The Ministry of Social Development (MIDES) and the National Bank of Panama have taken a decisive step in modernizing the 'Padrino Empresario' program by implementing digital payments through the National Electronic Wallet (BEN) platform. This technological innovation benefits, in its first stage, 150 scholarship holders residing in the sectors of Panama, Arraiján, and La Chorrera. The transition to the BEN platform aims not only to expedite the delivery of funds but also to integrate young people into the digital financial ecosystem. By joining this system, participants in the 'Padrino Empresario' program receive an associated digital Visa Debit card, facilitating their banking from the beginning of their professional and academic lives. In this way, MIDES reaffirms its commitment to strengthening social policies, providing Panama's youth with technological tools that promote their independence and future growth. 'This tool gives them the opportunity to learn how to manage their resources on a secure platform, preparing them for an increasingly digitalized work environment,' stated the head of the department. With 39 years of service, the 'Padrino Empresario' program has impacted the lives of more than 30,000 adolescents, with accumulated investments exceeding 15 million balboas in educational scholarships. During the launch of this phase, beneficiaries received technical training and financial literacy workshops for the responsible management of their economic incentives. Beatriz Carles, Minister of Social Development, highlighted that this administrative progress reduces dependence on paper and checks, ensuring that students receive their scholarships on time. The productive integration model allows young people between the ages of 15 and 17 in vulnerable situations to do internships of 4 to 6 hours a day in private companies, strengthening their professional training and preventing school dropouts. Currently, the program has the trust of 112 sponsoring companies at the national level, providing opportunities for more than 500 young people who act as ambassadors for this initiative of shared social responsibility between the State and the private sector. The National Electronic Wallet (BEN) functions as a 100% digital account that allows for transfers, bill payments, and top-ups.
