GCash now available at over 500 Southstar Drug outlets

With the current safety precautions many Filipinos take in their everyday lives, it’s no surprise that many look for less direct ways to interact with sellers especially in a pharmacy space. Drugstores may be the best source to purchase all your health needs, but safety is also an aspect many consider before they step out of the comforts of their homes.

Because of this growing habit, GCash, the country’s leading mobile wallet, has now made over-the-counter Cash In and “Scan to Pay” options available at Southstar Drug, one of the largest drugstore chains in the Philippines with over 559 stores — offering customers convenient and safe payment options when they buy medicine, personal care, and other essential items amid the pandemic.

“With this strategic partnership with Southstar, which has so many branches across the Philippines, now in place, Filipinos have a more convenient and safer way to infuse funds to their GCash accounts,” said Martha Sazon, President and CEO of GCash. “Making over-the-counter Cash In options available in all Southstar branches is proof that GCash is aggressively pursuing our commitment to make innovative financial services accessible to Filipinos from all walks of life, especially amid the pandemic.”

“Our customers rely on us now more than ever for their health and wellness needs; hence we continue to further innovate and offer services that will support access to these needs. This partnership with Gcash will surely help us serve our customers with more ease and confidence. At a time when we need assurance, Southstar Drug will remain to be a partner for a healthy and safe lifestyle that Filipinos can trust,” said Christine Tueres, General Manager of Southstar Drug.

Southstar Drug carries a wide range of prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceutical products, and a variety of food, personal care, and health and wellness items. The health retailer operates stand-alone dedicated pharmacies to stores inside supermarkets and pharmacies with self-service convenience sections.

Customers just need to go to any Southstar Drug outlet and simply inform the cashier that they would like to Cash In to their GCash wallet. Then, they just need to launch the GCash app, then tap “Cash In” and choose “Southstar Drug.” Next, just tap on the “Generate barcode” button and show the generated barcode to the cashier. The cashier will then process and confirm the transaction, collect payment, and print the receipt. A text confirmation will be then sent to the customer’s mobile number upon successful Cash In.

GCash has also made payments via QR Codes available at Southstar. For customers who also wish to buy items using GCash QR Codes, they simply need to log in to their GCash account, choose “Scan to Pay” as the mode of payment and click on “Pay QR,” then tap “Scan QR Code.” Alternatively, they can also simply tap on the QR button on the navigation bar found at the bottom of the homepage, align their phone's camera over the cashier's GCash QR code to scan it, input the amount in the payment screen, tap “Next” and choose whether to pay with GCash or GCredit. After selecting the payment option, an SMS confirmation message will be sent to the customer’s mobile number as the receipt and proof of purchase.

With the availability of the GCash Cash In and QR Code feature at participating Southstar Drug branches, customers can easily load funds in their GCash accounts or pay without the need to carry cash or a credit/ATM card to avail of cashless payment.

"This is the next level of safety, convenience and security in cashless payments because with the GCash Cash In and QR Code, they don’t need to type in the numbers, or share their mobile numbers with others. And it’s available to anyone with the GCash app – that’s real financial inclusion for all Filipinos across the country," said GCash GM for Business Center and Financial Products Gina Salgado.

For more information, visit www.gcash.com.


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 Announces More Cash in Options to Serve Filipinos During the Pandemic

The importance of digital transactions during this time of the pandemic has been very crucial for every Filipino, be it for remittance, bills payment, online deliveries, groceries, medicine, food, allowance, and the like. GCash, the leading mobile wallet in the country today, remains true to its mission of providing financial access for all, especially during this health crisis. It aims to provide services to Filipinos everyday, leveraged on its extensive digital ecosystem present across the country.

To enable these various transactions, GCash has established key partnerships across the country and the globe for users to Cash In to their GCash wallets.

Cashing in can be done easily online and for free in the GCash app via a linked BPI or UnionBank account. For clients of other banks, users have the option to cash in conveniently from their bank apps via the InstaPay and PESONet fund transfer networks.

GCash continues to expand its over-the-counter network as well for its unbanked users. From the 17,000 Cash In doors in 2019, GCash has expanded to what is presently over 40,000 doors. Major partners include the likes of Alfamart, Ministop, Puremart, Puregold, Robinsons Department Store, SM Store, Waltermart, and Southstar Drug among others.

Freelancers and entrepreneurs can easily access their funds from their Payoneer and PayPal accounts by linking them right in the GCash app. Likewise, Filipinos can now also receive their International Remittances directly in the GCash app, without having to step outside their homes, with GCash’s growing list of global remittance partners including Western Union, MoneyGram, AlipayHK, Skrill, SBI Remit, Wall Street Exchange, and more.

The mobile wallet and its importance have been highlighted during the series of lockdowns the country has experienced. From basic financial services such as Gcash to Gcash and inter-bank transfers, bills payments, receiving of remittances; and opening of savings accounts to more sophisticated services such as investments, insurance, and credit, GCash has enabled these services in order to help Filipinos, both banked and unbanked, cope with these trying times. One can even use the app to shop online, pay for store purchases via QR, and buy products from partners in GLife among others!

With this increased demand, GCash in continues to gain traction as it now services over 38 million Filipinos from 20 million in 2019. As the business grows, the GCash team is committed to expand and ensure that the services they bring are top-notch and are accessible to as many Filipinos as possible by forging partnerships with like-minded organizations, businesses, and the government.

“GCash will remain true to its purpose to serve the financially underserved and expand financial services access to all Filipinos from different walks of life. We feel empowered by the overwhelming reception of the market and Filipinos to our platform. We will continue to service all Filipinos through our platform even beyond this pandemic,” said Martha Sazon, President and CEO of GCash.

To enjoy the experience, download the GCash App for free today on App Store, Google Play Store, and the Huawei App Gallery. 

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.