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.

GCash Helps Baguio’s Small Businesses Thrive as Panagbenga Festival Goes More Cashless

Baguio City once again came alive with colors, blooms, and celebration as the Panagbenga Festival filled its streets with floats, music, and the vibrant spirit of the Cordillera community. Beyond the festivities, the festival also highlighted a deeper story unfolding on the ground: how local entrepreneurs—many of them small family-run businesses—are gaining greater access to financial tools that allow them to participate more fully in the local digital economy.

 

For many nano, micro, small, and medium enterprises (NMSMEs), access to safe and convenient financial services is not just about efficiency—it is about opportunity, dignity in work, and the ability to grow their livelihoods. At this year’s Panagbenga Festival, GCash, the country’s leading finance super app and largest cashless ecosystem, supported local merchants by bringing practical digital solutions and on-ground activities that help level the playing field for small businesses.

 

By enabling simpler, safer, and more accessible transactions, these tools help ensure that even the smallest vendors—from sari-sari stores to flower stalls—can serve more customers and benefit from the surge in tourism during one of the country’s most beloved cultural celebrations.

 

The grand celebration was led by Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan, together with Congressman Mauricio Domogan and the Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon as guests of honor. The local government recognized the growing role of digital financial access in helping communities strengthen livelihoods and support inclusive economic participation.

 

"As proof of Baguio's resilience, our deep pride in our Cordillera heritage, and our unique capacity to celebrate culture with discipline, it fuels our creative economy and strengthens local livelihood," said Vice Mayor Olowan.

 

For this year's festivities, GCash carried the theme "Festival of Progress: Empowering Local NMSMEs as the Heart of the Celebration," highlighting how cashless payments help small businesses serve more customers and unlock new income opportunities during peak moments of celebration.

 

GCash activations reached festival-goers and merchants across multiple touchpoints—from bus terminals and malls to gas stations, public markets, and along the famous Session Road. Merchant crawls showcased MSMEs embracing digital finance, while mall and market activations demonstrated how QR payments and GCash Pera Outlet can transform everyday stalls into community financial service points.

 

For this year’s Panagbenga, GCash initiative highlighted how accessible digital tools—from QR payments to community-based digital hubs for financial transactions — can help small merchants participate more equitably in the festival economy and expand their growth opportunities.

"Financial inclusion is about ensuring that every enterprise — no matter the size — has access to the tools needed to participate and thrive in today’s economy. Through solutions such as QR payments, SoundPay Plus, EasyPOS, and PocketPay, we help give smaller businesses the same opportunities as larger enterprises. At the same time, GCash Pera Outlet enables sari-sari stores and market stalls to provide essential services such as bills payment, remittances, and mobile load, bringing financial access closer to communities," said Cleo Celeste Santos, GCash vice president and head of public sector.

 

Strengthening livelihoods at the community level

 

Across Baguio’s neighborhoods, sari-sari stores, flower vendors, cafés, and market stalls are more than businesses—they are lifelines that sustain families and support local communities. During Panagbenga, these entrepreneurs serve as the frontliners of local commerce, welcoming thousands of visitors and supporting household incomes.

 

For many merchants, access to digital financial tools has helped make their livelihoods more stable and resilient.

 

Jen, a cashier at Caroline Trading, has seen the small sari-sari store grow into a mini mart since adopting GCash. "Halos lahat nasa GCash na po, at mas dumami pa ang pumupunta dahil parang pinakamadaling way dito sa amin—very convenient. Mas nag-improve yung sales kasi halos cashless na po lahat. Para sa mga negosyo na mag-start pa lang, i-try lang nila kasi effective siya."

 

For GCash Pera Outlet partner Marie Audrey Salvador, a general merchandise store owner in Baguio’s public market, going cashless created a more stable income stream while allowing her business to serve as a financial access point for the community.

