The Ifarhu Institute has managed to clear the debt backlog left by the previous government, which had placed the institution in a very delicate situation. Generally, when Ifarhu staff visits the Ngäbe Buglé comarca (indigenous region), they not only pay out the Pase-U scholarship but also other programs such as educational insurance, distinguished positions, general contests, disability assistance, and even university scholarships. This movement occurs every time Ifarhu personnel visits this hard-to-reach area. 'Every time we organize a payment event, there is an influx of commerce, activities, and more people who come to sell goods and services; transportation is revitalized, food service activities increase, so it is something that necessarily boosts the local economy,' expressed Carlos Godoy, general director of Ifarhu. In each of these events, they easily distribute benefits exceeding $10 million. Upcoming payments Godoy reported that starting this week, after Carnival, payments will be made in Bocas del Toro, Darién, and Tortí (Panamá Este). In addition to the Ngäbe Buglé comarca, Ifarhu also made Pase-U payments in Arraiján, La Chorrera, and Coronado last week, with an investment of $17.2 million to benefit more than 169,000 young people in these regions. Godoy told Panamá América that this generates a dynamism that reaches, for the most part, the households living in the comarca, and consequently, its effect is reflected in the large influx of people. The delivery of Pase-U in the Ngäbe Buglé comarca last week contributed to mobilizing the local economy. 'There are places where people leave the payment office as late as 5, 6, or 7 in the evening due to the large public attendance coming to receive these benefits,' highlights the official. Subsequently, Pase-U payments will be made in Chiriquí, Panamá Norte, San Miguelito, and Panamá Centro. Now, with its finances in order, Ifarhu has reactivated the general scholarship contest with an initial capital of $50 million and has been able to launch other programs, such as economic aid for people with disabilities. The payments made last week correspond to the last quarter of 2025 and are intended to allow students in these areas to start the 2026 school year with their supplies and uniforms ready. 'It is an aspiration not only to improve the efficiency of payments but also because this year marks the 16th year of the Pase-U program, and an accountability report on the proper use of these resources has not yet been presented,' stated Godoy. Payment Method Currently, of the 800,000 Pase-U beneficiaries, 190,000 receive their funds through the ACH system, while the rest receive checks. According to the director of Ifarhu, the process must be completed by February 28, that is, before the new school year begins, so that students will have the resources to start the next academic year prepared. This is also done, in part, to guarantee the food security of these young people, which leads to improved academic performance. This situation complicates payment management, compounded by inconsistencies caused by errors in names or ID numbers, which could be corrected through electronic payments.
Ifarhu Clears Debt, Resumes Social Programs in Panama
Panama's Ifarhu Institute has cleared its debt and resumed social benefit payments, including the Pase-U scholarship, totaling over $10 million, which is boosting the economy in remote regions.
