Security Bank Recognized by LinkedIn for Scaling AI-Enabled Learning Across its Workforce

Makati City, Philippines — Security Bank Corporation (PSE:SEBC) has been recognized at the LinkedIn Talent Awards 2025, winning the AI Pioneer: Learning Champion Award under the Above 10,000 Employees on LinkedIn category. 

The recognition highlights how the Bank is embedding AI into everyday learning, making development more accessible, personalized, and aligned to business needs at scale. 

 This includes the use of AI-driven learning pathways, personalized content recommendations, and integration into everyday workflows, enabling employees to access learning in real time and apply it directly to their roles. 

 This approach reflects the Bank’s focus on building a high-accountability culture, where people build relevant skills, take ownership, and deliver consistently for customers. 

 The Bank stood out for its practical application of AI in learning, with strong adoption across teams and clear alignment to business priorities. Since launch, the program has seen broad engagement across the organization, supporting continuous upskilling in areas critical to the Bank’s growth. Notably, course completion reached 109% for programs converted into LinkedIn Learning pathways, while 44% of employees engaged with LinkedIn Learning’s AI features, including AI Role Play and the AIPowered Coach. 

 “This recognition reflects how our teams are embracing new ways of learning and applying them in their work,” said Nerissa Berba, EVP and Chief People Officer. “Our focus is simple: build capabilities that matter and make learning part of how we deliver BetterBanking every day.”  

 The LinkedIn Talent Awards recognize organizations that are transforming how they develop and engage talent through innovation and technology. This recognition reinforces Security Bank’s commitment to building a skilled, adaptable workforce that supports long-term growth and better customer outcomes. 

Security Bank to Conduct System Maintenance on May 23–24

Makati, Philippines--Security Bank will carry out a scheduled system maintenance activity from May 23, 10:00 am to May 24, 2:00 am, as part of ongoing efforts to improve its banking services.

During the maintenance window, several services may be temporarily unavailable, including ATMs and cash accept machines (CAMs), online and mobile banking, card transactions, payment channels, and other select banking services.

Select branches will remain open on Saturday, May 23, to assist clients, although some in-branch services may still be limited during the maintenance period.

These branches and their banking hours are as follows:

A. Linao–Paco, Manila: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Ali Mall, Quezon City: 10:00 am – 5:30 pm

Cebu Business Park, Cebu City: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Davao–Monteverde, Davao City: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Davao–Rizal, Davao City: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Market! Market!, Taguig City: 10:30 am – 4:30 pm

Mandaue–North Road, Mandaue City: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Shangri-La Plaza East Wing, Mandaluyong City: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Sta. Rosa–Greenfield, Santa Rosa City: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Tagbilaran, Bohol: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Clients are advised to complete their transactions ahead of the scheduled downtime to avoid disruptions, as Security Bank continues to upgrade its systems.

For more information on the two-day system maintenance, visit https://www.securitybank.com/about-us/banking-advisory/

Thinking of Going Home This Summer? Here’s How to Make It More Manageable

There’s something about summer that naturally makes you think of home. It’s in the longer days, the school breaks, the fiestas, and those familiar moments that feel best shared with family.

But let’s be honest, traveling home to the province isn’t as easy as it used to be. Rising costs and day-to-day expenses have turned what was once a simple “Uwi ako this weekend” into something that needs a bit more planning.

The good news is that going home is still possible. With the right preparation and a little help when you need it, those summer plans don’t have to stay as “sana.” They can turn into something you can actually look forward to. Because at the end of the day, going home isn’t about spending big. It’s about being there.

Making Essential Trips More Manageable

Start with a clear, realistic budget

Planning your trip early can make a big difference. List down your expected expenses, from transportation and meals to small extras, so you know exactly what to prepare for. If you're flying back home to visit the family, you don’t have to shoulder the ticket cost all at once. GGives lets you book your flights now and pay in lighter, split payments, so you can manage the cost more comfortably over time.