 

"Nag-start kami ng negosyo noong July 2023, at napakarami na nitong naitulong sa akin—sa bills, sa rents, at sa travels with family. Dati sapat-sapat lang; ngayon nakaka-afford na rin kami mag-travel. Aside from cashless payments, nagse-serve din kami as cash-in, cash-out, pay bills, at load—sobrang laki ng tulong."

 

Meanwhile, Tita Leah’s Food Specialty, a well-loved Baguio delicacy brand, found that digital payment tools helped streamline operations as their business expanded. "Dati hiwalay din ang nakukuha ng transaction confirmation. Na-solve yun ni SoundPay. Ngayon hindi na kailangan ng storekeeper na tumawag sa amin for confirmation—seamless na siya," shared Don Paez.

 

For Yuan, a barista at Balai Studio Cafe, the shift to cashless payments also means better service for a growing number of tourists. "GCash eases our business operations at talagang napakadali. Marami po kaming foreigners na customer at naghahanap din po sila ng cashless payment."

 

Protecting livelihoods in the digital space

 

As more Filipinos embrace digital finance, ensuring safety and trust remains essential to protecting the livelihoods of merchants and consumers alike. GCash continues to promote awareness and education to help users safeguard their accounts and income. The message remains simple but important: do not click suspicious links and never share your one-time password (OTP) with anyone.

 

By strengthening financial safety and awareness, GCash aims to ensure that small businesses can confidently participate in the digital economy while protecting the income they work hard to earn.

 

Sustaining inclusive growth beyond the festival

 

While Panagbenga lasts only a few weeks, its impact on communities can endure far longer. By expanding access to financial tools and services, GCash supports local entrepreneurs in building stronger businesses, supporting their families, and contributing to the broader local economy.

 

For GCash, working alongside communities like Baguio City is part of a broader commitment to advancing financial inclusion, expanding economic opportunity, and helping build an economy where progress is shared—ensuring that the benefits of growth reach even the smallest businesses at the heart of Filipino communities.

 

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

GCash Waives Transaction Fees for Overseas Filipinos in the Middle East

GCash is waiving transaction fees on bank transfers, bill payments, and mobile load purchases for GCash Overseas users in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Oman to help ease their financial burden amid the ongoing developments in the Middle East. 

This 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.

Waived transaction fees will be credited back via in-app cashback. No registration is required, and 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.

For transactions made from March 4—10, 2026, cashback will be credited back to users on March 20, 2026. Transactions from March 11—14, 2026 will receive cashbacks on March 27, 2026.

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.

GCash encourages Overseas Filipinos requiring urgent assistance to coordinate directly with the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate, or contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Migrant Workers through their official hotlines and channels for emergency support.

Emergency assistance contact information:

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA): https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17GRFGUm1V/?mibextid=wwXIfr 

Department of Migrant Workers (DMW): https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AiUG5noo1/?mibextid=wwXIfr or contact the DMW One Repatriation Command Center at 1348 DMW-OWWA 24/7 Hotline or via email at repat@dmw.gov.ph.

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA): https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1YM5KAQJcS/?mibextid=wwXIfr 

GCash Help Center: Visit help.gcash.com by chatting with Gigi or by call the official GCash hotline at 2882

For more information, please visit:

https://gcash.com/promos/gcash-waves-transactionfees-for-ofws-in-middle-east.

Home Credit Philippines Encourages Customers to Seek Early Support for Payment Concerns

MANILA, Philippines — Home Credit Philippines (HCPH) is encouraging customers to reach out early if they encounter payment difficulties, underscoring the company’s continued commitment to responsible lending and customer care.  

 

Through its Payment Support Program, Home Credit works with customers experiencing temporary financial challenges to explore practical repayment arrangements suited to their situation. The program is a standing support service available to all customers and forms part of the company’s broader approach to helping Filipinos maintain financial stability throughout their loan journey.  

 

Whether dealing with medical expenses, employment transitions, or unexpected family needs, customers may coordinate directly with Home Credit representatives to discuss available options designed to keep repayment plans manageable.  

