The delivery of the Pase-U in the Ngäbe Buglé region last week contributed to boosting the local economy. This is a recurring phenomenon that occurs whenever the staff of the Institute for Professional Human Development (Ifarhu) visits this hard-to-reach area. “Every time we organize a payment, there is an influx of commerce, activities, and more people coming to sell goods and services; transportation is revitalized, food service activities increase, so it is something that necessarily stimulates the economy,” expressed Carlos Godoy, general director of Ifarhu. This is because, typically, Ifarhu staff takes advantage of the visit to the region to pay not only for Pase-U but also for other programs such as educational insurance, distinguished positions, general contests, disability assistance, and even university scholarships. In total, they easily grant benefits exceeding $10 million in each payment session. Godoy told Panamá América that a dynamism is generated that reaches, for the most part, the households living in the region, and consequently, its effect is reflected in the large influx of people. “There are places where people leave after receiving payments as late as 5, 6, or 7 in the evening due to the large public attendance that comes to receive these benefits,” the official highlights. This payment made last week corresponds to the last quarter of 2025 and is used so that students in these areas can start the 2026 school year with their necessary supplies and uniforms ready. It is also carried out to partially guarantee the feeding of these young people, which leads to an improvement in their academic performance. In addition to the Ngäbe Buglé region, Ifarhu made Pase-U payments in Arraiján, La Chorrera, and Coronado last week, with an investment of $17.2 million for the benefit of more than 169,000 young people in these areas. Upcoming payments Godoy informed that from this week, after the carnival season, payments will be made in Bocas del Toro, Darién, and Tortí (East Panama). Subsequently, Pase-U will be paid in Chiriquí, North Panama, San Miguelito, and Central Panama. According to the director of Ifarhu, the process must conclude by February 28, that is, before the new school year begins, so that students have the resources to start the next academic year prepared. Payment method Currently, of the 800,000 Pase-U beneficiaries, 190,000 receive it through ACH (Automated Clearing House) and the rest by check. This fact complicates the collection process, to which are added inconsistencies due to errors in names or ID numbers, which could be corrected through electronic payments. “It is an aspiration, not only to improve the efficiency of payments, but also because as of this year it is the 16th year of Pase-U and an accountability report on the traceability or proper use of these resources has not been able to be rendered,” stated Godoy. Ifarhu managed to catch up with the accumulated debts left by the previous government, which put the institution in a very delicate situation. Now, with its finances in order, it has reactivated the general scholarship contest, with an initial capital of $50 million, and has been able to undertake other programs such as the economic support program for people with disabilities.
