The discussions primarily centered on updates of cash card distribution for beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT) of the agency, with LBP as its depository and disbursing bank.

In attendance were DSWD FO2 Regional Director Lucia Alan, Vice President/Group Head for North East Luzon Branches Group Liza Melendez, Marketing Assistant Josephine Dela Torre, Assistant Vice Presidents Virginia Sevilla and Lorenzo Saquing, other Department Managers of the different branches in the region, 4Ps Division Chief Vicenta Pamittan, Financial Analyst and RAC Secretariat Mervin Mercado and other staff of the agency.

RD Alan, as the RAC Chairperson, opened the meeting by thanking the LBP representatives for their continued support in the implementation of the agency’s programs and services and commended the swift actions on issues and concerns pertaining to cash cards distribution for the beneficiaries. She specifically cited as a testament was the recent distribution of cards in Batanes which was completely delivered to 297 new beneficiaries of the province.

Alan also mentioned that the partnership with LBP shall take a step forward as recently, the Department’s Chief, Secretary Rex Gatchalian, signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the executives of the bank, for the implementation of hybrid-digital payout for the implementation of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation with which, Region II was identified as one of the pilot regions for its roll out.

The meeting proceeded with the presentation of the updates on the previous minutes of the meeting and it was noted that 99.90% of the previously undelivered cash cards were already distributed, while other areas of concerns were acted upom immediately by the concerned servicing department. As to the distribution of the EMV cash cards opened, 74.80% were already distributed and 92.36% of the accounts due for perforation were already acted upon.

Vice President Melendez of LBP commended the collaborative efforts of both teams which was highlighted through the accomplishment. She also highlighted LBP’s commitment to expanding beneficiary access by establishing ATMs in LGUs and partnering with service providers like 7/11 and other Point of Sale (POS) facilities.

The meeting ended with a commitment among participants to continue the efficient delivery of cash cards, especially in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) of the region. This commitment aims to ensure that beneficiaries of the agency receive their assistance promptly and with greater accessibility.