 

In 2025 alone, more than 30,000 customers accessed Home Credit’s payment support services, reflecting growing awareness of the importance of early communication in managing financial obligations.  

 

“Behind every payment is effort and commitment,” said Wojciech Krotoszynski, Head of Collections at Home Credit Philippines. “Our role is to listen, understand our customers’ situations, and work with them to find solutions when circumstances change. When customers reach out early, we are better able to support them and help them stay on track.”  

 

Home Credit emphasizes that seeking assistance early can help prevent temporary financial challenges from becoming more difficult burdens. By coordinating proactively, customers may:  

• Discuss flexible payment arrangements for a defined period  
• Maintain alignment with their longer-term financial plans  
• Identify practical repayment solutions with company support  

 

Customers who wish to learn more about payment assistance options may contact Home Credit through:  

• Our official Home Credit website at www.homecredit.ph 
• Official customer support channels  
• Verified company representatives 

As one of the country’s leading consumer finance providers, Home Credit Philippines continues to strengthen programs that promote responsible borrowing, financial resilience, and accessible support for Filipino customers.  

GCash Extends Support via Cross-Border Transfers for Filipino Nurses Worldwide at PNAA Global Summit

GCash reaffirmed its support for Filipino nurses worldwide by sponsoring the Filipino Nurses Global Summit VI and the 15th International Nursing Conference of the Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA), a global gathering rooted in learning, collaboration, and shared purpose.

 

The two-day summit convened Filipino nurses from the United States and across the globe to exchange insights on the evolving healthcare landscape, surface shared challenges, and shape conversations that can influence workplace standards, policies, and regulations affecting nurses worldwide. It also served as a space for connection, gathering nurses whose shared experiences are shaped by service, sacrifice, and distance from home.

 

Filipino nurses continue to serve on the front lines around the world, driven by their deep commitment not only to patient care but also to the families they support back home. Through their work abroad, they help sustain households, fund education, and meet daily needs. Their contributions create ripple effects across local communities and the Philippine economy.

 

“For many Filipino nurses, working abroad is driven by the hope of providing better lives for their families. Their everyday acts of support ripple outward, strengthening families and contributing to the broader Philippine economy,”  said Joanne Hatulan, head of GCash Overseas.

 

With GCash Overseas, we facilitate seamless and affordable cross-border digital remittances, ensuring their hard-earned money reaches families quickly and securely,” he added.

 

For Filipino nurses abroad, this means being able to support their families with greater ease and confidence through fast, reliable digital transactions that help manage daily expenses, fund education, and respond to urgent needs back home. By enabling simpler cross-border financial access, GCash helps overseas Filipinos stay financially connected to home, enabling them to care for their families and manage everyday needs even from afar.

 

With GCash now live in 145 countries and territories, Filipino nurses have access to digital tools that help them stay connected to home. Through unlimited free padala and convenient bill payments to over 2,000 billers nationwide, nurses can provide timely support, whether by paying utilities, contributing to schooling, or responding when family needs arise. GCash’s sponsorship of the PNAA Global Summit reflects its recognition of Filipino nurses as frontliners whose impact extends beyond borders.

 

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

Iwas Reload, Iwas Pila, Diretsong Tap na sa MRT-3 Gamit ang GCash

Mas madali na ang pagsakay sa MRT-3 gamit ang GCash Commute, ang cashless na paraan ng pagbayad sa mga istasyon ng tren. Sa serbisyong ito, hindi na kailangang pumila para mag-reload o pumila para sa stored value cards. Ang laman ng iyong GCash wallet, puwede nang gawing pambayad sa biyahe.

May tatlong paraan ng pagbabayad gamit ang GCash app:

1.               Scan gamit ang Commute QR code

2.               Tap gamit ang GCash Visa Card o any Visa o Mastercard

3.               Tap gamit ang NFC-enabled Android phones

Lahat ito ay cashless, secure, at direktang gumagamit ng laman ng GCash e-wallets.