Prepare for unexpected gastos

Even simple trips home can come with surprise costs like extra rides or pasalubong. Whether you’re heading home via bus or taking a ferry to the province, you can stay flexible by using GCredit to book your tickets via QR. You can travel now and pay later, with a limit of up to 50K. If you’re driving, you can also use GCredit via GBills to top up your RFID on the go, for an uninterrupted road trip.

Space out your expenses when you can

Booking early, watching for seat sales, or planning ahead can help spread costs over time. And when timing matters, especially during peak travel seasons, GLoan offers instant cash access to give you the flexibility you need. Easily manage fares across different modes of transport as needed, and keep your journey moving without the stress.

Focus on what truly matters

A meaningful trip home doesn’t have to be elaborate. Sometimes, it’s the simplest moments, like sharing meals, catching up, or just being present, that make it worthwhile. With the right support to help manage costs, you can focus less on the stress and more on the time spent together.

A Little Help Goes a Long Way

Sometimes, all it takes is the right kind of support to turn plans into reality, especially during summer when being home feels even more important.

GLoan – Instant Cash for Your Travel: For moments that can’t wait, whether it’s a family gathering, a special occasion, or a much-needed visit, GLoan helps you secure your trip with quick access to funds.

GCredit – Pay Later for Everyday Travel Expenses: From terminal fares to food along the way, GCredit lets you cover essential travel expenses instantly and pay later, helping reduce hassle when your GCash balance is running low.

GGives – Split Payments for Heavier Travel Expenses: For bigger commitments like airfare, hotels, or planned trips, GGives lets you break payments into more manageable installments, helping you plan ahead without the pressure of paying everything upfront.

This summer, going home can still be something to look forward to. With a bit of planning and the right support, it becomes less about “Kung kaya ba?” and more about “Kailan ako uuwi?” Because sometimes, the journey home to the province is exactly what you need, and now it’s closer within reach.

So if it’s been on your mind, take it as a sign. Baka kaya na. Baka pwede na. And this time, going home can feel a little more within reach.

GCash Celebrates Women Leaders Shaping the Future of Tech

From single parents balancing careers to women navigating disability, the She Can! 2026 celebration of GCash honored employees who turned challenges into paths of influence, building on its annual recognition program to spotlight journeys marked by perseverance and growth. This year’s program carried the theme “She Can Lead, She Can Conquer, She Can Inspire.”

The annual She Can! program is an internal recognition and empowerment initiative designed to celebrate the women of GCash who embody leadership and empathy within and outside work. This year's honorees were nominated by their own colleagues, a process that opened nominations across all employee levels to seek out extraordinary GCash women who inspire those around them every day. At the awarding ceremony, each honoree was presented on stage by her own nominator, emphasizing that these women are recognized by the very people they impact daily.

Mynt President and CEO Martha Sazon affirmed the company’s commitment: “We recognize the women of GCash whose courage and leadership continue to shape our organization. Their stories remind us that when women are allowed to grow, they not only overcome challenges, but they lead, they conquer, and they inspire others to do the same.”

The honorees also shared about the intersection of personal growth and professional excellence. Tanya, one of the She Can! honorees, reflected on the power of emotional intelligence in the workplace, stating, “I’m proud that I can be strong and compassionate at the same time. I learned that empathy isn’t a weakness. The celebration also highlighted how GCash women navigate the complexities of modern life. Steffi, one of the honorees, shared how she models work-life harmony for her team: “I try to make it visible to others that it’s possible to create a balance between your career and your family life. You don’t have to set any one area aside”. 

The program's special guest, former ABS‑CBN CEO and multi‑awarded actress Charo Santos, led a forum where she shared her own experiences of leading, conquering, and inspiring. She urged women professionals to embrace continuous learning and courage in a fast‑changing digital economy. "Leadership starts with learning," she said. "Your decision to improve is not just for yourself but for the people who follow you and rely on you.”

At the core of workplace inclusion at GCash is the belief that achieving Finance For All starts with providing opportunities for all. Behind inclusive products and services is an inclusive environment that empowers every employee to grow.

