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.

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.

Double the Win: Two-for-One Money Habits That Grow Your Wealth Without Feeling Like a Sacrifice

Forget strict self-denial. Being "good with money" no longer means resisting the urge to ‘add to cart’ and choosing between spending, saving, and investing. Today’s smartest financial habits are about making one decision that accomplishes two goals at once.

Two-fold financial habits create simple, intentional routines in which every financial move sparks another win – like treating yourself to a long-awaited purchase while automatically funding your future. In fact, saving and investing don't just pay off in the long run. They can also turn every deposit into an instant thrill today. Have PHP 1,000 to save? What if it could win you a brand-new motorcycle or laptop?

If you want to make your money work twice as hard and score epic prizes while doing it, here are habits to help you spend smarter, grow your wealth, and even get rewarded along the way:
Buy One, Invest One

Retail therapy doesn't have to come with buyer's remorse. Every time you make a non-essential purchase, set aside 10% to 20% of the amount in your savings or investment account. Bought a pair of shoes for PHP 500? Invest PHP 100 or put it towards your savings. It transforms every splurge into a reminder that while you're enjoying today, you're also looking out for tomorrow.

Reward Yourself Responsibly

Bonuses, cashbacks, tax refunds, or unexpected windfalls don't have to be an all-or-nothing affair. Instead of spending the entire amount or locking it all away, split it between present and future you. Maybe half goes toward a nice dinner or a weekend getaway, while the other half goes into your emergency fund or investments. This way, you get to celebrate your wins without putting your long-term goals on hold.

Round-Up Investing

Make financial habits effortless by rounding your purchases up to the nearest convenient amount and saving or investing the difference. If your coffee costs PHP 185, round it up to PHP 200 and stash the extra PHP 15 away. It may not seem like much at the moment, but constantly saving can stack up into a meaningful fund without requiring major lifestyle changes.

Save and Win

With the right routines and financial tools, growing your money becomes less about sacrifice and more about unlocking exciting rewards along the way. GCash makes that possible by turning smart financial habits into rewarding opportunities through two promos.

Building Wealth Can Be Rewarding with GCash

The beauty of two-fold financial habits is that they make consistency effortless. Instead of relying on willpower alone, GCash builds in daily motivation by letting you earn raffle entries and instant prizes every time you save or invest:

Shake to Win

No need to wait until payday to start winning. Simply open the GCash app each day, and tap on any eligible product, such as GSave or GFunds, to unlock one free daily shake. Every shake automatically earns you one raffle entry for a chance to win PHP 10,000 in cash, while also allowing you to score instant shopping vouchers worth PHP 1, PHP 50, or PHP 200 on the spot.

Save to Win Bigger

Ready to level up your wealth? Save or invest at least PHP 1,000 in eligible Wealth Management products like GSave or GFunds to earn one raffle entry per ₱1,000 deposited (for GSave, funds must remain in the account for at least 7 days).

The promo is open to both new and existing users, giving everyone a chance to win exciting prizes throughout the campaign. Up for grabs are:

• Three PHP 50,000 cash prizes
• Three MacBook Neo 256 GB laptops (plus one PHP 10,000 cash winner)
• Three iPhone 17 256 GB units (plus one PHP 10,000 cash winner)
• Two PHP 100,000 cash prizes (plus one PHP 10,000 cash winner)
• One Yamaha Aerox (plus one PHP 10,000 cash winner)
• And the campaign's grand prize of PHP 500,000 in cash (plus one PHP 10,000 cash winner)

With GCash, every smart financial decision can also come with exciting rewards, proving that the best money habits are the ones that help you grow your wealth while giving you something to look forward to along the way.

To open an account on GSave, you must be a Filipino Citizen, at least 18 years old, and a fully verified GCash user. Ready to grow your money? You may access GSave through the GCash dashboard or find it under “Grow.” No GCash yet? Download the GCash App on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery. Kaya mo, i-GCash mo!

