Delivering cash transfers digitally amidst Covid-19 in the Philippines

Providing cash transfers is a key economic response to support vulnerable households during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the Philippines, these cash transfers are often given directly to individuals using physical cash, a process that is logistically difficult, can be more costly, and presents transmission risks. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Philippines supported Pasig City to implement a pilot for disbursing its Supplemental Social Amelioration Program (SSAP) through a local Mobile Money Operator (MMO), with targeted Financial and Mobile Money Literacy Training. The Adaptable Digitally Enabled Post-Crisis Transformation in Pasig City Local Government Unit (LGU) (ADEPT-Pasig City) Project aimed to improve the efficiency and transparency of cash transfers by disbursing through mobile wallets instead of physical cash and promote greater financial inclusion among households.