GCash for Business Powers Cashless Shopping for Over 200 Filipino Artisans at the 2026 Designers’ Holiday Bazaar

GCash for Business is teaming up with the Designers’ Holiday Bazaar (DHB) for the second year to champion Filipino craftsmanship and help local makers and businesses thrive in the digital economy.

The country’s #1 finance superapp equips more than 200 local artisans and MSMEs with digital finance solutions that make payments easier and customer transactions faster during one of the country’s busiest retail seasons.

Carrying the theme “Sinag,” this year’s Designers’ Holiday Bazaar expands its nationwide reach across three major Ayala Malls: September 3–6, 2026 at Ayala Malls Abreeza, Davao City; October 14–18, 2026 at TriNoma Activity Center, Quezon City; and November 27–December 6, 2026 across Glorietta and the Ayala Museum, Makati City.

The bazaar continues to support Filipino and homegrown brands, designers, and artisans by giving them a platform to showcase their work and reach more consumers. This year’s Sinag run features a new lineup of local brands, from fashion and food to home and lifestyle. Among them are Lulu Tan Gan, ANMARI & CO., Liwayway PH, Tia Lacson, Niño Franco, Yvette’s Collections, Kathryn Fanlo, T'NALAK HOME, Auro Chocolate Cafe, Vicky’s Pili & Food Products, and Grateful Bread.

More than a shopping destination, Designers’ Holiday Bazaar celebrates Filipino creativity, connects designers and artisans nationwide, and brings local craftsmanship to a wider audience. It also supports small businesses and traditional crafts, with proceeds helping fund academic and dance scholarships for Filipino youth.

For GCash for Business, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to giving MSMEs access to enterprise-grade payment, financing, and digital tools that simplify operations and help local entrepreneurs enter their “Easy Era” of growth.

“At its heart, the Designers’ Holiday Bazaar has always been about a single, inspiring mission: to empower and promote our local entrepreneurs. At GCash, we share in that vision and are committed to helping business owners succeed through easy payment solutions,” shares Neil Trinidad, chief marketing officer of GCash.

The partnership builds on the GCash for Business support for DHB merchants last year, when it introduced GCash SoundPay and GCash PocketPay to make digital payments easier. SoundPay provides real-time audio payment confirmations, while GCash PocketPay enables card and QR payments through an NFC-enabled Android phone.

This year, merchants will have access to upgraded solutions for faster, more seamless transactions. For food and beverage merchants, GCash SoundPay Plus accepts QRPh and card payments on one machine, with loud audio confirmations that instantly signal successful payments.

For retail brands, GCash EasyPOS is a heavy-duty checkout terminal that lets customers scan, swipe, or tap to pay, keeping checkout quick and efficient.

The GCash for Business Portal gives merchants a centralized view of sales, payouts, and business performance, helping reduce time spent reconciling transactions. Its starter plan also offers a ₱5 million e-wallet limit with a GCash Verified account, giving businesses more room to manage and grow.

The bazaar will also feature a GCash booth where merchants and shoppers can explore GCash for Business, access card printing and Tap to Pay, and enjoy prizes and raffle entries when they transact using GCash.

Beyond payments, the partnership reflects GCash and DHB’s shared commitment to helping Filipino MSMEs grow. MSMEs account for around 90% of businesses and 63% of local employment, making their growth vital to communities and the broader economy.

Catch the “Sinag” edition of the Designers’ Holiday Bazaar in Davao, Quezon City, and Makati, and discover Filipino brands and makers bringing local creativity to life. For event details, follow @designersholidaybazaar on Instagram and Designers’ Holiday Bazaar on Facebook.

To discover more about GCash for Business, visit new.gcash.com/business/msme.

Diversifying Your Investment: How to Make the Leap from Gold to Bitcoin

Gold has always been a go-to safety net for protecting money, but today’s investors aren't stopping there. More and more people are pairing traditional assets with newer digital investments to get the best of both worlds: securing their wealth and giving their money room to grow.

Adding digital gold to the mix is a strategic way to build lasting wealth—and it's catching on fast across the region. A report by The Economist highlights that Asian countries account for 64.5% of global demand for gold jewelry and bullion, while the World Gold Council noted that digital gold products have seen a major breakout in recent years.

But sticking only to traditional gold and stocks can mean missing out on bigger returns. That’s why many investors view Bitcoin as a complementary pair for gold when it comes to building a well-rounded portfolio.

“Today, Filipinos are looking for ways to protect the value of their hard-earned money amid everyday financial pressures," says Alden Paul Yburan, Head of GCrypto. "By offering digital gold and curated crypto options side-by-side, GCash aims to enable users to build long-term financial resilience and balance their portfolios right within a platform they already trust.”

Why Gold Investors are Looking at Bitcoin

Digital gold offers the stability and inflation hedge traditionally associated with physical gold, holding its ground when the economy gets rocky. However, the digital version eliminates the logistical baggage of physical ownership—there’s no need for trips to a jeweler, no massive upfront cashouts, and zero worry about secure vault storage.

Building on this foundation, investors looking to accelerate portfolio growth are increasingly turning to Bitcoin. As a decentralized digital asset, it has established itself as one of the fastest-growing investments over the last five years, outperforming many traditional funds and local stocks.

A study by Bitwise notes that adding a manageable allocation of Bitcoin to a diversified portfolio has historically improved risk-adjusted returns, allowing investors to increase potential returns without proportionately increasing the portfolio's overall risk.

Bitcoin also operates on global networks that trade 24/7, giving one the ability to manage or convert your holdings right from your phone. Because its price movements are generally independent of traditional markets, it ensures the portfolio is not entirely exposed to the same market pressures at the same time.

“When you pair them, they complement each other perfectly to balance your portfolio: when traditional markets dip, digital gold acts as your cushion, and when technology and digital adoption skyrocket, Bitcoin acts as your accelerator,” said Yburan.

Moving From Gold to Crypto In One App

Users can manage both digital gold and Bitcoin directly from their phones using GCrypto on GCash.

Acquiring digital gold has been made accessible through GCrypto. Entry begins at just ₱500, allowing one to grow holdings at their own pace through small, consistent contributions. GOLD in GCrypto is also fully insured, certified, and backed 1:1 by physical gold stored in high-security vaults in Switzerland, with full visibility to monitor, buy, or sell 24/7.

“Transitioning from a stable asset like gold into the broader world of cryptocurrency follows that same user-friendly path," says Yburan said. "Growing investors can gain direct exposure to Bitcoin—historically one of the fastest-growing modern asset classes—without the hassle of managing multiple external applications. We are removing traditional barriers and enabling more Filipinos to take part in building long-term financial resilience, right within a platform they already trust.”

For those who are feeling a little overwhelmed by the crypto world, GCrypto offers access to A Beginner’s Guide to Crypto, right inside the app, to help understand Bitcoin and other major tokens. The tokens available on GCrypto are also curated for market strength and credibility, helping avoid scams and ‘rug pulls,’ or instances where new coin creators abandon a project and take raised investor funds.