Smarter Ways Filipinos Are Making Travel More Doable

As summer winds down, many Filipinos are still hoping to squeeze in one last getaway. But while the desire to travel remains strong, booking a trip today often comes with a familiar balancing act: making room for a well-deserved break while staying on top of financial priorities.

It's a challenge many Filipinos continue to face, especially as they balance their travel goals with rising everyday expenses. Yet despite economic pressures, travel remains a priority for many. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), domestic tourism expenditure reached ₱3.26 trillion in 2025, reflecting Filipinos' continued enthusiasm for exploring destinations closer to home. As more people make room for travel in their budgets, planning ahead and making every peso count has become more important than ever.

As more travelers become intentional about how they spend, a few practical habits can help make every trip both memorable and financially manageable:

• Choose destinations that match the budget.

Travel doesn't always have to mean flying to the country's most popular destinations. Nearby provinces and underrated local gems can offer equally rewarding experiences at a fraction of the cost while supporting local businesses and communities.

• Plan ahead and make the most of travel deals.

Booking accommodations and transportation early, traveling during off-peak periods, and splitting costs with family or friends are among the simplest ways to stretch a travel budget.

• Build flexibility into travel plans.

Even carefully planned trips can come with unexpected opportunities, from seat sales to limited-time hotel offers. Having access to flexible payment options and terms can help travelers make the most of these moments while staying within their financial plans.

"As more Filipinos look for ways to make travel fit their budgets, we're also seeing a growing preference for planning ahead and making financially informed decisions," said Baby Aquino, Chief Product Officer and Strategy Head of Fuse Financing, Inc. "Travel doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing decision. With responsible budgeting and the flexible payment terms that match their needs, Filipinos can make room for meaningful experiences while staying focused on their financial goals."

For those looking for added flexibility, GCash offers solutions designed to support different travel needs:

• For bigger travel expenses: GGives lets eligible users spread the cost of qualified travel purchases, such as accommodations or transportation, into installments, making bigger travel expenses lighter and more manageable.

• For everyday expenses on the go: With GCredit, the revolving credit line available in GCash, eligible users have a convenient way to pay for day-to-day travel expenses, such as dining, transportation, and fuel, through the app's integrated payment option.

• For extra flexibility before a trip: GLoan gives eligible users quick access to cash to help cover planned or unexpected travel-related expenses, such as last-minute bookings or limited-time travel deals.

With thoughtful planning and responsible borrowing, local travel doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing decision. Sometimes, the smartest getaways are simply the ones planned with intention, creating meaningful experiences for travelers while supporting the communities that make Philippine tourism thrive.

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.

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.

Batangas Transport Cooperative (BATRASCO) Drivers Receive Government Fuel Subsidy Straight to Their GCash E-Wallets

With the effects of the fuel crisis rippling across sectors, public transport is among the most severely impacted. Jeepney drivers are bearing the brunt of this volatility as rising costs threaten both their livelihoods and national mobility. The impact is felt far beyond the roads; this means tightening the budget of many Filipino households as well.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) earlier rolled out a fuel subsidy program for public utility vehicle drivers and operators nationwide. The initiative aims to help cushion the impact of the crisis, which also drove up the prices of basic commodities and utilities.

GCash works hand-in-hand with the DOTr, LTFRB, and other relevant government agencies to deliver the financial aid efficiently. The nation-building thrust of GCash enables drivers and operators to receive the subsidy straight to their e-wallets, making the disbursement process seamless and safe. Digitizing the payout eliminates the need to travel or wait in long lines, ensuring that aid reaches them without further delaying their livelihood.

Among the recent recipients are the drivers and operators of Batangas Transport Cooperative (BATRASCO) in Lipa, Batangas. Romeo Macailao, president of the transport group, said that about 70 percent to 80 percent of their members were able to secure their financial aid already via GCash.