GCash champions women’s empowerment through the holistic 3Cs framework (Care, Career, and Culture). Employees are given holistic “Care” by providing them a robust safety net far exceeding statutory requirements. By integrating comprehensive health benefits—such as Day 1 HMO coverage with women-specific screenings and fertility treatment accommodations—with flexible work arrangements and dedicated mental health support, GCash ensures female employees are supported at every life stage. At the same time, inclusive life partner benefits allow female employees to enroll same-sex partners as dependents for HMO, insurance, and bereavement coverage, with no marriage certificate required. 

From honoring specialized leaves for solo parents and survivors of gender-based violence to offering a secure environment for caregivers and recognizing non-traditional family set-ups, GCash fosters a culture where women can thrive both personally and professionally as drivers of fintech. 

GCash has consistently invested in the career trajectory of women in tech through initiatives like the For The Women Scholarship and the Women Up Top Masterclass—both of which have provided women opportunities to widen their tech skillset. 

To foster an inclusive workplace culture, employee resource groups like “Mamahood” offer working mothers a dedicated community to share experiences and support one another, alongside other ERGs open to women, including Limitless League, Queer Peers, and Self-Made Solos.

These efforts are reflected in GCash numbers and stand out sharply against industry norms. The fintech sector remains male-dominated, with less than 10% of leadership roles held by women. GCash has actively reversed this trend: as of March this year, women make up 47.2% of the Mynt workforce, and 47.7% of leadership roles are held by women, a figure that far exceeds industry standards. More strikingly, women occupy roughly half of GCash executive decision-making positions, with leaders such as Mynt President and CEO Martha Sazon, Chief Technology & Operations Officer Pebbles Sy, and Chief Strategy  Officer Rowie Zamora holding the company's top seats at a time when female executives represent a small fraction of leadership in fintech globally.

Beyond recognition, She Can! has transformed into a testament to an everyday culture where every woman is given the opportunities, tools, and voice to drive Finance for All. As Mynt President and CEO Martha Sazon affirmed, GCash remains committed to strengthening mentorship, professional development, and leadership pathways for women across the organization, in service of its mission to advance financial inclusion in the Philippines. 

For more information, visit https://www.gcash.com. 

Security Bank Strengthens Northern Luzon Presence with New Branches in Pangasinan and Ilocos Sur

Makati, Philippines – Security Bank Corporation is bringing BetterBanking closer to more Filipino communities with the opening of new branches in San Carlos, Pangasinan and Candon, Ilocos Sur, expanding its presence in two vibrant growth areas in Northern Luzon.

The new branches deepen the Bank’s support for households, entrepreneurs, and growing local businesses in communities where agriculture, trade, and enterprise continue to drive opportunity.

In Pangasinan, the San Carlos branch serves a dynamic local economy anchored in agriculture and expanding commerce. In Ilocos Sur, the Candon branch broadens access to banking services in a growing trade and enterprise hub.

“For us, BetterBanking means making banking simpler and faster, while staying close to our customers,” said Leslie Cham, EVP and Branch Banking Group Head at Security Bank. “These new branches combine digitally enabled service with the trust and personal connection that matter in communities where relationships remain at the heart of how business gets done.”

The expansion reflects Security Bank’s continued investment in growth corridors beyond major urban centers, where rising economic activity is creating greater demand for accessible and reliable financial services.

With 389 branches nationwide, Security Bank Corporation continues to strengthen how it serves customers by combining an expanding branch network with digital capabilities—making banking more seamless, secure, and convenient for individuals and businesses across the country.

Whether through in-branch advice, everyday transactions, or digital banking on the go, the Bank continues to make Better Banking more accessible where customers live, work, and grow. 

For more information on Security Bank’s products, services, and branch locations, visit www.securitybank.com or follow Security Bank on social media.

GCash Upholds Zero Tolerance on "Quishing" Scam, Blocks Fake Illegal Sites

GCash, the Philippines’ leading finance super app, has intensified its crackdown on illegal merchants, blocking suspicious accounts and scam websites that impersonate official GCash payment pages to defraud users.

 

With rising transportation costs adding to broader economic pressures, GCash continues to strengthen its anti-fraud efforts as Filipinos become more deliberate with every peso they spend, underscoring the importance of staying vigilant against schemes and safeguarding their hard-earned money.