Like GOLD in GCrypto, there’s no need to shell out a massive lump sum to start. GCash users can start exploring Bitcoin and supplement their digital gold investments for as low as ₱500.

Upgrading your financial strategy doesn’t mean abandoning classic financial moves. It’s about expanding your investment choices—giving you both financial peace of mind and the upside of watching your wealth grow.

Ready to explore? Simply open the GCash app, go to the Invest tab, then choose GCrypto to begin building your cryptocurrency investment through Bitcoin. Download the GCash App on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery. Kaya mo, i-GCash mo!

The information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or professional advice. You should always consult a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions. All investments carry inherent risks, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Any reliance you place on the information provided is strictly at your own risk.

CashKO Scales Calamity Microinsurance Nationwide to Widen Protection for Filipino Families vs. Typhoon, Flooding Risks

Manila, Philippines — CashKO, the microinsurance subsidiary of Philippine InsurTech firm RuralNet, is scaling its calamity microinsurance program nationwide to provide an immediate financial safety net for underserved Filipino households. This comes as heavy monsoon rains and destructive typhoons continue to inundate communities across the country.

The service expansion comes as the need for faster disaster protection has become increasingly urgent. National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) data revealed that about 7.5 million people were affected by the combined effects of tropical cyclones Luis, Maymay, Neneng, and the southwest monsoon, or “habagat,” alone, leaving them vulnerable to risks of income and livelihood disruptions. Subsequently, these natural disasters also increase risks for Microfinance Institutions (MFIs), which may face payment challenges and greater exposure across their lending portfolios.

During his speech at the 2026 Microfinance Council of the Philippines Inc. (MCPI) annual conference, Justin Arcenas, President and CEO of CashKO Insurance Brokerage, emphasized that demand for financial protection is evident in 2024 survey data showing 87% of MFI borrowers expressing interest in calamity protection and identifying typhoons as their primary concern.

Addressing these vulnerabilities, CashKO is expanding its calamity protection plans through RuralNet’s digital, API-driven platform. By integrating directly into partner financial systems, CashKO delivers a "made-to-measure" microinsurance model that tailors coverage parameters, payout thresholds, and loan integration to fit the specific needs and risk profiles of each partner organization’s members. This model facilitates rapid emergency liquidity when disasters hit, building on the success of an initial pilot that delivered critical relief payouts to victims of Typhoons Tino and Uwan.

To balance thorough loss verification with immediate emergency needs, CashKO’s scaled program combines traditional indemnity insurance with an upcoming parametric insurance model. The indemnity insurance, which is currently available, provides payouts based on verified damage to a policyholder's home, supported by photos and required documentation. This provides a familiar claims-based approach, but large-scale disasters can make individual damage assessment and documentation more challenging as claim volumes increase.

Meanwhile, CashKO will launch its parametric insurance program in Q4, which will introduce a faster way of responding to certain disaster events. Rather than assessing individual losses before a payout can be triggered, parametric coverage uses predefined disaster conditions, such as typhoon category or earthquake magnitude. Supported by satellite and ground-station data, payouts can be activated once the agreed thresholds are reached, reducing the need for lengthy individual claims assessments.

“For vulnerable communities, the value of insurance is measured by how quickly and effectively it can help them recover when disaster strikes. By combining indemnity and parametric protection, we can offer borrowers and financial institutions solutions that are better suited to their different needs, while making critical assistance faster and more accessible. Our goal is to ensure that a calamity does not become a setback that pushes families further into financial hardship,” Arcenas added.

The impact of immediate liquidity is reflected in initial claims experiences. Joy Verano, a teacher from Masbate City, shared how the microinsurance product helped her recover and rebuild following the impact of Typhoon Opong in 2025.

"Iyong perang ibinigay sa amin, nabili agad namin ang priority at pangangailangan ng pamilya ko. Kung wala akong natanggap, wala akong maaasahang tulong na kung ano pa man," she said. (“The money we received helped us immediately buy the priorities and needs of my family. If it weren’t for the assistance, I wouldn’t have had any help to rely on.”)

Under these programs, eligible assistance can typically provide around PHP 5,000 in emergency support, giving affected borrowers access to critical liquidity that can help address urgent expenses following a calamity.

Since 2019, CashKO’s microinsurance network has reached over 6 million underserved Filipinos. With over 33,000 total claims approved, including more than 16,000 processed in 2025 alone, CashKO presents a proven, scalable model for impact investors and growth-focused financial partners.

For more information, you may visit micro.cashko-insurance.com or ruralnet.ph.

PH Fintech Players Call for Balanced Regulation to Sustain Financial Inclusion and Digital Economy Growth at ASEAN Tech Summit

The country's leading fintech executives urged policymakers to adopt balanced, future-ready regulations that protect consumers while enabling innovation, expanding financial inclusion, and supporting the continued growth of the digital economy.

At a panel during the ASEAN Tech Summit, Barbie Dapul, General Manager for Consumer Business and Chief Operations Officer of G-Xchange (the mobile wallet operator of GCash); Maya Bank President Angelo Madrid; Alliance of Tech Innovators for Nation Lead Convenor Monchito Ibrahim; and Tala Director for External Affairs Arianne Ferrer talked about how regulations play a role in advancing the digital economy.

"The goal should be a level playing field that will let the financial institutions compete on value, compete on innovation, on better security, and while also ensuring that pricing is fair and reasonable," Dapul explained.

Madrid and Ferrer underscored the need for regulation that supports both consumers and the fintech industry, ensuring protection without stifling innovation.

"Regulation has two jobs. The first is protection: putting in place the safety protocols to make digital transactions safe. The other is enabling the investments the country needs to accelerate its digital economy," Madrid said.

"We need consumer-centric co-regulation that balances financial inclusion goals—greater access, choice, and control to unleash the economic power of the global majority—and a pathway to profitability and sustainability for local and foreign investors," Ferrer added.

Ibrahim, meanwhile, stressed the need for regulations to keep pace with rapid technological advancements. "Technology is moving so fast that our regulatory policy is reactive. We need to re-engineer the process to match our technological revolutions," he said.

Balancing affordability and sustainability

Dapul noted that GCash shares the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas's (BSP) vision of expanding financial inclusion and supports the implementation of BSP Circular No. 1238, which encourages financial institutions to reduce fund transfer fees, including offering zero-fee transfers where viable, to accelerate digital payments adoption.

In line with the circular, GCash lowered its transfer fee to P10. Dapul explained that while lower fees make digital services more accessible, maintaining reasonable charges enables fintech companies to continue investing in technology, platform resilience, cybersecurity, and customer protection.

"I think the circular also recognizes that there are costs involved in delivering quality services," she said. "The circular says that pricing needs to be fair. It needs to be reasonable. It didn't necessarily say that it had to be zero."

"Progressive regulation should strike a balance between affordability and sustainability,” she stressed.

