• THERESA MAE DULMAN
Bago City in Negros Occidental is taking public service to the next level with the rollout of the BagoTizen card, a multipurpose local citizen card powered by GCash and Visa that transforms how residents access government assistance, digital finance, and municipal services.
The city officially launched the initiative Oct. 19 with over 1,000 pioneer cardholders, including 850 Iskolar Bago EduGrant scholars and 150 contract of service city government employees.
“Through the card, the city government aims to enable direct disbursement of government assistance and other benefits through cardholders’ linked GCash accounts,” it said.
Mayor Mayette Javellana graced the second day of on-site registration, which catered to members of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA).
The city said the BagoTizen Card doubles as an official local identification card and functions like a regular prepaid debit card linked directly to the cardholder’s GCash balance.
By linking the card directly to a fully verified GCash account, cardholders can receive direct financial assistance disbursements from the city in real time.
“The initiative supports the city’s efforts to advance digitalization, promote financial inclusion, and simplify access to government services,” the city added. | TMD
