The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 7 has begun implementing a hybrid digital payout that enables the transfer of cash assistance to beneficiaries through digital platforms.
This initiative is carried out in partnership with the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and its service provider, Universal Storefront Services Corporation (USSC), which operates a network of physical and digital stores offering financial services.
DSWD 7 pilot-tested the Hybrid Digital Payout for the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) and Ayuda sa Kapos Ang Kita Program (AKAP) in Cebu City. The system combines manual and digital processes, utilizing digital pads and various electronic tools to facilitate transactions.
Through this approach, Landbank, via USSC, facilitates the disbursement of cash assistance once beneficiaries complete the standard AICS requirements. This setup allows DSWD to concentrate on document processing and assessment, resulting in faster, more organized, and more convenient payouts for clients.
In 2025, AICS served 435,381 clients, while AKAP assisted 291,082 individuals with medical, funeral, transportation, education, food, and cash relief, per the Crisis Intervention Section’s November 24 report.
Regional Director Shalaine Marie S. Lucero emphasized the importance of the shift toward digital systems, saying, “This is one of the biggest milestones we have achieved in Central Visayas this year—digitizing our transactions with the general public. We have served hundreds of clients, and with the adoption of digital transactions, we can ensure a more efficient and hassle-free disbursement process for both DSWD and our clients moving forward.”
She added that it is expected to eliminate common payout challenges, including duplication of assistance, delays in fund disbursement and liquidation, limited availability of Special Disbursing Officers, security risks in carrying cash, and issues in handling coins and smaller denominations.
After several meetings, technical sessions, and simulations with Landbank and USSC, DSWD 7 officially began the hybrid digital payout.
Pilot run
On November 20, 2025, the pilot run of the Hybrid Digital Payout was conducted in Cebu City, where beneficiaries received their assistance smoothly and quickly.
“Paspas siya, dali ra kaayo ang payout (The payout is swift),” said Alicia Brigoli of Barangay Lorega, Cebu City. She was among the 2,000 beneficiaries who received ₱2,000 in cash assistance through AICS during the initial rollout of the hybrid digital system.
Following the pilot run in Cebu City, the DSWD 7 rolled out the digital payout system in Toledo City, where 587 beneficiaries received their assistance. ###