Moving the fintech sector forward

Dapul added that fintech companies and traditional banks operate under fundamentally different business models. While banks generate revenue from lending and deposit products, fintech firms rely primarily on payment services to fund continuous investments in innovation and digital infrastructure.

"It's really digital payments that enable us to make the investments needed to sustain innovation, build the infrastructure, and continue providing quality services to our customers," she said.

Dapul stressed that sustaining these investments ultimately benefits consumers by allowing fintech companies to continually enhance security, strengthen fraud prevention measures, and deliver more innovative and reliable financial services.

Promoting financial inclusion

E-wallets, Dapul said, help accelerate digital adoption by lowering barriers to financial access, particularly for underserved and unbanked Filipinos.

She explained that GCash continues to make financial services more accessible by simplifying account opening requirements and rolling out initiatives such as National ID registration and electronic know-your-customer (e-KYC) verification, making it easier for more Filipinos to securely onboard and participate in the digital economy.

“We want them to have ease and access to their mobile phones,” she quipped.

The ASEAN Tech Summit is a two-day event that brought together thousands of industry leaders, policymakers, regulators, and innovators to discuss cross-border digital trade, interoperable payments, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data governance, and other key issues shaping ASEAN's digital economy.

Before this event, GCash was an official partner of the 48th ASEAN Summit, enabling seamless cashless payments for delegates and participants in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu—demonstrating how regional collaboration can help build a more connected digital economy.

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

As Local Businesses Grow, Digital Tools Help Stay Flexible Amid Changing Customer Behavior

MANILA, Philippines – For many small and medium-sized businesses today, growth no longer follows a single path. Some expand through new branches, while others build their customer base by moving between pop-ups and bazaars. As they grow, they’re also finding ways to ensure they meet the evolving habits and preferences of consumers – including the way they pay.

Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in 2025 showed that QR Ph person-to-merchant (P2M) transactions grew by 246.9% in volume, reaching 183.3M transactions from 52.8M only in 2024. Transaction value also grew by 211.3%, reaching ₱926.1 billion from ₱297.5 billion the previous year.

As digital payments become increasingly embedded in everyday transactions, SMEs are quickly discovering that growth also means needing to adapt their operations to keep pace with how customers want to transact and ensuring payments don’t become a barrier to their growth.

Chef Christine Balucas-Tabu of smash burger restaurant Bun Run, and Gabriel Jocson IV and Stephanie Dianne Ang, founders of matcha shop Kyoto House, know this firsthand. Though they’ve taken different paths to growth, both have had to adapt how they operate to meet customers while keeping the experience they’ve built consistent.

Growth without losing what works

For Chef Christine Balucas-Tabu, who serves as Culinary Operations Director at Bun Run, expanding a restaurant business while preserving the overall experience that made customers fall in love with it in the first place requires a careful balance. This is something she knew well when the brand decided to open its second shop in Makati in October 2025, making sure that what customers loved about the original San Juan branch could also be found in Makati, while they adapted to a different crowd and their preferences.

“Ultimately, we want our customers coming back for more, not just because the food tastes good but because the experience was even greater,” she explains. Part of that experience is making sure the payment process is as seamless as possible – for both staff and customers. “GCash for Business has been a great part of the growth of our business to make all transactions smooth and sound,” she adds.

Bun Run uses GCash SoundPay Plus, a device that accepts QRPH and card payments with real-time voice confirmation, helping staff verify payments faster and safely. With over 80% of their transactions cashless – around 30% through QRPH and 50% via debit and credit cards according to Chef Christine – having a single device that supports multiple payment methods has helped keep transactions fast and seamless, especially during peak hours.

Growing by meeting customers where they are

Flexibility takes on a different look for Kyoto House. Rather than operating from a permanent store, the business reaches customers through online channels, bazaars, and pop-ups. For its owners, this approach allows them to reach more of its target customers: home brewers who want to enjoy a delicious cup of matcha in the comfort of their own homes, but may not know where to start.

Today, 40% of the sales of Kyoto House come from pop-ups and bazaars. Its flexible model has been a key growth driver, and according to its owners, being present in multiple locations allows them to introduce their products and teach their customers how they can correctly prepare matcha at home. But because they’re constantly on the move, they also need the flexibility to make payments work wherever they go.

“What should not change is the experience customers receive. Wherever we are, we want the service to feel warm, the product information to remain accurate, and the payment process to be simple and reliable,” Gabriel and Stephanie emphasize.

On a typical weekend bazaar, the team typically handles 300-450 transactions per day, with 100% of their payments being cashless, making it essential to have a payment solution that can keep up with the pace. For that, they can count on the flexibility that GCash Soundpay Plus gives them.

“For us, ease does not mean removing every challenge. It means building systems that allow us to spend less time on preventable problems and more time improving the products and serving our customers,” shares Gabriel and Stephanie.

Flexibility is the new way to grow for SMEs

The growth of Bun Run and Kyoto House may look different, but their journeys point to the same need: having the flexibility to adapt and scale. With tools like GCash SoundPay Plus, merchants can streamline payments, serve more customers with ease, and unlock more opportunities for revenue growth.

Businesses can get started by creating a Starter Plan account on the GCash for Business Portal with as simple as a GCash verified account to enjoy a P5M wallet limit, then start ordering a GCash SoundPay Plus device.

GCash Wins Big at 2026 Apac Tambuli Awards With Four Purpose-Driven Campaign Victories

GCash, the Philippines' leading finance superapp and largest cashless ecosystem, took home four major accolades at the 2026 APAC Tambuli Awards, earning recognition for campaigns that delivered measurable results in civic accountability, public transit, and grassroots financial access.

The APAC Tambuli Awards, organized by the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P), recognize brands that demonstrate both business growth and real-world social impact. Unlike awards that focus on marketing metrics alone, the Tambuli looks at campaigns that advance corporate purpose and human development. The 2026 edition centered on how digital transformation can address systemic gaps in society.

GCash earned a Gold Tambuli under Champions for Humanity: Building Character (Digital and Social Media) for its #MineAngBotoKo campaign. Working with independent media and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), GCash repurposed the familiar format of social media live-selling to confront the culture of vote-buying—turning a casual, everyday medium into a pointed call for voter accountability. It has strengthened in-app security monitoring and implemented stricter transaction guardrails during critical civic windows to prevent financial abuse tied to election periods.

A Silver Tambuli under Masters of Everyday Purpose: Delivering Brand Promise (Integrated) recognized the Commute Fast Lane initiative, a partnership with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) that embedded cashless payment options at the Metro Rail Transit Line 3, making everyday commute seamless. GCash plans to expand this digital payment infrastructure to other major transit networks across the Philippines.

The fintech leader also received two Bronze Tambuli awards for grassroots-focused initiatives. “Sachet Loans,” recognized for branded experience and activation, introduced a nano-financing model that allows users to borrow small amounts ranging from ₱100 to ₱300, providing a safe alternative to informal lending.

“Wais Tindera”, awarded for championing inclusive growth, brought financial literacy directly to communities through a nationwide caravan. The program equips sari-sari store owners with digital tools and cash management skills.

