to collaborate. There are others (beneficiaries) who come from far flung areas, sometimes they do not have money for transportation, so we give them. If we have to go to their place, we will definitely go there),” shared LBP Bauang Branch Branch Manager Elizelda B. Calica.
Through the activity, it is expected that all active 4Ps household beneficiaries have cash cards on hand; all 4Ps Cash Card Accounts shall be transitioned to Basic Depository Accounts; zero rejected top-up transactions; and with additional LBP presence in Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte the soonest possible time. (by: Jaesem Ryan A. Gaces, 4Ps Information Officer)