Gamit ang 3 ways to pay via GCash, diretso nang nakakabayad ang mga commuters at hindi na kailangan pumila or maghanap ng kiosk para mag-reload.

Mayroon ding libreng Wi-Fi sa lahat ng MRT-3 stations sa tulong ng Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), na nagbibigay-daan sa mga commuters na madaling makapag-access ng GCash e-wallet habang nasa mga MRT-3 stations.

Ayon sa GCash, layunin ng serbisyong ito na gawing mas magaan at mas mabilis ang araw-araw na biyahe ng mga commuter.

“Patuloy kaming nakikipagtulungan sa DOTr and iba pang sangay ng gobyerno para gawing mas simple and maginhawa ang pagbiyahe ng mga Pilipino,” ayon kay Ren-Ren Reyes, President at CEO ng G-Xchange, Inc., ang mobile wallet operator ng GCash. “Sa GCash Commute, mas flexible at mas convenient ang paraan ng pagbabayad para sa mga commuters,” dagdag nito.

Bahagi ang GCash Commute sa patuloy na pagpapalawak ng cashless,  ng mas ligtas at mas convenient na digital payment options sa pampublikong transportasyon.

Para sa karagdagang impormasyon tungkol sa GCash Commute, maaaring bisitahin ang GCash app o ang website sa www.gcash.com.

Love May be Blind, but Trust Shouldn’t be: GCash Strengthens Consumer Protection Efforts Against Love Scams

GCash continues to step up its security systems and awareness campaigns as part of its thrust in consumer protection. The initiative aligns with advisories from the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG).

 

Authorities say love scams remain one of the most common online fraud schemes, where criminals build and take advantage of emotional connections before asking for money. Recent data from the CICC show 123 love scam complaints in 2025, with 18 cases recorded in January 2026 alone. Cases usually increase during the love month as scammers become more active.

 

Common signs of romance/love scams

Government advisories highlight several warning signs:

 

·        Sudden requests for money under the guise of emergencies, travel, or medical needs

·        Refusal to meet in person or join live video calls

·        Profiles with overly polished or unrealistic photos

·        Persistent pressure to send money or invest in unfamiliar platforms

Authorities remind the public to be extra vigilant, verify identities, and avoid sending money to people they have only met online.

 

Investing in prevention and user protection

To help stop scams before they happen, GCash continues to invest in technology, partnerships, and user education. The company works closely with the DICT, CICC, PNP-ACG, and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to support investigations and public awareness efforts.

 

On the platform, GCash maintains several layers of protection, including:

·        Verified user identities through strict KYC processes

·        Real-time fraud monitoring

·        Account security features such as PINs, OTPs, and device checks

·        Confirmation prompts when sending money to a new contact or recipient

·        In-app advisories on common scam tactics

Users can also report suspicious activity through the app’s Help Center or official customer support channels.

 

“Love scams often rely on emotional manipulation rather than technical attacks,” said Miguel Geronilla, Chief Information Security Officer at Mynt, parent company of GCash. “We continue to strengthen our security systems and work closely with government agencies, but users should always verify before sending money to someone they only know online,” he added.

 

Government advisories also note that senior citizens are among the most targeted groups, making awareness and platform safeguards even more important.

 

Through continued investments in security, partnerships, and public education, GCash aims to create a safer digital financial experience for Filipinos, making cybersecurity a top priority for GCash, our partners, and regulators.

 

For more information, visit www.gcash.com.

 

We’ve All Been There: When Your Train Card Runs Out—There’s a Convenient Alternative!

Days move fast. For daily commuters, they are a constant juggle—beating the rush, staying on schedule, and making sure you get from home to work as quickly as possible.

Which is why nothing spikes commuter stress like realizing you’re low on balance—right when you’re already in line, already late, and already surrounded by equally rushed strangers. 

Suddenly, it’s a scramble: searching for a top-up station, queuing behind others, or dealing with reloading machines that seem to break only during peak hours or even the ticket booths where card top-up lines merge with single-journey ticket purchases. In the middle of rush hour, these small hiccups turn into full-blown setbacks, proving that top-up problems don’t just delay your commute—they derail your entire day.