 

The rise of “quishing” scams

Recent monitoring has uncovered schemes where fake websites mimic legitimate GCash payment pages and use QRPh codes to collect payments. An example of a growing scam flagged by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is known as “quishing” or QR phishing.

 

In these schemes, fraudsters exploit QR codes to redirect users to malicious payment pages or steal sensitive information, while misusing official branding to appear credible and deceive users into completing unauthorized transactions.

 

In some cases, fraudulent QR codes are embedded in posters, emails, receipts, or messages. When scanned, these can redirect users to fake login pages for e-wallets or banks, or even to sites that install harmful software on their devices. As a result, users may unknowingly send money to illegitimate accounts, even if the transaction appears familiar or routine.

 

What to watch out for
GCash reminds users to stay alert for key warning signs before completing any payment:

·        Suspicious website URLs that imitate GCash domains (e.g., “gcash-payments.com”, “gcsh.payment.com” instead of the official “payments.gcash.com”)

·        Mismatch in merchant identity, especially when the name displayed is random, incomplete, or unrelated to the actual business (e.g., “XJ82q” or “Merchant_123”)

·        Payment pages that feel inconsistent or unfamiliar, despite using GCash or QRPh logos

If any of these signs are present, users should stop the transaction immediately.

 

Proactive enforcement and collaboration

GCash has blocked wallets linked to these activities and escalated fraudulent sites for takedown. The company continues to work closely with government partners to strengthen enforcement and disrupt online fraud.

 

These efforts build on GCash’s sustained anti-fraud and cybersecurity campaigns such as GSafe Tayo. In 2025, GCash, in collaboration with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), has blocked over 3,200 merchants linked to illicit activities, which are often used as channels for fraudulent transactions and scams.

 

“By proactively blocking unauthorized actors and reporting them to our regulators and authorities, we are helping protect Filipinos and maintain trust in the country’s digital financial ecosystem,” said Miguel Geronilla, Chief Information Security Officer at GCash.

 

“Scammers are evolving alongside digital payments,” said Miguel Geronilla, Chief Information Security Officer at GCash. “We have zero tolerance for these actors and are actively blocking and reporting them to protect our users.”

 

“Protecting users is at the core of our platform,” Geronilla added. “We will continue to strengthen our safeguards and work hand-in-hand with the government to keep the ecosystem safe.”

 

Protecting every peso
GCash urges users to verify website URLs and merchant details before completing transactions and to stop immediately if anything appears suspicious.

GCash users can report suspected scams through the GCash Help Center at help.gcash.com by chatting with Gigi and selecting “I want to report a scam”, or by calling the official GCash hotline at 2882.

 

Users may also report incidents to the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group at (02) 8414-1560 / 0998-598-8116 or acg@pnp.gov.ph, and to the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) via hotline 1326, mobile 0991-481-4225, or report@cicc.gov.ph.

 

By staying vigilant and using trusted platforms, Filipinos can better protect their funds and ensure that every peso counts.

More information is available at www.gcash.com

Ant International, IFC, GCash Pioneer First-of-its-kind Sustainability Impact Scorecard to Expand MSME Access to Sustainable Financing

Furthering its mission of driving digital financial inclusion, Ant International, International Finance Corp. (IFC), and GCash are developing a Sustainability Impact Scorecard that will make it easier for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to track their environmental and social impact, easily adopt sustainability practices in business operations, and align with global standards.

 

The Scorecard provides Filipino MSMEs with trusted, clear, and accessible pathways to measure sustainability performance, strengthen credibility, and unlock opportunities aligned with global environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. By leveraging the GCash ecosystem and metrics tailored to the Philippine market, the Scorecard aims to empower local MSMEs with relevant, simple insights to help transform businesses.

 

In the Philippines, MSMEs account for 99.6% of businesses and employ over two-thirds of the workforce, yet limited access to financing remains a key challenge. The Scorecard, which serves as a benchmark for MSMEs, will help businesses demonstrate their sustainability practices and unlock access to sustainable financing to support growth.

