The city government of San Fernando launched the official portal of the Kayabe Kard program, as part of its efforts to digitize delivery of public services. 

Mayor Vilma Caluag said the primary aim of the program is to create a system that will categorize Fernandinos based on their level of needs from the city government. 

“This offers a cost-effective and easier way of cascading the assistance from the city government to Fernandinos,” she said. 

Earlier, the city government distributed Kayabe Kards to pilot beneficiaries including senior citizens. 

These cards can be used to avail medicines and other medical services from the City Health Office (CHO), rural health units (RHUs), and barangay health centers. 

The CHO, RHUs, and health centers will then have access to the digital portal by scanning the QR code or encoding the personal identification number (PIN) of the card holder, where personal information and categorization of the beneficiary can be found.

The portal will also show the medicines or medical services that the beneficiary will need – a step towards a faster and more efficient process, and more accurate data on Fernandinos who need medical services.

The cards distributed are color coded: red for those below and within the poverty threshold or less fortunate who need prioritization on services and assistance; blue for average income earners; and white for above average income earners. 

As of April 25, more than 22,000 individuals were already given cards and enrolled in the digital portal, and enrollment is still ongoing.

The online portal was developed by the City Information and Communications Technology Office with the help of the City Social Welfare and Development Office Community Affairs Division, and CHO. (PIA 3)