"Masaya sila nung natanggap nila iyon kasi napakadali lang, di na nila kailangan pumila ng matagal," the BATRASCO president added. (They were happy when they received it because it was very easy, and they no longer had to wait in long lines.)

Enabling financial inclusion

For Jayson, a 46-year-old jeepney driver from Brgy. Kwatro, Lipa City, the partnership meant more than just receiving aid. It also introduced him to how e-wallets like GCash can help people in their financial journey.

"First time ko pang mag-GCash nung na-receive ko yung ayuda, tinuruan ako nung anak ko paano i-set up," he shared. (It was my first time using GCash when I received the aid, and my child taught me how to set it up.)

Jayson is now a GCash user, marking his first step into the formal financial system. By opening his first official account through the app, he gains not only access to government aid and social services but also secure financial tools that were once beyond his reach.

Convenient, seamless transactions

Both Roosevelt, 38, and Lito, 53, jeepney drivers from Bagong Pook, Lipa City, appreciated the convenience of receiving their financial aid through digital disbursements.

They did not have to spend hours in line. With a verified GCash account, the drivers were able to get the subsidy immediately, allowing them to have extra funds for their needs.

"Matagal na akong may GCash kaya natuwa ako nung nalaman kong doon na papasok ang ayuda. Napakabilis ng transaction at di na kailangang pumila pa," Roosevelt said. (I have been using GCash for a long time, so I was glad when I found out that the aid would be credited there. The transaction was very fast, and there was no need to line up anymore.)

"Hindi naman ako nahirapan mag-GCash, tinuruan lang ako ng aking asawa," Lito added. (I didn’t have a hard time using GCash; I was simply taught by my spouse.)

Lito also encouraged other drivers who do not have a GCash account to open one so they can reap the benefits of having access to digital financial services.

Dignified access to financial services

More than just convenience, digital disbursements enable drivers to focus on what matters most for their livelihood: staying on the road.

Loreto, a 42-year-old jeepney driver from Banaybanay, Lipa City, said he usually had to line up for half a day just to receive his subsidy. This meant losing around ₱700 in potential income, which is money he could have used to support his family’s needs.

"Ngayon, isang click na lang, nandoon na ang GCash. Nagagamit mo pa ang yung oras para kumita pa," Loreto said. (Now, it’s just one click, and GCash is there. You can even use the time to earn more.)

Alberto, a 51-year-old jeepney driver from Bagong Pook, Lipa City, agreed. “Mas madali makuha yung ayuda ... di ka pa naaabala sa trabaho so mas maraming kikitain. Pag sa GCash, napaka-easy," he said. (It’s easier to receive the aid… and you’re not disrupted from work, so you can earn more. With GCash, it’s very easy.)

GCash continues to champion dignified access to digital financial services for all Filipinos. It shows how support can be delivered in ways that protect both time and livelihood, especially for workers in vulnerable sectors. In addition, this points to the growing role of digital platforms in making essential services more equitable and accessible.

Drivers can verify their eligibility for the LTFRB fuel subsidy by checking the official beneficiary list through the LTFRB Official Facebook Page (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-LTFRB) or by contacting their regional LTFRB office.

Eligible beneficiaries are usually registered PUV drivers and operators with valid franchises and updated LTFRB and LTO records. Drivers may need to present valid IDs and franchise documents, and those not included in the list may request record validation through LTFRB.

For more information, visit 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.

Freelancers Share What They Wish They Knew When They Were Starting Out

Manila, Philippines – What people don’t always see about freelancing is the reality of irregular income, delayed payments, and tax fees that chip away at their earnings before it even gets to them. Here’s how freelancers Andrea Sumida, Founder and Creative Strategist of Kohi Social, and Lyn Cepillo, a content creator and social media manager, work around this challenge.

Build your budget around your most conservative income month.

