The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is looking at replicating Cebu Province’s novel innovation in distributing assistance to the marginalized sector using the quick response (QR) code system.
This was revealed recently in a visit by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian with Gov. Gwen Garcia at the Capitol on Friday, March 8.
In an interview with Sugbo News, Gatchalian expressed his full support to the Capitol’s pro-poor programs adding his visit was “a learning experience” as he learned more about how Capitol is implementing its programs for the marginalized sectors.
He noted they will “study carefully” Capitol’s way of distributing assistance through the QR code system, adding they might roll this out in Central Visayas for a start.
To recall, the QR code system was conceptualized during the Covid-19 pandemic as part of Gov. Garcia’s economic stimulus program to resuscitate the fledgling economy especially small and micro entrepreneurs in the countryside.
Instead of cash, beneficiaries uses the Sugbo Negosyo digital card with specific quick response (QR) codes to purchase simple equipment and raw materials from accredited partner suppliers through the digital payment system.
“We are here to support whatever we can help,” the DSWD chief said.
Interestingly, a research conducted by University of the Philippines Cebu Associate Professor Mary Gretchen F. Chavez revealed that the digital card system (DCS) used in the Sugbo Negosyo implementation is “useful and easy to use and satisfied the beneficiaries.”
Chavez’s study, published in the Recoletos Multidisciplinary Research Journal in December 2022, wanted to “evaluate the effectiveness of the DCS, investigating how the perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and attitude towards its use have influenced the actual use and satisfaction of the DCS use by the beneficiaries.”
One of the notable collaboration between the DSWD and the Provincial Government is the quarterly Caravan of Services, which has been instrumental in reaching communities in need.
During the discussion, Sec. Gatchalian assured the governor of the DSWD’s continued support by augmenting assistance to the Caravan through the agency’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.
This additional support aims to provide financial aid to impoverished beneficiaries, with a particular focus on persons with disabilities (PWDs) who often face unique challenges in accessing resources and support systems.
Joining the secretary during his visit were DSWD-7 Director Shalaine Lucero and other officials. | Carlo Lorenciana