 

Aside from tracking sustainability performance, the Scorecard also provides MSMEs with a way to build the credibility needed to engage with investors and lenders on sustainability performance.

 

“For MSMEs, this is a game-changer. It provides visibility into their environmental and social impact and credibility that can attract green capital and partnerships,” said GCash group head for new businesses Winsley Bangit.

 

“Crucially, MSMEs’ growing social impact cannot be overlooked. Through our collaboration with GCash and IFC, we are making technologies such as AI more accessible to local MSMEs, empowering them to participate in the next wave of sustainable digital transformation. This scorecard serves as a vital tool for future innovation, reinforcing that true environmental sustainability integrates social and economic impact, and it must never be sidelined,” said Carrie Suen, vice president and head of global affairs and strategic development at Ant International.

 

“MSMEs play a critical role across markets. By equipping them with the right tools, we can strengthen resilience, support adaptation, and enable sustainable growth at scale,” Christina Ongoma, IFC East Asia and the Pacific Regional Advisory manager for the Financial Institutions Group, added.

 

Shaping a world-class, competitive & sustainable future for Filipino MSMEs

 

The partnership builds on discussions at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, and Ant International’s Programme Sirius, launched in 2024 to support MSMEs in taking the first step toward sustainability. With GCash as a pilot partner, the initiative aims to translate global sustainability commitments into practical, on-ground digital solutions for underserved communities in the Philippines.

 

The Scorecard pilot will roll out in phases, starting with ecosystem assessments, stakeholder engagement, and the development of the sustainability impact scorecard, followed by validation and field testing. Learnings from the pilot will inform potential scaling across the Asia-Pacific region.

 

This initiative underscores the power of collaboration in expanding MSMEs access to practical, data-driven ESG tools, enabling small businesses to integrate sustainability into everyday operations, scale responsibly, and connect with solutions previously deemed out of reach. This reflects the shared commitment of Ant International, IFC, and GCash to advance sustainable finance solutions and build a more inclusive digital economy.

 

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

Zero Fees for Middle East Transactions via GCash Extended until Apr 30, 2026

GCash has extended zero fees for transfers to and from the Middle East until April 30, 2026 to help ease the financial burden of its users and their families amid the ongoing developments in the region.

 

The initiative allows overseas Filipinos in affected areas to stay connected with loved ones back home and to receive assistance without added costs. This supports the national government's continuing efforts to prioritize the safety and welfare of overseas Filipinos.

 

This means Filipinos in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Israel, Lebanon, and Jordan will not be charged for their bank transfers to the Philippines and other transactions like buy load and pay bills. Waived transaction fees will be credited back via in-app cashback. No registration is required, eligible fees will be automatically returned to GCash user accounts, and users will receive an in-app notification confirming that the cashback has been successfully credited.

 

GCash users in the Philippines can also remit money to their loved ones in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman for free via GCash International Transfer.

 

The goal is simple: to make everyday transactions more affordable, accessible, and seamless for Filipinos. GCash will continue to closely monitor developments in the region and assess the need for a possible extension of these financial relief measures as necessary.

 

For more information, visit www.gcash.com.

GCash Drives Employee Empowerment to Advance Fintech for Filipinos

Millions of Filipinos today navigate daily life with the support of digital financial tools, and for GCash, the momentum behind many of these solutions begins within its own workforce.

Within its offices, there is a strong culture that encourages employees to take initiative, collaborate across disciplines, and develop services grounded in real user needs, reflecting its view that meaningful innovation is driven by empowered teams working toward shared impact across the Philippines. This relentless customer obsession ensures that every solution developed is grounded in users' real needs.

This direction is shaped by its core values “Change the Game” and “Care Like Owners,” which influence how teams approach both product development and problem-solving. Supporting this mindset is what the company calls its Happiness Chain, a cycle in which engaged employees create better solutions, satisfied users reinforce trust, and sustained growth allows continued shareholder investment in talent and innovation. By connecting employee experience with customer outcomes, the framework demonstrates how workplace culture can directly shape the relevance and effectiveness of digital services.

