San Juan, La Union LGU Partners with GCash to Champion Digital Financial Inclusion and Modernize Financial Assistance Ahead of the Holiday Season

 

The Municipality of San Juan in La Union, in partnership with GCash, the country’s leading finance super app, is rolling out a digital Fund Disbursement Service and issuing free GCash Visa Cards to ensure faster, safer, and more timely delivery of financial assistance—particularly as the community prepares for the increased financial needs of the holiday season.

 

For years, beneficiaries in San Juan have relied on manual payout processes that required long queues and in-person verification at crowded disbursement venues, often causing delays during peak periods such as year-end.

 

San Juan, La Union Mayor Mariquita P. Ortega underscored how the initiative strengthens the LGU’s commitment to efficient public service delivery. “The Municipality of San Juan is committed to modernizing the way we deliver public service, and this initiative with GCash is a major step toward faster and more transparent financial assistance distribution,” she said. “By adopting digital disbursement, we are reducing long queues, eliminating risks associated with manual cash handling, and ensuring that every eligible citizen receives support quickly and securely.”

 

With GCash as its digital partner, the LGU is now shifting to a streamlined distribution model that reduces wait times and physical movement for both residents and LGU staff. Through the GCash Fund Disbursement Service, financial assistance can be released digitally, allowing beneficiaries to receive support more quickly and with fewer steps using the free GCash Visa Card. The card also enables residents without mobile data, or bank accounts to securely access their aid—making the system especially beneficial during the busy holiday period.

 

From a tourism and long-term development perspective, Sangguniang Bayan member Mitos Magsaysay, chairman of the Tourism Committee, highlighted how digital payments support both residents and visitors during peak travel months. “As the surfing capital of Northern Luzon, San Juan welcomes both local and international tourists, and digital payment options like GCash make their experience more seamless,” Magsaysay said. “Beyond convenience, this initiative helps improve digital financial literacy among our residents as we prepare for a more technology-driven future and work toward becoming a world-class municipality.”

 

Emphasizing the partnership as a broader strategy to make public service delivery more inclusive and efficient, GCash vice president and head for public sector Cleo Celeste Santos said, “By providing free GCash Visa Cards and conducting financial literacy sessions, we aim to empower communities with stronger financial tools and knowledge—helping families better manage their finances during the holiday season and beyond.”

 

GCash assistant vice president for public sector pre-sales Nikki Serquiña added that the initiative also responds to San Juan’s need for reliable and timely financial access. “San Juan, La Union frequently faces strong typhoons, making fast and dependable financial assistance crucial. Through this partnership, residents can receive support quickly, safely, and without unnecessary delays—even during challenging times.”

 

Residents who have experienced the new system shared how it will make a difference in their daily lives. One beneficiary said, “The GCash Visa Card has been a huge help because we can now receive financial assistance faster, even if we don’t have time to go to the municipal office. From the financial literacy session, I learned how to better manage my budget and use the GCash card for safer transactions better than cash, especially this Christmas and New Year.”

 

This partnership program aims to benefit key sectors in LGU San Juan - from public and private employees, to vendors and business operators, transport groups, students, and farmers. Through this collaboration, GCash supports San Juan’s transition from manual processes to a more efficient and citizen-centered digital system—helping ensure that financial assistance reaches residents on time, when it matters most.

 

For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.

Explore Love and Self-Discovery in 2024: Must-Visit Places from Your Favorite Filipino Movies

Manila, Philippines– As we step into the new year, it's the perfect time to map out your adventures for 2024. If 2023 was all about Revenge Travel to make up for lost time, 2024 is being hailed as the year for more personal travels. Booking.com's Travel Predictions for 2024 suggest a shift towards journeys motivated by a quest for deeper connections and self-discovery.

If you’re already planning your travels to find love or find yourself and need a little inspiration on where to go, here are some Filipino films that not only brought compelling stories of love but also highlighted how the destination itself (and the journey of getting there) is sometimes all that one needs to find what they’re looking for.

“Traveling is all about personal experiences. Whether you're with friends or going solo, there's always something special you discover along the way, giving you unique moments and memories. As a regional insurtech, we at Igloo, are all about providing people-first insurance services and making sure everyone can have those amazing experiences without dealing with the hassles that can mess up trips. This is why we created Travel Master, because we want to provide our travelers a stress-free experience and let them enjoy the best adventures without any interruptions,” said Mario Berta, Igloo Philippines Country Manager. 

Developed in collaboration with GCash and Malayan Insurance, Travel Master offers coverage for travelers, encompassing personal accidents, flight delays, lost luggage, emergency medical treatment, hospital cash allowance, travel inconvenience benefits, and protection against COVID-19.

