Multi-sectoral strategy reported to ensure protection for the people and continuity of social services

Havana, Feb 10. – In the face of the impact of measures dictated by the U.S. government and in response to the complex scenario this provokes, the heads of the Ministry of Finance and Prices, the Central Bank of Cuba, and the Ministry of Communications reported, on the Mesa Redonda program, on different measures aimed at protecting essential services for the population, ensuring economic stability, and promoting productive recovery.

Cuba's Minister of Finance and Prices, Vladimir Regueiro Ale, stated that the State budget maintains its "humanist role" and is the guarantee for protecting the essential social services of the population.

In a speech where he emphasized that 66% of budgetary expenditure is concentrated in the social area, Regueiro Ale declared: the budget is a guarantee, but it is also a tool the Government has to steer the economy.

He ratified support for rights such as universal and free access to education and health, and social security and assistance.

CONTROL OF EXPENDITURE AND PRIORITIES

The Minister emphasized that the context forces a collective effort to make more rational and efficient use of the budget. He explained that this implies "a reorganization of expenditure items" to prioritize social services and postpone expenses that are not exactly necessary at this time.

Although, he assured that this reorganization will be done in full agreement with the governing bodies.

Given a drop in some production levels, Regueiro Ale highlighted the importance of revenue collection.

He announced that the national campaign for tax declaration and payment is being promoted more rigorously, calling for greater discipline and timeliness. He warned that administrative mechanisms (...) will be stricter to ensure compliance with this duty.

TAX INCENTIVES AND SUPPORT FOR PRODUCTION

As a counterpart, the Minister noted that tax benefits will be maintained and promoted to support productive sectors. He specifically mentioned the fund for agricultural development and exemptions to boost investments in renewable energy sources, especially in social services such as senior care homes.

Regueiro Ale ratified the budgetary commitment for the partial increase of pensions in 2026, which will represent more than 20 billion pesos, guaranteeing their monthly payment.

Finally, he addressed the issue of prices, acknowledging significant increases and calling for the strengthening of control mechanisms and popular participation to confront violations.

He ratified the humanist social role of the budget in guaranteeing all these commitments that are at the essence of our social project.

ON BANKING TRANSACTIONS

In order to prioritize essential services for the population, the Central Bank of Cuba has implemented a group of measures that include increasing its energy self-sufficiency, adjusting some service hours, and the massive promotion of digital payment channels.

Juana Lidia Delgado Portal, Minister President of the Central Bank of Cuba, reported that for some time investments have been made to introduce renewable energy sources in bank branches, such as photovoltaic systems, which facilitates their operation.

"In those offices that still do not have these alternative supports or power generators, service hours have been adjusted, information that is disseminated by the banks themselves through various media," she added.

PROMOTION OF DIGITAL PAYMENTS

Given the current difficulties with mobility, Delgado Portal called on the population, economic actors, and businesses to increase the use of digital channels.

She urged people to make transfers, online payments, and inquiries through applications like Ticket and MiTurno, which also allow booking appointments for in-person service, contributing to better time planning and reducing travel and fuel consumption.

Similarly, she requested legal entities to prioritize the use of remote banking, to optimize space in branches and prioritize operations for the population.

Regarding prioritized operations, she specified that the banking system maintains firm support for strategic sectors. As an example, she mentioned that nearly 2,000 workers from sectors such as education have received it for the acquisition of photovoltaic systems, supporting the generation of energy alternatives.

Likewise, she added that the continuity of the currency exchange market through CADECA and bank branches is guaranteed. Furthermore, international payments aimed at essential activities such as the import of fuel, medicines, food, and raw materials for national production that substitute imports or generate exports are prioritized.

HOW WILL COMMUNICATION SERVICES BE MAINTAINED?

The Minister of Communications, Mayra ArevichMarín, detailed the strategy to maintain services in a complex scenario, prioritizing digital transformation and energy efficiency.

She noted that the sector is advancing in the implementation of the digital transformation policy, considered a pillar for economic development and service provision.

This is supported by the Digital Agenda, the artificial intelligence strategy, and the strengthening of technological infrastructure, while connectivity is emphasized as an essential component for the functioning of all digital platforms.

She acknowledged that the communications system, highly dependent on energy, faces a great challenge due to the breadth of its nodes (telecommunications, radiocommunications, postal sector). To face it, an energy-saving program aimed at more efficient use of resources is being implemented.

CONCRETE ACTIONS IN INFRASTRUCTURE

Addressing the replacement of batteries, one of the main historical dissatisfactions. The process, initiated last year with ETECSA's revenues, shows partial results and has an important part guaranteed.
A strategic project based on solar energy is being developed. ETECSA and Correos de Cuba already have their own projects. For radio and television, the challenge is greater due to the required capacity, but progressive solutions are being sought.

These actions are coordinated with the National Electric Union, the electronics industry, and through imports of photovoltaic systems. The objective is to integrate the sector into national renewable energy projects so that territories carry out works that later support strategic nodes.

ArevichMarín highlighted that all assistance channels are kept active (fixed/mobile phone, outage reporting, commercial information). Intensive use of sovereign digital platforms is promoted, such as: Transfermóvil and EnZona, the ETECSA online store for agile service management.

Furthermore, she encouraged the use of other National Platforms such as: ToDus: a secure messaging and communication platform; Picta: a channel for audiovisual and educational content, useful even with power issues; Apklis: a key repository of Cuban software solutions; and the Portal Soberanía: a digital government platform for digital identity, procedures, and government information.

She assured that Correos de Cuba will maintain all services (universal postal, press, parcel service), with provincial adjustments, while the parcel service, supported by economic actors, is a priority due to its social value and contribution to external income.

Regarding the Joven Club, she commented that they are advancing in a process of getting closer to neighborhoods, taking actions to senior centers, children's homes, and community spaces.

Finally, the Minister of Communications affirmed that the cybersecurity service remains active through the line 18810, for inquiries, recommendations, and complaints (scams, impersonation). The processing of licenses and permits for telecommunications terminals is also guaranteed. (Text and photo: Granma Digital)