 

Across its ecosystem, teams are translating this philosophy into tools designed to address everyday financial realities. The group behind GLoan Sakto, for instance, developed a nano-loan offering intended to help users manage small but urgent expenses that traditional financial institutions often overlook. The concept grew out of internal discussions about practical financial gaps experienced by many Filipinos.

For Arens, who joined while the product was still being built, the collaborative environment helped him quickly adapt and contribute to the project. “When I joined GCash, this was my first project, need kong mag-adapt sa ways of working dito sa GCash (I needed to adapt to the culture of working at GCash). But the team really helped me, and they are very collaborative.”

A similar user-centered perspective shaped the work of the International Remittance team, which designed its services around a firsthand understanding of overseas Filipinos sending support home. By focusing on challenges such as fees, waiting times, and accessibility, the group developed solutions including GCash Padala, Visa Direct, and GCash Virtual US Account with support from global payments network Visa.

“Every test that we did, every change, even up to production, it was meaningful ’cause from start to end, we were all there,” states Phing, Product Owner

Employee ownership has also enabled projects that improve daily experiences beyond financial transactions. One team worked on integrating cashless fare payments for commuters using the MRT-3, helping reduce queues and streamline travel through mobile wallet access. The initiative required coordination across technical, commercial, and leadership groups, illustrating how cross-functional collaboration supports large-scale implementation. “We were trusted to do something as big as building the national standards. So that trust really made us very brave,” says Karla, Account Manager (Transportation).

Company leaders add that these outcomes are reinforced by internal systems designed to support employees throughout their careers. Its Human Resources function works alongside business units to align talent priorities with organizational goals while implementing programs centered on the 3Cs Mantra: Care, Career, and Culture—people initiatives focused on providing a holistically designed workplace experience for the GCash Barkada.

These include well-being and rewards frameworks, structured development pathways, and data-driven intelligence to strengthen engagement and performance, as well as inclusive workplace practices.

“We lead and strategize, and we’re able to drive real business outcomes,” Arvin, Leadership & Culture Manager, emphasized. For Franz, HR Governance & HR Systems Projects Manager, his role goes beyond administrative tasks to actively partnering with business teams to drive meaningful results. He noted, “We are not just here to process paperwork. We're here to be partners with the business and help drive it forward.”

As digital adoption continues to expand nationwide, industry observers note that fintech providers increasingly compete on speed, trust, and relevance. GCash maintains that giving teams ownership from concept to deployment helps accelerate development while ensuring solutions remain grounded in real-world needs, cementing its position as a true platform for good.

As Robert Gonzales, Chief People Officer of Mynt, parent company of GCash puts it, “It’s this culture of ownership that enables our Kabarkadas to translate bold concepts into game-changing tools—ensuring that every solution we deploy is not just an innovation, but a meaningful tool that is making Filipinos' everyday lives better.

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

GCash Highlights Role of Affordable, Embedded Digital Insurance in Reaching Underserved Communities

New ways for providing insurance are needed to expand financial protection for vulnerable and underserved Filipinos, who face the most risk but are traditionally excluded from financial services.

 

This was highlighted by GCash, the Philippine’s leading finance app, during a recent banking and insurance summit. According to GCash VP and Head of its digital insurance platform GInsure, Willy De Ocampo, digital platforms can play a key role in addressing the country’s protection gap. The Philippines recorded an insurance penetration rate of 1.79 percent at the end of 2025, improving from 1.67 a year earlier, but still below the country’s 2 percent target and behind peers across Southeast Asia.

 

By integrating vital protection into routine financial transactions, GCash helps to dismantle traditional barriers to insurance. “Many Filipinos see insurance as necessary, but they often feel the process is complicated or expensive,” De Ocampo said. “We want to make insurance easy for our customers and show them that protection is something they already have access to.”

 

GInsure has enabled over 20 million Filipinos to access insurance as of Q4 2025, up over 40% since the first quarter. In addition, 75% of GInsure customers are located outside Metro Manila and 76% belong to socioeconomic classes D and E, highlighting the pressing need to extend protection across all levels of society.