“When I first started freelancing, one of my biggest struggles was treating every payment like stable income.” Andrea shares, “Since projects and payments were irregular, there were months that felt abundant and others that felt very tight. I also underestimated how important budgeting, emergency funds, and cash flow management were as a freelancer.”

Many long-time freelancers encourage building one’s monthly budget around their lowest-income month. This way, it creates a financial safeguard and ensures essential living expenses like rent, groceries, and bills are still covered during slow periods. Anything earned beyond that can then go towards personal rewards, savings, or even investments.

Be more intentional about how and where your money moves.

The process of managing money - especially USD payments - has become a financially draining process. Freelancers receive payments through one platform, convert currencies through another, then transfer funds again to a local bank, this time just to access their earnings.

“Freelancers mostly think it’s just 1-3%, but when you actually think about it, like when it seems to accumulate, you’ll realize how big it actually is,” Lyn points out. “Imagine transferring platform to platform, and each platform has its own different conversion and transfer fees. They look at the percentages and think it’s small, but with the current economy, each deduction could be at least one meal, which is a big thing.”

To help address this, Lyn and Andrea use the GCash Virtual US Account, which removes the need to move money across multiple platforms. Once USD is deposited, users have control over when to convert it. After withdrawing to their wallet, users can pay bills, save, and even invest all within the platform.

As Andrea explains, “For me, tools like GCash help simplify day-to-day transactions, bills, transfers, and even budgeting. It removes a lot of friction from managing finances, especially when you’re handling multiple projects or clients at once.”

Freelancers can start using the GCash Virtual US Account by simply following these steps:

• Open the GCash app. Tap US Accounts in the Explore the App section
• Tap Continue and verify your information
• Complete your account creation

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.

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.

If It’s Not Giving Green Flags, It’s Time to Upgrade Your Savings Account

For many Filipinos, a payroll account is simply a place where salary comes in, and bills go out. Every payday follows the same routine: receive your income, pay your expenses, and wait for the next cutoff. While this setup is convenient, it may not be helping your money grow. If your savings account offers very low interest, comes with too many requirements, and provides little to no financial progress, it may be time to look for a better option.

With the rising cost of goods and services, keeping your money in an account that earns almost nothing can actually work against your financial goals. Inflation gradually reduces the purchasing power of your savings, meaning your money may be worth less over time if it isn’t growing. Fortunately, improving your savings strategy does not require a complete financial makeover overnight.

One practical solution is opening a high-yield savings account. Unlike traditional savings accounts that offer minimal returns, a high-yield savings account allows your money to earn more while remaining accessible whenever you need it. It combines convenience with better earning potential, making it a smarter choice for individuals who want to maximize their savings.

When choosing a high-yield savings account, there are several important features to consider. First, look for competitive interest rates. A higher interest rate means your money grows faster, helping you reach your financial goals sooner. Second, account setup should be simple and hassle-free. The best digital savings accounts offer easy registration, no complicated paperwork, and seamless access through a mobile app.

Another green flag is flexibility. A good savings account should not require large deposits or maintaining balances just to enjoy its benefits. It should also allow you to access your funds whenever necessary without lock-in periods or unnecessary restrictions. Most importantly, security and reliability should never be compromised. Choose accounts offered by trusted financial institutions with strong security measures and regulatory compliance.

One option that checks all these boxes is GSave. Available through the GCash app, GSave offers up to 4.25% per annum interest rates, no maintaining balance requirements, and no transfer fees when moving funds back to your GCash wallet. The account setup process is straightforward and does not require extra documents that can slow you down.

For new users, GSave also offers a limited-time First Ipon Bonus. By registering with any GSave bank partner, depositing at least ₱100, and maintaining the balance for 30 days, users can receive ₱30 in cash credits.

At the end of the day, saving money should be simple, rewarding, and aligned with your financial goals. If your current savings account is not helping your money grow, it may be time to switch to one that does. After all, if it’s not giving green flags, it’s probably not the savings account for you.