One Less Thing to Worry About—Thanks to GCash 

Somewhere between the morning rush and the daily routine, you discover GCash—and finally, no more second-guessing your balance while the line grows longer behind you, checking your balance in a stored value card reader, or lining up again to reload at the ticket booth or machine. 

With GCash, your phone or GCash Visa Card is your train ticket!

And even on days when you do need to cash in, it’s easy–You can CASH IN FOR FREE at GCash cash in machines, available across all MRT-3 stations, or transfer funds online from your bank accounts. Topping up can fit seamlessly into your commute instead of disrupting it. With FREE WI-FI AT THE MRT also available, you can complete transactions on the spot—no data, no detours, just a smoother commute from start to finish.

With GCash, you can ride the MRT-3 in hassle-free ways: 

Tap to Pay using your phone

Using an NFC-enabled Android phone? Great news! Your device is now your ticket for a seamless entry and exit pass.

To get started, GCash Tap to Pay is a quick, one-time activation:

Simply tap Settings on your mobile phone.

Turn on the NFC feature.

Login to your GCash app.

Select Tap to Pay and agree to the Terms & Conditions.

Once activated, paying for your MRT-3 ride is just one tap away. Just login to your GCash app, then tap your phone on the turnstile upon entry to proceed to the platform. Upon exit, don’t forget to tap your phone again at turnstile to automatically deduct the exact fare.

Scan your GCash Commute QR 

No NFC-enabled Android phone for tapping? No worries! You can still enjoy the convenience of cashless commuting by generating a Commute QR code on your GCash app, serving as your digital ticket without the need to input any station details. 

Here's how easy it is:

At the start of the trip, tap Commute on the GCash app.

Click Generate QR. You may download the QR or take a screenshot.

Scan your Commute QR at the turnstile, then proceed to the train platform.

Upon exit, just scan the same QR code again, and the exact fare will be automatically deducted from your account. 

Tap your GCash Visa Card

Spotty signal, running out of battery, or simply love using a card? You can still breeze through your MRT-3 commute using your GCash Visa Card. Just like the current card ticketing system, you can simply tap your card upon entry and again upon exit. The GCash Visa Card is linked to your GCash wallet – use it directly to pay not just for MRT rides but also shopping in millions of online and offline stores and withdraw from your GCash account in any ATM for as low as P10. See the details of your GCash Visa Card payments on your app’s Transaction History.

To use this convenient payment method, order your GCash Visa Card on the app, and after it is delivered to you, make sure to link it to your GCash account:

Tap 'Cards' in the GCash app to order or link your GCash Visa Card.

To order – Select ‘Order a Card,’ then input your delivery address and pay P250. It will be delivered to you in 7-10 days.

To link – Select 'Link my Card,' then input the One-Time Pin (OTP) and submit.

Enter the last 4 digits of your card and your virtual account number found on the back, then submit.

In a world where every minute is accounted for, convenience isn’t a luxury—it’s self-care. Saving precious minutes by skipping the line at the ticket booth or machine, eliminating a bit of stress there, and keeping your headspace intact can make all the difference in how the day feels. Simple tools, like GCash, take the friction out of everyday routines, proving that small wins add up.

With its growing daily usage, GCash has become a trusted and established payment option at MRT-3—making it a seamless part of the everyday commute. Whether you tap, scan, or use your card, you are not just skipping one extra line and saving yourself time, but also experiencing a global, innovative way to pay with GCash!

Ready to power up your commute journey? Download the GCash App on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery.

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.

GCash Unlocks Google Pay for Millions of Filipinos

Following the official launch of Google Pay in the Philippines, GCash, the country’s biggest cashless ecosystem, can now be fully integrated with Google’s secure and widely accepted payment system.

 

The integration is now available to select GCash users and will be rolling out to more customers soon. It will enable millions of Filipinos to link their GCash wallets to Google Pay for fast, secure, and seamless transactions.