 

More inclusive protection

 

To help solve the protection gap, GCash through its insurance platform GInsure is pioneering new ways to expand protection through its embedded and free insurance solutions within the app. “Our goal is to create innovative and relevant protection embedded in everyday transactions,” De Ocampo said. “By integrating insurance directly into financial services people already use, we reduce barriers and help more Filipinos prepare for emergencies.”

 

Filipinos can stay protected from unauthorized transactions, from hacking, phishing, smishing, malware scamming or other similar scams, including unauthorized access to their GCash account for up to ₱15,000 for as low as P30 for 30 days with embedded protection from GInsure: Express Send Scam Insurance, powered by Chubb. The policy also covers unauthorized transactions on supported online merchants and app-based payment channels, such as Lazada, Shopee, and the Play Store.

 

The e-wallet also offers Filipinos free protection bundled with digital transactions like applying for a loan or buying mobile load within GCash. Fuse Financing Inc. (Fuse), the lending arm of GCash, offers free health insurance underwritten by Oona Insurance, covering hospitalization allowance through GInsure, to borrowers of its GLoan feature for loans worth ₱500.00 and up.

 

Meanwhile, Filipinos can also access free health and accident insurance through GInsure whenever they buy mobile load. Underwritten by FPG Insurance, the free insurance covers up to ₱30,000 (including up to ₱2,500 hospital assistance) for as long as 30 days every load purchase.

 

GInsure joined financial institutions, insurers, regulators, and technology providers at the recently-held 2026 Asian Banking & Finance and Insurance Asia Summit to discuss developments shaping the region’s financial services sector with a focus on digitalization, inclusion, and risk management.

 

GCash continues to work with partners across the industry to expand financial protection and strengthen financial resilience among underserved communities across the country.

 

For more information, visit https://www.gcash.com.

Cotabato City’s Ongoing Push for Cashless Payments via GCash Simplifies Tax, Fee Payments

Paying government fees in Cotabato City has become faster, safer, and more convenient as the local government unit (LGU) officially rolled out cashless payment options with GCash, the Philippines’ leading finance superapp and largest cashless ecosystem.

 

Since the partnership launch in May 2024, the initiative has introduced Scan to Pay and Bills Pay features that allow citizens to settle local taxes and fees directly from their mobile phones using the GCash app. This effort eliminates long lines at city offices and reduces the risks that come with manual cash transactions.

 

The move addresses long-standing challenges in an LGU’s collection system: prolonged queues, cash-handling inefficiencies, limited payment channels, and the lack of digital infrastructure. These issues have affected operations, LGU employees, and constituents.

 

Through the Scan to Pay feature, users can simply scan a QR code displayed in city offices to pay instantly. The Bills Pay feature, on the other hand, allows them to settle fees remotely anytime, removing the need to line up in person. Together, these features offer flexibility and accessibility for Cotabateños, while helping the local government reduce congestion and improve transparency in its financial processes.

The cashless system also enhances safety by minimizing physical cash handling and potential errors in manual recording. This ensures more accurate reconciliation and efficient fund management.

 

“The integration of GCash in Cotabato City is a testament to the powerful impact of digital transformation on local governance. By replacing cash with a secure, efficient, and transparent payment system, we are actively supporting the city in streamlining its administrative services and fostering a better experience for every constituent,” said Cleo Santos, Vice President and Head for Public Sector at GCash.

 

The partnership between Cotabato City and GCash forms part of a broader effort to digitize government payments in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), reinforcing the region’s ongoing digital transformation. In his State of the City Address, Mayor Bruce Matabalao said, “Over 1,200 market vendors and tricycle operators are now enrolled in PalengQR Ph Plus, and daily transactions have increased by 30 percent within the first year of implementation—reflecting strong local acceptance of cashless commerce.”

 

The program holds strong relevance for BARMM as the region continues to strengthen its economic foundations and expand its digital capacity amid ongoing development efforts. In Cotabato City, one of BARMM’s primary urban hubs, the initiative plays a key role in advancing financial inclusion by enabling residents to more conveniently and securely access essential services and government assistance through digital platforms.

 

By embracing this cashless ecosystem, Cotabato City is addressing operational bottlenecks commonly faced by LGUs while taking a crucial step toward inclusive digital adoption—empowering citizens to transact securely and confidently using technology they already have in their hands.