In addition to these recognitions, GCash Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Neil Trinidad was named one of the CMOs of the Decade, building on his earlier recognition as CMO of the Year in 2021.

"The 2026 APAC Tambuli Awards affirm that digital tools create the greatest impact when they serve a clear human purpose. At GCash, we build solutions that matter—from making daily commutes easier and supporting neighborhood stores to promoting accountability and inclusion," said Trinidad.

Together, the four Tambuli wins reflect how GCash has built campaigns that go beyond the app—touching public transport, neighborhood commerce, civic life, and financial literacy. Each initiative points to the same underlying goal: making digital finance work for every Filipino, regardless of where they live or what they earn.

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

What Does the Future of Food Taste Like? Filipinos Get a Taste at Future Menus 2026 Food Trends Adventure

MANILA, Philippines – What does the future of food taste like? That’s what hundreds of guests got to explore for themselves at the Unilever Food Solutions (UFS) Future Menus 2026 Food Trends Adventure last weekend. Held in partnership with GCash for Business, Future Menus transformed the Foro de Intramuros into the home base of a one-of-a-kind food crawl.

The event showcased the culinary ideas shaping how people eat today, and how they may be eating tomorrow. With GCash for Business helping make payments simple and convenient, guests could move seamlessly through the experience and focus on discovering the flavors and trends shaping the future of food.

From Trend Report to Tasting Menu

Future Menus is Unilever Food Solutions’ annual global food trends platform, developed based on extensive research and insights from chefs around the world. This year’s report spotlighted four key trends shaping the future of dining: the resurgence of heritage cuisine, the elevation of street food through more refined techniques, the growing influence of borderless cuisine, and the emergence of more personalized dining experiences.

“Every year, Future Menus brings together insights from chefs, industry experts, consumer behavior, and global food trends to identify the movements that will shape the future of dining. [...] what makes Future Menus truly valuable is [...] translating those insights into practical, profitable solutions that chefs and operators can bring to life in their kitchens immediately,” says Kat Huang, Country Marketing Head of Unilever Food Solutions.

Throughout the food crawl, guests discovered how these trends translated from concept to plate through dishes from 15 merchants, namely: Backyard BBQ, Bigby’s, Bun Run, Caerus, Chotto Matcha, Fiasfud, H Proper, Itamessy, Mezmars & Mau’s, OnlyPans, Poppy’s Halo Halo, Rebel Bakehouse, Sama Sama, Shawarma Ko, and Soriano’s.

Several dishes from the event that offered a glimpse of these trends included Sama Sama’s Filipino beef pares inside a tender bao – their interpretation of the Borderless Cuisine trend, where chefs borrow techniques and formats from around the world while staying true to the flavors of the dish itself.

Meanwhile, Soriano’s shone a light on a classic Filipino dish with its Beef Morcon, bringing back a traditional fiesta dish hardly found on menus today. It’s the kind of dish that captures the spirit of another trend, Culinary Roots, that celebrates ancestral recipes by making traditional Filipino flavors feel exciting and relevant for a new generation of diners.

For dessert, Poppy’s Halo Halo elevated two well-loved Filipino merienda classics – Halo Halo and Mais Con Yelo – without taking away their nostalgic charm but elevating them through craftsmanship, quality ingredients, and thoughtful presentation.

Together with the rest of the menus presented at the event, these dishes proved that the future of Filipino cuisine isn’t defined by a single look or style, but by the ways chefs and businesses continue to experiment with formats, reinterpret familiar flavours, and respond to consumer tastes.

Powering the Digital Future of Dining

Presented in partnership with GCash for Business, the event also marked the first-ever cashless Future Menus, offering a real-world look at how the dining experience is changing alongside the country’s shift toward digital payments. GCash for Business was selected as the event’s exclusive payment partner, powering the end-to-end payment experience from ticketing through transactions at participating merchant booths.

According to Kate Cruz, B2B Marketing Head of GCash, 60% of food and beverage transactions in the Philippines are already digital. One in five diners pay directly using an e-wallet like GCash, adding, “The shift in consumer behavior is already happening. The opportunity now is to make sure businesses are equipped to keep up.”


For GCash, that means looking beyond the consumer side of digital payments. Every digital buyer, after all, needs a digital seller – and with MSMEs accounting for 90% of businesses in the Philippines, more than 56% of these merchants remain digitally underserved.

“Merchants don’t fear technology; they fear friction,” Cruz said. “Empowering consumers was only half the equation, and now that paying with GCash has become part of Filipinos’ everyday routines, we saw that we needed to shift our attention to bridging the gap for the businesses they’re paying, too.”

At the Food Trends Adventure, GCash for Business had a dedicated booth where restaurants and food business owners could register and apply for their own SoundPay Plus device, a payment solution that accepts multiple payment methods and provides instant audio confirmation for successful transactions.

Across the food crawl experience, GCash for Business also launched a Scan-to-Order feature allowing guests to order and pay directly from where they were instead of waiting in line, further showing how digital tools are streamlining the dining journey and easing the experience for everyone.

As food businesses continue to evolve in response to changing tastes, formats, and consumer expectations, the digital infrastructure supporting them is evolving as well. Through GCash for Business, the Future Menus Food Trends Adventure showed that dining is not only about what ends up on a plate, but also how businesses and consumers connect around it.

The Future Menus 4 report is now available to download for free through the UFS website. To learn how food businesses can streamline operations, simplify payments, and focus on delivering exceptional dining experiences with GCash, visit GCash for Business.

Exclusive LRT-2 and MRT-3 cashback up to 30% with GCash Commute QR

As more commuters embrace digital payments in their daily routine, GCash is expanding its support for cashless public transportation with a cashback promo for all LRT-2 riders and eligible MRT-3 riders who use the GCash Commute QR for their train fares.

From July 20 to August 20, 2026, eligible commuters who pay via GCash Commute QR will receive a 20-30% cashback on their LRT-2 and MRT-3 fare. It will be credited directly to the user's GCash e-wallet based on the scheduled payout dates.

“Innovation is most meaningful when it removes everyday friction and makes essential services more accessible. With GCash Commute QR, we're making cashless commuting simpler,” said Ferdie Perez, VP and head of innovation at GCash.

Furthermore, the initiative forms part of the ongoing efforts of GCash to expand the use of digital payments across everyday services, including public transportation, supporting broader access to convenient and cashless commuting options for Filipinos.

"This cashback promo is a way to help invite more commuters to experience the ease of using digital fare payments and brings added value on their everyday journeys," he added.

Commuters with a fully verified and active GCash account can enjoy exclusive cashback offers when they pay for their fares using GCash Commute QR during the respective promo periods. LRT-2 commuters can receive 20% cashback on eligible rides. New GCash Commute QR users on MRT-3, on the other hand, can enjoy 30% cashback on their first three rides, while the promo runs until August 20, 2026.

GCash continues to work with transport partners to expand cashless payment options that support a more convenient and accessible commuting experience for Filipinos.

