The Banco de Crédito y Comercio (Credit and Commerce Bank, BANDEC) in Las Tunas began paying pensions on August 20th, following the increase for those with amounts under four thousand pesos. The measure, announced in July during the ordinary session of the National Assembly of the People's Power, benefits the most vulnerable segment of the population.

Las Tunas, Cuba.- Magdelaine Rodríguez Otazua, general director of BANDEC in the province, informed 26 that the challenge has been taken on with plans developed for an organized payment process. "For several days, measures have been taken to ensure that the payment of the pension increase for September is carried out without difficulty."

"All branches have the necessary cash. In addition, plans have been made to extend the service hours. Bank branches will begin at 7:30 a.m. and will remain open while there is still someone waiting."

"It is guaranteed that in the municipalities where ATMs exist (Las Tunas, Puerto Padre, and "Colombia"), one of them will be used solely for pension collection, with help from bank employees and members of its board of directors, who will personally ensure that the process proceeds with the necessary order and discipline."

"The ATMs have cash enough, and the full monthly payment will be issued, regardless of the amount; both those with an increase and those without. For customers with outstanding balances from previous months, that cash will be delivered depending on availability."

One of Bandec's strengths for the successful development of the process is having electrical backup power in each of its branches through generators. In addition, the relevant coordination was made with provincial authorities to ensure that diesel fuel for these small stations was guaranteed in each municipality.

"Manatí does not have a generator, so we have asked that the electricity service be protected in that area. If this is affected at any of the branches, all the conditions are in place to allow payment through payroll."

Rodolfo Lester León Jiménez, Communications and Marketing Specialist at the BANDEC Provincial Office, explained that "Telephone lines (59948614 and 59989068) and email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) have been activated so that pensioners or their families can clarify any questions related to this process."