To get Travel Master coverage, just go to the GInsure page in your GCash app. Choose Travel and select Travel Master. Fill out the form with your travel info, and it'll quickly show you the coverage benefits and the premium cost. Once that's done, you're good to go.

Whether you're heading out locally or internationally, Travel Master is there for you, making it a flexible and essential travel companion wherever your journey takes you.

Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte - Broken Hearts Trip (2023)

Maira-ira beach, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte/ Source: Blue Lagoon Inn and Restaurant, Klook

One of the entries for this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), Broken Hearts Trip, is a story about five LGBTQ individuals who are given the chance to heal from their heartbreaks as they journey across the Philippines. One of the spots they explored is Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte, often referred to as the "Boracay of the North." Accessible via land and air, Pagudpud is famed for its stunning beaches, including Maira-ira (commonly known as Blue Lagoon), Saud, and Pansian. These beaches boast white sands and emerald waters, making them an ideal retreat for those seeking solitude with their thoughts or desiring more intimate moments with loved ones as unlike other Filipino beach destinations, Pagudpud tends to be less crowded, offering a tranquil escape.

Fujiyoshida City, Japan – When I Met You in Tokyo (2023)

Chureito Pagoda, Fujiyoshida City, Japan/ Source: Japan Guide

Another entry from this year’s MMFF brings us not only a tale of finding love at the most unexpected times but finding love in some of the most beautiful places in the world. In When I Met You in Tokyo, two old hearts–one battered and bruised and one lonely and seeking comfort–find each other in Tokyo. While much of the story took place in the Japanese capital, the film also took its audience to Fujiyoshida City and the famous Chureito Pagoda, basking in the majestic view of Mount Fuji. A 2-hour train ride from Tokyo, the city offers spectacular views of the mountain. The best time to visit is either during the cherry blossom season in mid-April or in the first half of November to experience the changing colors of autumn. Here, like the stars of When I Met You in Tokyo, you may be able to find healing from past hurts and discover new beginnings against the backdrop of one of the most beautiful sights in the world.

Sagada, Mountain Province - Write About Love (2019)

Sagada, Mountain Province/ Source: Gem Muzones, Guide to the Philippines

In Write About Love, an aspiring writer sought help from a veteran yet disillusioned indie film writer to complete an unfinished script for a love story. Their collaboration eventually led them to a pilgrimage to Sagada, where upon seeing the magnificent sunset and sea of clouds, allowed the two writers to reconcile their personal issues and figure out the ending for their own love stories. For travellers who want a little more adventure and don’t mind putting in the work just to experience breathtaking views, there’s Sagada. A small town in the mountains of Mountain Province, Sagada requires more than a half day’s ride from Manila and another couple of hours trekking to get to the top of Marlboro Hills, the highest point of the town and provides an unobstructed view of sunrise and a sea of clouds.

San Juan, La Union - I’m Drunk I Love You (2017)

San Juan Beach, La Union/ Source: La Union Tayo.com.ph

A beloved romantic drama film, I’m Drunk I Love You is all about taking the chance before it’s too late. The movie revolves around two college best friends who embarked on a final road trip to San Juan, La Union, aiming to determine if their bond will remain platonic or evolve into something more. While La Union, also known as Elyu, has earned its reputation as one of the Philippines' top surfing spots, "I'm Drunk I Love You" shines a spotlight on the town's laid-back yet vibrant atmosphere. Here, bars resonate with reggae beats, serve delectable food, and are adorned with eclectic decorations reflecting both local and foreign influences.

Beyond the shoreline (surprising as it may sound), you can explore more of La Union's natural beauty by trekking to the impressive 40-feet high Tangadan Falls. With its unique blend of attractions, it's no wonder La Union has become a go-to destination, providing a comforting retreat for many travelers.

Barcelona, Spain - Barcelona: A Love Untold (2016)

Park Güell, Barcelona/ Source: Getty Images, Conde Nast Traveler

Set within the romantic and vibrant city that is Barcelona, Barcelona: A Love Untold is about two people each carrying their own emotional baggage, viewing the city as either a distraction or a chance for a fresh start. Amid the colorful ambiance of the capital of Catalonia, it becomes the setting for two people seeking different things but irresistibly drawn to each other. With Barcelona’s vibrance, it's no wonder that so many people come to immerse themselves in its rich culture. From the stunning mosaics of Park Güell to the timeless art at the Picasso Museum, there's an abundance of beauty to explore and enjoy. Barcelona is not just a city to appreciate art and culture; it's also an ideal place to discover love or realize that, like Gaudi's Sagrada Familia, you're also a beautiful work-in-progress.

Learn more about Travel Master by visiting the GCash GInsure Marketplace and ensure that your trips to find love or find yourself are seamless and hassle-free.