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

Binance Appoints Jen Bilango as New General Manager For The Philippines

Manila, Philippines - Binance, the world’s leading blockchain ecosystem and digital asset infrastructure provider, together with its partner BlockShoals Technologies (“BlockShoals”), officially welcomes a new member to its leadership team, Jen Bilango, as their General Manager.

An experienced executive in the blockchain space, Jen Bilango’s experience includes serving as General Manager at BlockchainSpace, an international hub empowering web3 communities across Southeast Asia, including gaming, creator economies, sports, and even music.

Bilango also represented the Philippines in the massive Web3 title, The Sandbox, during her tenure with BlockchainSpace, creating initiatives and guiding teams that led to the launch of the first-ever country-specific NFT asset sale on the Sandbox Platform. Aside from working with Web3 communities and platforms, Bilango also served as the Country Manager for a local licensed crypto exchange and was part of the exchange’s push towards global expansion and launch of the PHPC stablecoin.​
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Aside from the blockchain, Bilango’s also gained expertise working in the field of investment banking. Serving as a Board Director for Mabuhay Capital Corporation, taking the lead in multi-million dollar transactions across healthcare, financial services, real estate, and other major industries. Bilango also worked closely with regulators during her tenure with Mabuhay Capital Corporation, a key background that will help Binance navigate its own SEC and regulatory compliance journey in preparation for its entry into the Philippines.

Now embarking on a new role, Jen Bilango brings her combined experience from fostering trading communities, pushing for Web3 expansion, and working with Financial institutions to further blockchain adoption in the Philippines through Binance PH by Blockshoals.

“I am excited and incredibly grateful for this appointment by Binance PH,” says Jen Bilango. She also adds, “It’s an amazing opportunity to be part of the world’s leading blockchain brand in working to ensure full compliance and regulatory measures in our entry to the Philippines and reconnect with the Filipino community and welcome new adopters to blockchain technology.”

“We’re really glad to have Jen on board with us as we gear up for our official launch in the Philippines”, states SB Seker, Head of APAC at Binance. “Her experience is a testament to her expertise, and we’re excited about what we can achieve together”. He also added, “Jen is a fantastic individual who helped push for mainstream crypto adoption in the Philippines. Her roots in the community will surely help us not just reinvigorate the Filipinos’ interest in Binance and in crypto in general, but also to create something special for blockchain adopters in the Philippines.”

CashKO Expands ‘Made-To-Measure’ Microinsurance to Future-Proof 6M+ Filipinos From Medical Poverty, Bridging National Protection Gap

Manila, Philippines — CashKO, a subsidiary of Philippine InsurTech company RuralNet, now protects over 6.1 million underserved Filipinos across 81 provinces through its affordable microinsurance network, driving a critical shift toward grassroots financial resilience.

This comes as the company deploys its "made-to-measure" insurance offering to directly address the country’s growing healthcare and protection gap. Unlike traditional one-size-fits-all insurance products that remain financially out of reach for low-income families, CashKO's coverage is structured to address final medical liabilities and funeral expenses. Because terminal illnesses frequently drain a family’s entire life savings before a loss occurs, these tailored life policies act as an immediate financial shock absorber, protecting vulnerable households from falling into deep poverty before other financial support can arrive.

This safety net coincides with a shifting landscape in public health anxieties in the country. About 67% of adult Filipinos identify staying healthy and avoiding illnesses as their most urgent personal concern, outranking immediate economic worries. Yet a protection gap persists, with the latest national insurance penetration low at 2%. For the informal sector and rural communities, the sudden economic shock of a severe illness frequently forces families into predatory debt cycles, effectively resetting their economic progress to zero.

Lolita Lugasan, a market vendor, shares how she used CashKO through a local lending partner after her husband's sudden passing. With the family's savings exhausted by prior medical care, Lugasan noted that immediate financial assistance arrived within days, allowing her to cover urgent costs while preserving half of the funds to sustain her small business and protect her family's livelihood.

“Makalipas ang ilang araw matapos mamatay ang asawa ko, mabilis kong nakuha ang claim. Ramdam mo na may nag-aalaga sa iyo, may malasakit,” said Lugasan. (“Just a few days after my husband passed away, I received the insurance claim quickly. It makes you feel like someone is truly looking after you and genuinely cares.”)

“‘Yung nakuha ko sa CashKO, kinabukasan, nataon na birthday niya. Hinati ko 'yun. Yung kalahati, ipinanghanda ko. Pero yung kalahati, inilagay ko sa negosyo ko para may umiikot akong puhunan,” she continued. (“The payout I received from CashKO arrived just in time for his birthday the next day. I split the money—half went toward preparing a meal for his birthday, and the other half I invested back into my business so I would have capital to keep it running.”)

CashKO's tailored plans are co-designed alongside local institutions such as rural banks, cooperatives, and microfinance lenders to match the unique income patterns and risk exposure of specific communities.

"Financial protection should be within everyone's reach. It should not be a luxury, but a necessity. Our microinsurance service is tailored to the unique needs of Filipino households, moving away from rigid, traditional insurance and instead co-designing 'made-to-measure' plans with local institutions. By leveraging technology, we are helping more Filipino families build genuine financial resilience and long-term peace of mind, so that losing a breadwinner doesn't mean starting back at zero," said Justin Arcenas, Founder & CEO of RuralNet Inc.

A key driver of CashKO’s scalability and impact is RuralNet’s proprietary digital infrastructure. The platform has streamlined the end-to-end claims process to maintain a 97% claims approval rate while turning around payouts 75% faster than the industry average. This speed proves to be critical for low-income beneficiaries who require immediate liquidity to avoid high-interest emergency loans.

By enabling rural banks, cooperatives, and microfinance institutions to integrate insurance into their existing services, CashKO has expanded its reach through a robust network of more than 5,000 partner branches across 81 provinces. Today, CashKO serves as the foundational financial and operational core of RuralNet's tech-driven ecosystem, lowering operational overhead and eliminating the traditional distribution and trust barriers that have limited the rural insurance sector.

With a proven track record of handling over 6.1 million covered lives, CashKO’s tailored life microinsurance solutions form a vital safety net for the country's most vulnerable sectors in the Philippines.

For more information, you may visit ruralnet.ph or micro.cashko-insurance.com.

GCash Brings ‘Wais Tindera Caravan’ to Cebu, Empowering MSMEs With Financial Tools and Responsible Borrowing

Over 200 nano, micro, small, and medium enterprises (NMSMEs), including sari-sari store owners and vendors, gathered at the Wais Tindera Caravan in Cebu to deepen their understanding of digitalization and responsible borrowing.

In celebration of MSME Month, GCash reinforces its commitment to being the trusted growth partner of Filipino NMSMEs, powering every stage of their entrepreneurial journey. GCash continues to champion local businesses by providing easier access to the integrated financial and digital tools they need to sustain their livelihoods, navigate uncertainty, and drive the Philippine economy.

