Palawan Group advances digital distribution of gov't aid

Insider Spotlight

• Palawan Group strengthens its partnership with LANDBANK and DSWD to expand access to government financial assistance through digital and over-the-counter payout channels
• The partnership supports DSWD's Hybrid Digital Payout System, giving beneficiaries more flexibility in receiving financial aid
• Palawan Group will leverage its more than 3,800 branches nationwide and 23 million PalawanPay users to support government aid distribution
  
  
  

Access to government financial assistance remains a challenge for Filipinos in underserved communities, where limited banking facilities, transportation costs, and long travel distances can make collecting financial aid difficult.

The Palawan Group of Companies is strengthening its partnership with the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to expand financial aid distribution through DSWD's Hybrid Digital Payout (HDP) System.

More accessible payout options

The collaboration aims to reduce barriers to receiving government assistance by providing beneficiaries with more accessible payout options, particularly in communities with limited access to traditional banking services.

Under a memorandum of agreement signed at LANDBANK's Tanauan Branch in Batangas, Palawan Group will serve as an accredited financial service provider for distributing assistance under the HDP System.

For vulnerable Filipinos

The system combines digital transactions with over-the-counter payouts, allowing eligible beneficiaries to choose how they receive financial assistance.

The arrangement is intended to accommodate low-income households, senior citizens, informal workers, and other vulnerable Filipinos who may face difficulties accessing digital financial services.

Palawan Group operates more than 3,800 branches nationwide and has 23 million PalawanPay users.

Its BrickTech strategy integrates physical branches with digital financial services, allowing the company to serve customers with different transaction preferences.

The partnership also expands the role of Palawan Group's financial infrastructure in supporting government social protection programs.

Lisa Castro-Sabado

Chief business development officer, Palawan Group

‘Closer to communities’

"We can help bring assistance closer to communities," Palawan Group head of Palawan for Business Missy Baldemor said on behalf of chief business development officer Lisa Castro-Sabado.

Baldemor said the collaboration strengthens existing efforts to provide accessible payout services to more beneficiaries.

DSWD will continue implementing social protection programs, while LANDBANK provides the financial infrastructure for government payouts.

Palawan Group will support distribution through its physical and digital channels, potentially reducing travel requirements and improving convenience for beneficiaries.

The arrangement underscores the growing role of nonbank financial service providers in connecting government assistance programs with underserved Filipino communities. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma