40 MILLION FILIPINOS and GROWING: GCash Strengthens Partnership with the Public Sector to Promote Digital Financial Inclusion for All

To fast-track economic recovery amid the pandemic, public and private sectors must unite and work together to achieve a more inclusive financial ecosystem for all Filipinos. This is the vision behind “One with the Nation: Forging Public-Private Partnerships Towards Digital Inclusion in the Philippines,” a webinar organized by GCash, the country’s no. 1 mobile wallet app in collaboration with various national government agencies and local government units (LGUs).

The webinar featured distinguished speakers from both the public and private sectors led by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Gov. Benjamin Diokno, Makati Mayor Abby Binay, Congressman Jose Enrirque Garcia, DSWD Director Wayne Belizar, Bureau of Treasury of the Philippines OIC Deputy Treasurer Ed Marino, BSP Deputy Dir. for Payment Systems Atty. Leah M. Irao, GCash President and CEO Martha Sazon, GCash Vice President for Enterprise Jose Luis Reyes and GCash AVP and Head of Public Sector & Partnerships Cathlyn Pavia.

Our partnerships with the private sector have provided us with a wide network to reach more customers and develop more relevant financial services and products,” said Martha Sazon, GCash president and chief executive officer. “But in order to truly reach the unbanked and underserved communities, we look to the public sector with their expertise and resources. Together, we can really make a difference in the lives of Filipinos.”

The event opened with a Keynote Message from BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno on “Digital Financial Inclusion: Impacting the Lives of Millions of Filipinos”. In his message to the participants, Governor Diokno underscored the importance of making financial inclusion a reality for every Filipino in the country. This was followed by a panel discussion on “Digital Infrastructure: The Journey Starts Today!” led by BSP deputy director Atty Leah M. Irao and Cong. Jose Enrique Garcia. Atty. Irao and Congressman Garcia discussed the value of digitalization to promote the safety and security of Filipinos even beyond the pandemic.

A talk on the importance of outlining a strategic path towards digital transformation was discussed next by Pavia in “Digital Roadmap: Are We Ready to Innovate?”. In her talk, Pavia emphasized the critical value of implementing digitalization in phases, and how digital solutions can be seamlessly integrated in order to create a hybrid approach and to facilitate smoother adoption.

In his talk on “Digital Manual: 101 Opportunities to Move Forward!,” Director Marino discussed the long-term benefits of creating sound policies and guidelines, ensuring transparency during digital transformation.

Highlighting trailblazing partnerships going cashless, Makati Mayor Abby Binay led a panel entitled “Digital Headstart: Kaya Mo Pilipino!” In Makati, data of its constituents were collected and used to create the Makatizen ID card and open GCash accounts. The card serves as a valid ID that can be used to avail of government services, and a debit card to withdraw in any Bancnet ATM or use in Mastercard-accepting merchants. Likewise, Makati also uses GCash to disburse the salaries of employees, and allowances of senior citizens, and other financial assistance such as Maka-tulong. With Mayor Binay was DSWD Dir. Delizer who in turn shared the agency’s groundbreaking SAP disbursement program last year.

This successful partnership at the height of the pandemic last year was the collaboration between GCash and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for safer distribution of funds for its Social Amelioration Program. GCash was able to distribute more than P16 billion to at least 2 million Filipinos, saving the government about 952 days and around P52 million. GCash continues to support DSWD in its Assistance for Individuals Under Crisis Situation program on a monthly basis.

The mobile app has also partnered with the Social Security System (SSS). Since February, SSS has enabled GCash as an option for receiving benefits through PESOnet. The app has provided SSS members an option to pay their monthly contribution payments via the app’s Pay Bills feature. Likewise for PAG-IBIG, contributions are also conveniently accepted via Pay Bills and Web Pay.

Closing the webinar was GCash VP for Enterprise Jose Luis Reyes who stressed the importance of financial inclusion and expressed optimism that despite today’s challenges, there is a clear way forward to achieve BSP’s vision and make Filipino lives better every day.

These programs are proof that strong partnerships between the private and public sectors are crucial in successfully bringing the benefits of digitalization and financial inclusion to Filipinos at a time when they need it most.'

For more information, visit www.gcash.com.

Summary:

• A strategic webinar that highlights the importance of private-public sector collaboration in achieving financial inclusion for Filipinos, featuring speakers including BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno, Congressman Jose Enique Garcia and Makati Mayor Abby Binay. The event gathered hundreds of society leaders, LGU officials, business sector executives and the media to discuss viable digital financial solutions for the country.
• Successful pioneering partnerships for cashless programs such as Makati LGU-GCash Makatizen ID card, SSS-GCash partnership for fast and secure disbursement of SSS benefits; and the safe and timely distribution of funds for the DSWD’s Social Amelioration Program through GCash were discussed as best practices.
• GCash looks forward to collaborating with more LGUs and other national government agencies to promote digital synergy and identify financial solutions that will positively impact the lives of millions of Filipinos nationwide, especially during this pandemic period.

About GCash

GCash is the leading mobile wallet in the Philippines. Through the GCash app, customers can easily buy load; pay bills at over 600 partner billers in the app; pay at more than 7,000 online partners; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines; pay using QR codes at over 130,000 partner merchants nationwide; save money while earning interest; and invest money at local and global funds -- all through the convenience of their smartphones.

GCash is part of the portfolio companies of 917Ventures, the largest corporate incubator in the Philippines wholly-owned by Globe Telecom, Inc. GCash was recognized by The Asian Banker (TAB) in 2021 for its outstanding digital financial inclusion programs impacting more than 40 million Filipinos in the country today.

GCash Lauded as Biggest Emergency Response Donor by Save the Children Philippines

In recognition of its commitment to help address various social issues related to education, environment, health and more, GCash, the country’s leading mobile wallet, was recently honored by Save the Children, the world's leading independent children's organization, for being one of its biggest emergency response donors in the Philippines.

Save the Children received immediate help through the GCash app for education, nutrition, health assistance, emergencies, and natural calamities such as typhoons. Thanks to the donations, Save the Children delivered life-saving aid and implemented development programs to keep children and families, emergency responders, and community health workers safe from COVID-19.

GCash for Good, GCash’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm, allows GCash users and prospective users to easily support worthy NGOs by sending their donations via their GCash accounts. This convenient and safe access to a donation platform has paved the way for more people to support various NGOs and other worthy causes. It’s also part of GCash’s holistic sustainability agenda for 2021-2025 and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

“GCash continuously strives to be a more inclusive and open platform to easily connect people who want to help millions of Filipinos who are in need. Through the GCash app, Filipinos can donate to various charities just by logging on to their GCash account, allowing them to create a positive and lasting impact on society with just a few swipes on their mobile phones,” said Martha Sazon, GCash President and CEO.

GCash for Good supports various causes ─ from the protection of women and environmental
conservation, to helping victims of natural disasters and promoting animal welfare. Aside from Save the Children, other GCash NGO partners include AsianCenter for Mission, Bantay Bata, Cancer Warriors Foundation, Caritas, CBN Asia, Church of Jesus Christ, Habitat for Humanity PH, Jollibee Donate, JREV NowFoundation, Knowledge Channel, Kythe Inc, Negrense Volunteers for Change, ONEMERALCO Foundation, Inc, Operation Smile, Operation Blessing, Philippine EagleFoundation, Piso Para Sa Pasig, Red Cross, Resources for the Blind, Shepherds VRTF,Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan, Smile Train, U Happy, Unicef, World Vision, and WWF(World Wildlife Fund).

Each respective NGO partner has its own QR Code. If you wish to donate, simply log in to your GCash account, go to “My Dashboard” and click on the “Pay QR” menu icon. Then, scan the QR code of the respective NGO you want to donate to.
For more information, visit https://www.gcash.com/gcash-for-good-csr/.


About GCash

GCash is the leading mobile wallet in the Philippines. Through the GCash app, customers can easily buy
load; pay bills at over 400 partner billers in the app; pay at more than 7,000 online partners; send and
receive money anywhere in the Philippines; pay using QR codes at over 130,000 partner merchants
nationwide; save money while earning interest; and invest money at local and global funds -- all through
the convenience of their smartphones.

GCash is part of the portfolio companies of 917Ventures, the largest corporate incubator in the
Philippines wholly-owned by Globe Telecom, Inc.

DTI Releases Guidelines on Payment Pptions

To ensure consumers’ access to various modes of payment on their purchase of products and services, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) issued the Department Administrative Order No. 21-03 or the “Guidelines for Payments Options on the Purchase of Consumer Products and Services” which will take effect on 23 April 2021.

Pursuant to Republic Act No. 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines, the DTI is mandated to safeguard the consumers against Deceptive, Unfair and Unconscionable Sales Acts and Practices and false and misleading advertisements, among others.

The DAO mandates all persons and companies, whether registered or unregistered, engaged in the sale or offer for sale of consumer products and services, to provide consumers the option to pay in cash, in installment, or a combination of the two, whenever they make a purchase. An “installment only” mode of payment is strictly prohibited. Further, the guidelines specify that there should be no additional charge on the selling price if the mode of payment is through debit/credit/prepaid cards, QR codes, electronic fund transfers, or other digital means available, as preferred by the buyer.

For consumers who choose to pay on installment, the guidelines state that “no interest shall be due unless expressly stipulated in writing in accordance with Article 1956 of the Civil Code” and that the seller shall not impose an interest rate more than the market-oriented interest rate. The seller also must not collect an advance interest of more than a year. Additionally for bigger items, the seller is required to release documents that will show ownership of the buyer and must comply with the requirements in case of repossession of products purchased on installment.

“The DTI highlights the consumers’ right to choose not only on products and services that she/he needs but also the mode of payment for these goods or services. The DTI reminds all sellers to comply with DAO No. 21-03 to avoid being penalized”, says DTI Consumer Protection Group Undersecretary Atty. Ruth B. Castelo.

Under the Consumer Act, violation of Article 52 has the concomitant penalty of imprisonment for a period of five (5) months to (1) year or a fine ranging from Php 500.00 – Php 10,000.00 or both, upon the discretion of the court.

For more consumer-related information, visit the DTI website. For consumer-related concerns and queries, please send an email to ConsumerCare@dti.gov.ph or call One-DTI (1-384) Hotline.

Pay your BIR taxes with GCash

Paying taxes during the lockdown can be quite challenging. With time ticking and social distancing to be followed, GCash has made it possible for citizens to safely and securely pay their income taxes to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) – no need to line up or go to the BIR office!

With the deadline for paying income taxes looming on April 15, there’s no need to stress or panic because paying taxes is now so easy and convenient. All one has to do is download the GCash app on their mobile phones. Once they’ve registered their information, they are ready to make the payment with BIR.

To make the payment on the GCash app, select Pay Bills. From Pay Bills, customers choose the category of Government and select BIR for payment.

Customers must input the details: BIR Form, Return Period, TIN, the branch code, amount, and email address. Once all details are confirmed, just press the payment button and it's all done. Just make sure to save a screenshot of the payment.

Payment will be confirmed in 3 days. The best part – it’s free of charge.

So, paying your taxes? I-GCash mo na yan! For more information, log on to www.gcash.com.

GCash Launches over 30 Lifestyle Brands on GLife

This current generation is all about doing more with less stress as much as possible, which is why getting easy access to practically everything they need – whether it’s for work or play – has now become more of a necessity than a choice.

For these dynamic individuals who want a more hustle, less hassle life, GCash has launched GLife, which caters to all things food, fashion, beauty, technology, and practically everything essential in everyone’s daily life! GLife can be your personal shopper, food delivery driver, errand saver, and service provider all rolled into one.

“GLife is designed to be a ‘one-stop shop’ virtual platform that meets customers’ lifestyle needs. You can get everything you need – from food to beauty essentials, to groceries and movie tickets – with just a tap on your smartphone. This means a more convenient way to live your daily life, especially if you’re always hustling from one activity to the next,” explains Martha Sazon, President and CEO of GCash.

Here’s what’s on GLife and everything you need to know to enjoy great deals from the brands you love and experience secure transactions all within GCash:

GLife makes GCash your new super life app!

GLife is a new app feature that’s conveniently located inside your GCash dashboard. What the app does is it integrates all other apps and curates your favorite brands, shops, restaurants, and services all in one platform, so you can easily access them and pay conveniently using your GCash.

With GLife, you don’t need to install extra apps on your smartphone just to access on-demand products and services. With one tap, you can easily browse for entertainment, health, shopping, tech, essential services, and other lifestyle needs, and pay for them effortlessly through fast and secure online transactions.

On top of providing all your lifestyle must-haves, GLife is your go-to hub for the latest promos from your favorite brands. This means getting first dibs on the hottest deals that only GCash subscribers will be able to enjoy.

Access your favorite brands and merchants with just a tap

GLife has partnered with a multitude of top brands and partner merchants that are practically everyone’s favorite when craving for good food, shopping for the latest beauty and fashion must-haves, ordering for groceries, and much more.

The best part? GCash subscribers can look forward to exclusive deals from these brands and merchants when accessing their apps via GLife.

Never go “hangry” again when you can order your favorites easily from McDonald’s, KFC, Tapa King, Gong Cha, Kraver’s, Canteen, Peri-Peri, Classic Savory, Bo’s Coffee, Goldilocks, Kitchen City, or FoodPanda with just a few clicks. Add to cart your fashion or beauty finds and other items sweat-free from Lazada and Bench, get instant shop cashback from Findshare, or get your groceries delivered with no fuss from Puregold.

In the mood for gaming? Try Goama Games and win GCash credit vouchers. Need a new gadget? Access the Cherry Shop to get the latest device or DataBlitz to shop for tech finds. You can even manage your Globe at Home account or track or Globe numbers in just a snap when you access the GlobeOne and Globe at Home apps on GLife.

Among the other brands and partner merchants that have tied up with GLife are Purego.ph, GOMO, Gawin, GMovies, AIDE, Mr. Speedy, Generika Drugstore and HairMNL. There are many more to come, as GLIfe is continuously expanding its list of merchants to ensure that all the lifestyle needs of today’s customers are catered to.

GLife mo na ‘yan! and download the GCash app today at www.gcash.com to enjoy a good balance of work and play. With this all-in-one super life app, switching from pay time to playtime is easier, faster, and of course, much safer. Watch this video to see the all-in-one super life app in action.

Taking KKB to the Next Level

It is no secret that Filipinos love to eat, even more so when it’s at a new restaurant with closest friends or family. But when the meal is almost over and everyone is preparing to leave, the waiter arrives with the bill and it suddenly ends up in a friendly debate on who pays what and how much.

Luckily, Filipinos are also used to splitting the check, and in typical Pinoy fashion, have even coined a term for this phenomenon. "KKB" or "kanya-kanyang bayad" (each pays his or her own) is an expression that dates to 1980s. It is a local version of the expression “Dutch treat” which means that each member in a group of diners pays for the cost of his or her own meal.

This phenomenon is deeply integrated into the everyday life of Filipinos that going out for a meal, KKB style of course, is carried out with unspoken steps such as designating a “treasurer” who takes note of the bill and computes each member’s share. However, there are instances when this person ends up footing the bill in the meantime if the group is in a hurry—and sadly, sometimes debts tend to be forgotten especially after the group parts ways.

Leading mobile wallet GCash changes the game and makes KKB not only easy and convenient, but also ensures that no one in a group is left holding the bag after a good meal or a fun night out. With its latest feature called GCash KKB, the power of digital mobile technology does all the work in keeping track of orders and reminding each person of their payment through their respective GCash accounts.

In instances when the meal is to be shared equally among diners, GCash KKB can easily split the bill and charge the group members accordingly. For awkward moments when a friend may be short on budget, there’s no need to dampen the festive mood of the occasion as GCash KKB allows users to cover for another person’s expenses. And for those who may want to order more dishes, GCash KKB can add these expenses to a person’s running bill discreetly without worrying about burdening others with added costs.

GCash KKB comes in handy not only when eating out but also when shopping, watching movies, traveling or even managing utilities and other expenses with housemates. The app even has a separate option for splitting the bill among family members. The app’s versatile categories give users a wide range of options to choose from, assuring that no matter the occasion or activity, splitting the bill is a smooth and easy proposition.

These nifty features on the GCash application are just some of the ways how innovation is thoughtfully and meaningfully integrated into the daily lifestyle of Filipinos. Not only does GCash KKB make managing finances more convenient and immediate through the use of mobile wallet technology, but it also helps keep meet-ups fun and enjoyable—placing the focus on creating memories with family and friends, rather than bickering over the bill. GCash is truly enabling a fully digital lifestyle for more and more Filipinos.