The Wais Tindera Caravan serves as the Financial Literacy x Business Literacy (FinLit x BizLit) of GCash and Fuse Financing designed for Filipino micro-entrepreneurs. The program provides lessons on budgeting, pricing, inventory management, sales tracking, and business growth. The caravan also tackled the risks of predatory lending, as many micro-retailers still rely on informal lenders, including the “5-6” system, which often carries high interest rates and can lead to cycles of debt.

Digital financial tools were also introduced, like GLoan Negosyo—a Fuse cash loan product designed to meet NMSMEs' urgent funding needs—and GCash Pera Outlet Plus (GPO Plus), which enables store owners to earn extra income by offering cash-in, cash-out, bills payment, and other digital transactions to their communities.

"Through the Wais Tindera Caravan, we aim to equip NMSMEs with the practical financial and business skills needed to make informed decisions, manage their finances effectively, and adopt responsible borrowing practices to grow their businesses sustainably," said Kevin Yu, Head of B2B lending at Fuse Financing.

Responsible Borrowing for NMSMEs

A key focus of the Cebu leg was responsible borrowing. Participants learned how to assess whether a loan is necessary for business growth, borrow within their capacity to repay, and use credit for productive purposes such as inventory expansion.

Sessions also covered how to understand loan terms, interest rates, and repayment obligations before borrowing. The program highlighted how formal lending solutions can support business growth when used with proper planning.

Through this campaign, entrepreneurs learned about excessive interest rates, lack of transparency, and unsustainable repayment terms.

Partner in every stage of growth

The caravan underscores the commitment of GCash to empowering Filipino MSMEs at every stage of growth. By introducing innovations like GCash SoundPay Plus and GCash EasyPOS, the platform helps small businesses seamlessly adopt digital QR and card payments, driving operational efficiency.

Beyond accessible payment solutions, GCash fosters grassroots, community-wide economic growth. Through GCash Pera Outlet Plus, neighborhood merchants can earn extra income by providing vital Cash In and Cash Out services to their localities, while accessible insurance offerings protect these grassroots businesses from unexpected financial shocks.

The caravan, in addition, addressed the digital trust gap as well among small business owners who may be hesitant to adopt digital financial services. Sessions explained how digital payments work, how to use GCash safely and securely, how responsible use of digital tools can help build a financial track record, and gain access to formal financial products and services.

The Wais Tindera Caravan supports the “Finance for All” mission of GCash. Financial literacy remains central to the program, with participants learning skills they can apply immediately and tools they can integrate easily.

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

Affordable HMO Now Accessible to Millions of Filipinos via GCash and KwikCare

To help Filipinos stay protected from unforeseen medical costs and access affordable, quality healthcare, GCash and KwikCare are partnering to offer the first health maintenance organization (HMO) coverage directly available from the GCash app.

For millions of Filipinos, quality healthcare remains a luxury out of reach, leaving families highly vulnerable to unexpected medical crises. Recent data highlights a stark reality: 64% of Filipino families cannot afford a ₱10,000 hospital bill without falling into debt¹, while 30% of households live on the brink of financial distress with sudden health shocks acting as a major driver of this vulnerability². This challenge is most especially felt among MSME workers, gig economy freelancers, and part-time earners who lack traditional corporate HMO benefits, leaving them just “one sickness away from poverty.”

To break this cycle, democratizing healthcare is critical. By making health coverage proactive, affordable, and accessible at the grassroots level, Filipino breadwinners can protect both their health and their hard-earned financial stability.

GCash, through its in-app insurance platform GInsure, has partnered with KwikCare to offer digital-first HMO coverage through a flexible monthly subscription. The offering does not require high

upfront costs, long-term commitments, or complicated paperwork. Users can sign up in minutes, making healthcare coverage easily accessible.

Through GInsure, KwikCare offers monthly HMO plans designed to make healthcare coverage more adaptable to different needs and circumstances. Starting at ₱995 per month, the service provides access to inpatient, outpatient, emergency, and laboratory services, along with cashless access to more than 2,000 accredited healthcare providers nationwide, and benefits of up to ₱350,000, with additional personal accident coverage of up to ₱1 million. Moreover, the offering also allows users to add their family members.

“Filipinos deserve the peace of mind that comes with reliable health coverage. When breadwinners and their families can better access essential health services as well as manage unexpected medical emergencies without worrying about the costs, we're protecting not just their health, but their financial future,” shared Winsley Bangit, group head of new business at Mynt, the parent company of GCash.

“Our mission has always been to make quality healthcare more accessible to every Filipino. Through our partnership with GCash, we're bringing reliable HMO coverage closer to millions by making it available through a platform they already use every day,” emphasized Hamilton Angluben, chief executive officer of KwikCare. “We believe digital distribution is one of the most powerful ways to expand healthcare access and help more families protect both their health and their financial future.”

To get an affordable HMO on GCash, open the app, head to “GInsure” and tap “HMO” in the Marketplace section.

As more Filipinos turn to digital platforms to manage their everyday finances, GCash and KwikCare are making health protection just as accessible. Through GInsure, the partnership empowers Filipinos to conveniently manage their health coverage, protect their savings from unforeseen medical costs, and navigate their healthcare needs with greater confidence. For more information, visit https://www.gcash.com.

Wovoka Philippines, GCash GForest Partner to Plant 1 Million Trees in Oriental Mindoro and Camarines Norte to Support Long-Term Ecosystem Restoration

Climate tech project development company Wovoka Philippines and GForest, the sustainability initiative of GCash, signed a memorandum of agreement to plant over 1 million native trees and mangrove species over the next 5 years, from 2026-2030, across forest and coastal communities in the provinces of Oriental Mindoro and Camarines Norte.

The partnership reaffirms the shared commitment of Wovoka and GCash to nation-building and long-term ecosystem restoration in observance of Philippine Arbor Day.

Deforestation and coastal degradation continue to heighten the effects of climate change in vulnerable areas, reducing biodiversity and exposing towns to floods and storm surges. This ongoing environmental decline also destroys resources that communities depend on, directly harming traditional industries and increasing vulnerability to climate and financial risks.

Ecosystem restoration is one important nature-based solution that complements broader climate mitigation and adaptation efforts. Through science-based restoration planning and long-term monitoring, Wovoka Philippines and GCash will strengthen ecological resilience by restoring watersheds, improving coastal protection, enhancing biodiversity, and reducing erosion in Oriental Mindoro and Camarines Norte.

A tech-driven climate partnership

The five-year collaboration establishes a structured timeline committed to planting native trees across both upland and coastal zones. This large-scale initiative aims to restore degraded upland forests and coastal ecosystems, increasing their capacity to naturally store carbon while strengthening biodiversity and climate resilience.

Through GForest, users can support this initiative and help local communities simply by earning green energy points through everyday digital transactions. These points can be converted into tree-planting efforts, making it easy for more Filipinos to participate in environmental conservation.

“This tech-for-good partnership with Wovoka Philippines, we are utilizing the scale of GCash to build real-world ecological barriers and secure green livelihoods for the communities that need them most,” said Michelle Fernandez, general manager of Sustainability and Corporate Communications of GCash.

Partnering with a dedicated organization like Wovoka Philippines ensures that all planting efforts adhere to strict ecological standards, with only native and ecologically appropriate species planted, which better adapt to local conditions, support indigenous wildlife, and help restore natural ecological processes.

Empowering communities through green livelihoods

Beyond tree planting, the initiative integrates local communities directly into the conservation efforts. Community members are tapped to plant, monitor, and maintain the forests, turning environmental restoration into a viable, long-term source of income. They will also monitor tree survival and site health over the life of the project to help ensure restoration outcomes beyond the initial planting phase.

Local farmers and coastal workers maintaining the planting sites will receive stable streams of revenue, and families will be provided with predictable, year-round stipends for nursing care and conducting regular site patrols, reducing the impact of seasonal income gaps.

By merging digital technology, environmental science, and community participation, the GCash-Wovoka partnership will serve as a model for sustainable regional development.

Together, these initiatives highlight how large-scale public participation can translate into measurable environmental impact, even redefining corporate sustainability, as digital platforms can move beyond the screen to support real-world environmental protection and strengthen climate resilience in vulnerable communities.

For more information, visit www.gcash.com.

Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Adopts GCash Solutions to Streamline Student Payments and Financial Assistance Disbursements

Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) and GCash have formalized a partnership to bring digital payment and disbursement solutions to PUP's more than 20 campuses nationwide. With the rollout to start in School Year 2026–2027, the initiative allows students to pay school fees and receive financial assistance using GCash, enabling faster, cashless, and more accessible services to communities nationwide.

The collaboration was formally celebrated at a ceremonial launch held at the Mateo Conference Room of PUP's main campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila. The event was led by PUP President Dr. Manuel "Bong" Muhi, Executive Vice President for Planning and Finance Alberto C. Guillo, and Director, Funds Management Office Catherine "Cathy" Oposa, who championed the collaboration from the ground up.

Through the partnership, students will be able to use GCash for scan-to-pay transactions at all 20 campuses, online web payments for a seamless enrollment-to-payment experience, and GBills for Open University and certification fees. Five thousand GCash cards will also be distributed to scholars, athletes, and student representatives to support cashless disbursements of scholarships and financial assistance.

As the most populous state university in the Philippines, currently serving over 106,500 students, PUP has built its reputation on accessible, affordable education, offering free tuition across all its campuses nationwide. Under President Muhi, the university has made digital transformation a cornerstone of its operations, with a centralized enrollment portal that positions PUP to deploy integrated solutions at scale.

“Through this partnership, the PUP community will benefit from accessible digital financial services such as Scan-to-Pay, Bills Payment, Mobile Payment Solutions, and Fund Disbursement Services, promoting faster, safer, and more convenient transactions for the Iskolar ng Bayan,” Dr. Manuel M. Muhi, President of PUP, shared.

“Partnering with PUP is a meaningful step in helping make digital financial services more accessible to students across the country. Through this collaboration, we hope to support the university’s commitment to innovation by providing solutions that make payments and financial assistance disbursements faster, safer, and more convenient for the entire PUP community. At GCash, we believe that empowering students with accessible digital tools also helps prepare them for a more digitally connected future,” said Cleo Celeste Santos, GCash Head of B2B Sales.

Further, partnership reflects a broader push to advance financial inclusion among young Filipinos. Students no longer have to contend with long lines, time-consuming trips, or manual paperwork. With the integration of GCash digital financial tools and solutions, essential campus services are made faster and more accessible for communities across the country.

By bringing its digital finance ecosystem directly into campuses across the country, GCash continues to work with schools and organizations nationwide to expand access to digital financial solutions, creating services that are more seamless, more accessible, and more in tune with the way young Filipinos live and learn today.

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

Philippine Blockchain Week 2026 Showcases the Future of Web3 Innovation in Southeast Asia

The Philippines once again cemented its position as one of Southeast Asia’s emerging blockchain hubs as Philippine Blockchain Week (PBW) 2026 successfully gathered industry leaders, innovators, policymakers, and technology enthusiasts from June 19 to 21 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

The three-day event highlighted the rapid evolution of blockchain technology and Web3 applications, providing attendees with a comprehensive look at how decentralized technologies are reshaping industries across the region. From financial services and enterprise solutions to digital identity and public infrastructure, PBW 2026 demonstrated the growing impact of blockchain in real-world applications.

One of the major highlights of the event was the Official Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony, which formally inaugurated the PBW 2026 Innovation Expo. The ceremony was led by prominent government officials, Web3 pioneers, and industry captains who emphasized the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in accelerating digital transformation. The expo featured groundbreaking blockchain platforms, fintech solutions, tokenization projects, and next-generation digital infrastructure designed to support the future digital economy.

Another key attraction was the "Decoded: Deployed" Main Conference, where global thought leaders discussed how blockchain technology is moving beyond theoretical concepts into practical implementation. Panel discussions explored topics such as financial inclusion, decentralized finance (DeFi), digital asset adoption, and secure data ownership. Experts shared insights on how Web3 technologies are helping underserved communities gain access to financial services while enabling businesses to build more transparent and efficient systems.

The event also hosted the highly anticipated Global Creator & Influencer Summit, bringing together digital entrepreneurs, content creators, and social media personalities. Discussions centered on the future of the creator economy, exploring how blockchain-based platforms, digital ownership, and tokenized communities are empowering creators to build sustainable revenue streams. Attendees also enjoyed the vibrant Celebrity Bazaar, which added excitement and energy to the convention floor.

Complementing the conference and expo was the ALT+TAB Gaming & Music Festival, where technology, gaming, and entertainment converged. Visitors experienced immersive esports competitions, interactive Web3 gaming showcases, and live performances from popular artists including 1st One, Ameurfina III, PRIMO.ph, Donnalyn, and KAIA.

As blockchain adoption continues to accelerate across Southeast Asia, Philippine Blockchain Week 2026 served as a powerful platform for innovation, collaboration, and education. The event showcased how the Philippines is playing an increasingly important role in shaping the future of Web3 while fostering an ecosystem where technology, creativity, and entrepreneurship can thrive.

BARMM Treasury Office, GCash Partner to Simplify Digital Collections for Ministries, Offices, and Agencies in the Bangsamoro Region

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), through its collecting Ministries, Offices, and Agencies, will soon introduce a more convenient way for constituents to pay government fees and complete transactions following a new partnership between the Bangsamoro Treasury Office (BTO), a sectoral office under the Ministry of Finance, Budget, and Management, and GCash.

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to improving access to public services by providing a digital platform that connects government services directly to constituents, making transactions simpler, faster, and more accessible across the region.

Payment processes have largely remained traditional, with many transactions still done manually and requiring constituents to visit field offices to complete them. For those in remote and far-flung areas, this often results in additional time, cost, and inconvenience.

As emphasized by Minister Ubaida C. Pacasem of the Ministry of Finance and Budget and Management—BARMM, “The partnership between the BTO and GCash is a powerful vehicle for change, and we are fully committed to steering it toward success. We are ready to do the work today, tomorrow, and in the years to come,” she added.

The Bangsamoro Treasury Office’s initiative to introduce digital payment channels aims to address these challenges by bringing services closer to communities while ensuring that proper guidelines and controls are observed.

“Bangsamoro Treasury Office acknowledges that this partnership is an important step not only in strengthening our collection systems, but also in guiding Bangsamoro Ministries, Offices, and Agencies as we encourage the adoption of digital payment options to serve communities across BARMM better,” said Chief Naila Z. Dimaraw, Bangsamoro treasurer.

“At its core, this initiative is about financial inclusion. We know the realities of our geography. Across the mainland and island provinces, access to traditional banking infrastructure has long been a challenge. By partnering with GCash, we are embracing a more mobile future for public service delivery, bridging the gap and enabling constituents to pay fees, taxes, and other dues more conveniently, without the need for long travel or waiting in line,” the Bangsamoro treasurer chief added.

GCash remains committed to contributing to the Bangsamoro Government’s efforts to promote financial inclusion and strengthen the efficiency of revenue collection. The partnership also highlights how digital tools can make it easier for citizens to engage with Bangsamoro Ministries, Offices, and Agencies, fostering a more seamless and citizen-centered service experience.

“GCash recognizes the priorities, systems, and the needs of the communities of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,” said Cleo Celeste Santos, Head of GCash Public Sector. “We stand ready to support where we are most needed—empowering institutions, enhancing service delivery, and helping build a more inclusive, citizen-centered digital ecosystem for the Bangsamoro Government and its people,” she added.

As digital adoption continues to grow, this collaboration marks a step toward a more accessible and responsive government—where public services are easier to access and better aligned with the everyday needs of communities.

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

The Philippine Franchise Association Integrates GCash for Business Digital Finance and Business Solutions for Filipino MSMEs at Asia’s Largest Franchise Expo

The Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) and GCash for Business have once again partnered to strengthen access to digital payments and business solutions for Filipino entrepreneurs at Franchise Asia Philippines 2026, Asia's largest franchise exhibition and the country's leading gathering of franchisors, franchisees, and growth-focused business owners.

Franchise Asia Philippines 2026 drew over 1,000 participating brands and more than 50,000 trade visitors under one roof. This year's edition carried added significance as PFA marked its 30th anniversary under the theme "Franchising Together: ASEAN to the World", underscoring the industry's collective approach to growth and reflecting the Bayanihan spirit that defines Filipino entrepreneurship. This direction also aligns with the broader push of GCash for a more inclusive digital economy.

Franchising has become an increasingly popular path for aspiring entrepreneurs, offering a more accessible way to start a business with established systems and expert support. Yet while MSMEs make up 99 percent of businesses in the Philippines and remain a key driver of employment and local commerce, many franchisees and small business owners still rely on manual or fragmented systems, making it harder to track cash flow, separate personal and business finances, and plan for growth. As more Filipinos explore franchising as a viable livelihood, the need for simple, reliable, and integrated financial tools becomes even more critical.

To address this gap, GCash for Business engaged merchants on-site at Franchise Asia Philippines, providing product demonstrations, onboarding assistance, and guidance on digital payment adoption.

"Franchise Asia allows us to connect directly with the entrepreneurs who are building the next generation of Filipino businesses. Being here on the ground, we see firsthand how the right financial tools that are accessible, simple, and built for scale can make a real difference in how MSMEs start, run, and grow. Our goal with GCash for Business is to make sure no entrepreneur is left behind in the digital economy," shared GCash for Business general manager, Paul Albano.

Featured solutions include GCash SoundPay Plus for audio payment confirmation and GCash EasyPOS, an all-in-one device for card and QR payments. The GCash for Business Portal offers centralized transaction monitoring, while GLoan for Business provides credit support up to PHP 2 million to manage cash flow and expansion.

Through the GCash for Business Franchisee Bundle, franchisors streamlined the onboarding of new franchisees from registration through activation, ensuring operational consistency across expanding networks. Merchants also gained access to business development resources, including design support, social media training, and marketing workshops.

Through its "Finance for All" commitment, GCash for Business continues to democratize financial solutions for Filipino MSMEs, ultimately helping grassroots merchants improve efficiency, enable secure transactions, and unlock broader growth opportunities.

To get started, merchants can sign up via the GCash for Business Portal at business.gcash.com.

VeritasPay Eyes 40% Merchant Growth Amid Nationwide Expansion

Payment solutions provider VeritasPay Philippines Inc. is targeting a 30–40 percent increase in its merchant base this year, alongside a 45-percent rise in processed transaction volume, supported by continued investments in internal capabilities and strategic partnerships.

From an initial focus on Metro Manila and the broader Mega Manila area in 2021, the company has since expanded its reach to serve merchants across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, reflecting the growing demand for accessible and reliable digital payment infrastructure beyond urban centers.

Today, VeritasPay supports a growing base of merchants nationwide, offering businesses a unified platform to accept multiple payment methods, including credit and debit cards, QR code payments, and other digital channels.

VeritasPay enables merchants to accept payments across various touchpoints—from physical point-of-sale (POS) terminals and mobile devices to online checkout pages and banking channels—through a single provider. This integrated approach simplifies operations for businesses managing multiple sales environments or branch locations, eliminating the need to work with separate payment providers and enabling more consistent transaction processing.

“At the point of sale, speed and reliability are critical to customer experience,” VeritasPay president and chief executive officer Christopher James Payne said.

Additionally, he stated that seamless transactions drive both customer satisfaction and business performance.

To support businesses at different stages of growth, VeritasPay structures its offerings into two core solution categories. Its In-Store suite, which comprises OnePOS, MobilePOS, and ExpressPOS, caters to day-to-day transactions at physical locations, offering merchants flexible options based on their setup and scale.

Complementing this is its Online suite, which includes EasyLink, Checkout, Online Banking, and Over-the-Counter, enabling businesses to accept payments remotely and expand into digital channels without overhauling their existing systems.

“At VeritasPay, we remain committed to empowering businesses by delivering accessible, reliable, and innovative payment solutions that drive growth and long-term success,” VeritasPay general manager and business development head Carl Henrison Tienzo said.

As SMEs expand, transaction visibility and operational oversight become increasingly important. VeritasPay provides centralized reporting tools that allow merchants to monitor sales, review payment activity, and track transactions by terminal, payment type, or location.

Such capabilities help business owners and managers identify trends, address discrepancies, and make data-driven decisions, particularly for enterprises operating across multiple branches.

The shift toward digital payments has also heightened expectations for consistency. VeritasPay’s platform supports uniform payment acceptance across locations and channels, helping businesses deliver a seamless checkout experience whether transactions occur in-store, online, or remotely. This consistency reduces friction for customers while standardizing processes for frontline staff.