TACLOBAN CITY-International aid organization Oxfam, Smart Communications and PayMaya Philippines, in collaboration with the city government of Tacloban, launched on Sunday (Sept. 11) a financial inclusion program aimed at making communities more resilient through mobile money and financial literacy training.
Through the Financial Inclusion for Tacloban Resettlement Integrated Program, the humanitarian project aims to build a culture of entrepreneurship and savings among an estimated 16,000 beneficiaries who are strengthening their communities.
Under the project, qualified beneficiaries will receive Smart Money prepaid cards–a mobile money product of PayMaya Philippines–that can be linked to their mobile phones where they are encouraged to place any amount (Php1 and above) through any Smart Padala Center in Tacloban.
“Since Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan hit Tacloban, Oxfam, in partnership with national NGOs, has been working at the forefront of relief, recovery and rehabilitation efforts to support affected and displaced communities. We believe that equitable access to financial services is crucial for them to rebuild their lives and livelihoods. We are happy that Smart and PayMaya Philippines are working with us to help the LGU of Tacloban City rebuild the local economy by improving financial literacy and inclusion,” Justin Morgan, Oxfam country director, said.
“PayMaya Philippines is committed to creating a long-lasting impact on the development of communities through our financially inclusive innovations including Smart Money, which provides SIM-based mobile money services. With this project, we can help build more resilient communities in Tacloban City,” Benjie Fernandez, co-chief operating officer of PayMaya Philippines, said.
“At Smart, we believe in using technology for social good. Under our Smart Communities program, we are happy to provide the much needed financial literacy capability support to the thousands of beneficiaries of this program,” Ramon Isberto, public affairs group head of Smart, said.
Tacloban City Mayor Cristina Gonzales Romualdez expressed her gratitude on this program saying this will help Yolanda survivors as they continue to rebuild.
“We are filled with gratitude that partners from private and public entities have come together to support us in restoring Tacloban until today. The majority of the residents in Tacloban do not have easy access to traditional financial institutions such as banks. We thank Oxfam, Smart, and PayMaya Philippines for providing a simple, inclusive, and effective alternative that will not just encourage our citizens to embrace sustainable savings but to be more resilient through entrepreneurship so they can support themselves and their families in the years to come,” the city mayor said. (MEL CASPE)