 

This collaboration reflects the growing role of digital finance in improving local governance, with GCash continuing to support local government units nationwide in building more efficient, transparent, and citizen-friendly systems.

 

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

VUL: The Entrepreneur’s Tool for Wealth Preservationi

MANILA, PH – April 2026 – For entrepreneurs, success is rarely linear. Income can peak in one season and soften in another, opportunities arrive without warning, and personal and professional risks are part of everyday decision-making. While building a business demands agility, preserving the wealth that comes with it calls for a different mindset – one anchored on protection, discipline, and long-term planning.

 

This is where Variable Unit-Linked (VUL) insurance becomes especially relevant for today’s entrepreneurs.

 

Protecting the business owner behind the business

Entrepreneurs are wired to take risks, but not all risks should be left unmanaged. At its core, a VUL is a life insurance plan designed to provide financial protection for loved ones and dependents, while also offering access to professionally managed investment funds that support long-term goals.

 

"Aside from growth, the starting point should always be protection,” said Ivan Corcuera, Head of Insurance Investments at Sun life Investment Management and Trust Corporation. “When coverage is aligned with real expenses and existing obligations, a VUL becomes a dependable safety net rather than just a financial add-on.”

 

For business owners, this protection can spell continuity as it ensures that family finances remain stable, debts are covered, and the business has breathing room should something unexpected happen. While the fund value may fluctuate, the insurance benefit remains a constant layer of security.

 

Built for the unpredictability of entrepreneurial income

Entrepreneurial life rarely means steady cashflows. Earnings can rise quickly during expansion phases and dip during periods of reinvestment. One of the defining advantages of a VUL is its ability to adapt to these shifts.

 

Premium structures and investment allocations can be reviewed over time, allowing the plan to evolve alongside changing financial priorities. When income increases or surplus funds become available, entrepreneurs may opt to add top‑ups to strengthen the policy’s investment component.

 

“Many policyholders overlook how powerful top‑ups can be,” Corcuera said. “They give entrepreneurs a way to put excess cash to work for the long term without having to restructure their entire plan.”

 

Preserving wealth beyond day‑to‑day operations

 

For entrepreneurs, wealth preservation is about more than accumulating assets. It involves managing risk, diversifying beyond the business, and ensuring that value is protected across generations. With a significant portion of net worth often tied to the enterprise itself, balance becomes essential.

 

A VUL introduces that balance by pairing guaranteed insurance coverage with access to professionally managed investment funds. While market movements are inevitable, a long‑term perspective helps entrepreneurs avoid reactive decisions that could derail future plans.

 

“Short‑term volatility is part of investing,” Corcuera shared. “What’s important is having a strategy you can commit to over time and making adjustments deliberately instead of reacting to every market swing.”

 

With proper planning, VUL can support long‑range objectives such as education funding, retirement preparation, and legacy or estate considerations—areas that become increasingly important as businesses mature.

 

Why ongoing guidance matters

Since a VUL blends insurance and investments, clarity and guidance play a critical role in maximizing its value. Entrepreneurs who approach it with a clear understanding of its purpose are more likely to stay on track.

 

“VULs are not set‑and‑forget solutions,” Corcuera explains. “Regular check‑ins with an advisor help ensure that protection remains sufficient and that the investment strategy still reflects where the client is in life and in business.”

 

With the backing of a trusted institution like Sun Life, entrepreneurs gain not just a financial product, but a long‑term partner that supports them through changing markets and life stages.

 

Preserving today, preparing for what comes next

Entrepreneurship is about building something that lasts – whether it is a business, a secure future for one’s family, or a legacy that lasts beyond a single lifetime. While growth often captures attention, preservation is what sustains success.

 

When understood and utilized properly, a VUL is not simply an insurance policy or an investment option. It is a strategic tool that helps entrepreneurs protect what they have built, navigate uncertainty with confidence, and prepare thoughtfully for the milestones ahead.

 

To learn more about VUL, visit www.sunlife.co/VUL101. Stay updated by following Sun Life Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.