 

To link GCash accounts to Google Pay, users need to download the Google Wallet App from the Google Play Store, open the GCash app, and tap on their Profile. From there, they should go to My Linked Accounts and select Google Pay. After reviewing the information, users must agree to bind and proceed with biometric verification. Once complete, a prompt will appear that will redirect them to the Google Pay app, where they need to sign in.

 

By combining the unmatched local scale and trust of GCash with Google Pay’s global infrastructure, the integration redefines how users move through digital and physical commerce. With the integration, users can easily activate GCash as a fund source for Google Pay for various transactions.

 

Moreover, activating GCash on Google Pay provides a more seamless and secure experience, since it eliminates the need for manual card entry, without storing or sharing card numbers with merchants.

 

“This integration empowers our users to move through digital and physical spaces with greater ease, security, and reach, anchored in our purpose of making the everyday lives of Filipinos better,” said Ren-Ren Reyes, president and CEO of G-Xchange, Inc., the mobile wallet operator of GCash.

 

“We’re proud to work with GCash to bring faster, convenient, and more secure payments to the Philippines. This launch underscores our enduring commitment to accelerating financial inclusion and fueling the next chapter of the Philippines’ dynamic digital economy,” said Prep Palacios, country manager, Google Philippines.

 

As digital ecosystems evolve, GCash leads with accessibility, security, and relevance. The integration with Google Pay is more than a feature; it shows how GCash is shaping the future of payments, making them fast, secure, and widely accepted. With GCash Tap to Pay or linking your GCash account to Google Pay, Filipinos can make seamless, secure payments anytime, anywhere.

 

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

CARD Indogrosir, GCash Bring SoundPay Innovative Payment Tool to MSMEs

GCash, the Philippines’ leading finance super app, has teamed up with CARD Indogrosir, a hybrid local retail chain that caters not just to retail customers but also wholesale clients. Through this partnership, GCash is rolling out SoundPay devices in all CARD Indogrosir stores, enabling faster and more efficient transactions.

 

Powered by a compact device that emits a distinct audio cue upon a successful payment, SoundPay allows merchants to confirm transactions instantly—no need to check phones or request screenshots. This scan-to-pay system is especially useful in areas with limited connectivity, where reliability and speed are essential.

 

These devices are already available in 29 branches of CARD Indogrosir, with plans to add 44 more before the year ends, and expand this to a total 200 stores by next year.

 

For GCash users, SoundPay delivers a more intuitive, secure, and modern payment experience. For merchants, it streamlines operations, reduces delays, and supports smoother interactions with both bulk buyers and walk-in customers.

 

By integrating SoundPay into CARD Indogrosir’s retail network, GCash is enabling more businesses to adopt digital payments with confidence and ease.

 

"This partnership is about meeting users where they are and making payments work better for everyone. SoundPay brings speed, simplicity, and trust to everyday transactions," said Jong Layug at group head of GCash for business.

 

“At CARD MRI, we believe that inclusive growth begins with empowering the smallest entrepreneurs – our Sari-sari store owner members. Through our partnership with GCash and SoundPay, we are not only modernizing payments but also creating opportunities for every member of the CARD community as well as the general public to grow, compete, and thrive,” said Frederick Torres, EVP for CARD Indogrosir.

 

As SoundPay begins its rollout, GCash continues to lead the way in building financial systems that are not only innovative but inclusive—enabling merchants and customers to transact with greater ease, trust, and relevance—one tap at a time.

 

CARD Indogrosir is a joint venture between CARD MRI—the largest microfinance institution in the Philippines—and Indonesia’s Indogrosir under the Salim Group. It was founded in 2023, aligned with CARD MRI’s ultimate goal of eradicating poverty in the country, as it helps support Filipino micro-retailers by giving them access to wholesale pricing, logistics solutions, and much-needed financial services—making it a strategic partner in the inclusive innovation push of GCash.

 

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