GCash Futurecast 2021: The Country’s Undisputed #1 E-wallet Shares a Peek Into its Newest Innovations for the Year!

Introducing new in-app products and services to make finance easy, approachable, and accessible to all Filipinos! 

12 May 2021, Manila, Philippines - From starting out as an e-wallet for making fast and secure online transactions to being the undisputed #1 mobile wallet app in the Philippines, GCash is now transforming itself once again to respond to the call of the times by launching new products and services to further its vision of making Filipino lives better everyday, with finance solutions made for all. 

GCash as a platform has enabled Filipinos with digital finance which is easily accessible through their phones. With 1 in 3 Filipinos currently using the app after growing its user base from just more than 20 million in January 2020 to over 40 million to date, GCash is going beyond just providing seamless and secure transactions through cashless payments. This does not stop the leading mobile wallet to just be still and not look forward to the future. The organization has anchored its thrust towards building robust financial services offerings, extending the app capabilities to fit the lifestyle of its users, empower businesses and entrepreneurs across different enterprise sizes, and anchor the app’s ecosystem, partnerships, and capabilities to be a change agent and to commit to doing its part of nation-building.

With new financial and lifestyle services, GCash now allows its users to shop, save, invest, get insurance coverage, and more -- all within the GCash app. That not only means having a more frictionless user experience and convenience for all, but more importantly, it means that many Filipinos will now have access to services that could help unlock a better everyday, and eventually, a brighter financial future.

 “We want to make a real difference in the lives of every Filipino and break the existing boundaries to enable financial freedom. We envision a Philippines where people have equal access to financial opportunities and lifestyle choices, where everyone, whether rich or poor, has a chance to unlock and achieve their dreams,” shared Martha Sazon, President and Chief Executive Officer of GCash.

 Unlock Your Financial Potential

 GCash continues to stand by its commitment of making finance accessible to all with its 2021 suite of affordable products and services built to kickstart success for everyone.

 Consumers can now unlock their life goals at any stage with GInvest, the new easy investment feature found in the GCash app that lets you invest for as low as P50 in professionally-managed local and global funds.

 Amidst the pandemic, those who are looking for affordable coverage can turn to GInsure, where they can get insurance for medical emergencies such as Dengue, COVID-19, and accidents for as low as P300. With this, consumers can also get financial assistance via Cash For Medical Costs and the recently launched Cash For Income Loss due to any cause - all accessible through GInsure within the GCash app.

 For easy money management, GSave is the fully digital, secure, and hassle-free savings account that was built in partnership with CIMB Bank, wherein the only requirement to start is an ID and a smartphone. It’s fully accessible once the account is created; and has no maintaining balance, no fees, and no initial deposit.

 As a better alternative to high interest loans and borrowing money for emergencies, GCredit serves as a fully-verified user’s personal credit line within the App, with the ability to provide those with high GScores up to P30,000 credit line and up to 3% prorated interest rate; the earlier the due is paid, the lower the interest rate.

“At GCash we want to be able to democratize access to financial services,” shared JF Darre, Head of Financial Services and Advanced Analytics of GCash. “We aim to break down barriers of entry for Fillipinos and make them realize that saving, investing, or even insuring one’s finances can be accessible to all.”

 Unlock a new lifestyle with GLife

With the aim to provide more than just convenience, GLife is an e-commerce feature within the GCash app that now allows users to shop and avail themselves of exclusive deals from a wide array of merchants including GOMO, Gong Cha, Kraver’s, McDonald’s, Puregold and PureGO, Lazada, Recess, Boozy, Bo’s Coffee, Mama Lou’s, GawinPH, KFC, Datablitz, Cherry Shop, Gameone, Goama Games, and more. Users and merchants alike can leverage the GCash payment system making it an easier e-commerce experience for everyone, and making GCash the new super life app.

 “Accessible right from the GCash dashboard, you can already enjoy more than 25 brands across retail, food, gaming, entertainment and transport. And we have more coming every week that will surely cover all your lifestyle needs.” said Winsley Bangit, Chief Customer Officer of GCash.

 Unlock The Entrepreneur in You with GCash QR on Demand

 As part of its mission to help mobilize the economy and support all types of entrepreneurs, GCash introduces GCash QR on Demand: a new and better way to securely send and receive money without having to worry about “wrong sends” due to incorrect numbers, or giving away personal information such as their mobile numbers. Users can easily generate their own Personal QR and use this in place of giving their GCash number, for safe and hassle-free payments whether for personal use or for small businesses.

 For fellow Filipinos abroad, GCash intends to aid and empower OFWs to take control of their finances by making the same products and services accessible to them. Every OFW with a verified account can now cash-in to his/her own GCash wallet via international remittance partners, and remit those funds instantly in the app. Through GCash’s upcoming GPadala service, OFWs can also send money to a non-GCash user for cash pick up anywhere in the country.

“We have great ambition for 2021 for MSMEs and Filipinos in every corner of the globe; we know how this whole sector will be more critical than ever for our economy, and GCash can make a real difference in this sensitive situation. People need it. The country needs it.” shared Fred Levy, Chief Commercial Officer of GCash. Unlock Social Impact

 As part of its holistic sustainability agenda for 2021-2025, GCash is one with the nation as it aligns itself with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. This includes pursuing efforts beyond business results such as helping make financial literacy and education accessible for all.

Plans to make this happen include the Kaya Mo, GCash Mo Roadshow, the design and roll-out of Future-Ready Hackathons, and the launch of G NA! IDEAS Para Sa Pinas. This 2021, GCash continues to pursue collaborations to achieve even bigger things with efforts like GCash For Good and the GForest platform.

 “At the end of the day, we will all go back to our core purpose— to help one another in times of need and indeed unlock our desired impact on the society as a whole,” said Chito Maniago, GCash’s Vice President of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs.

 GCash is all about breaking existing boundaries through efforts to democratize access to financial opportunities and lifestyle choices, while making sure that all these innovations and initiatives lead to a better and healthier community for all.

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

 Globe Fintech Innovations Inc. (Mynt), which operates GCash, is part of the portfolio companies of 917Ventures, the largest corporate incubator in the Philippines wholly-owned by Globe Telecom, Inc.

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Disposing e-waste? Globe helps you let go of these safely

Do you have old mobile phones, excess cables, chargers, broken television sets, DVD players, and other non-working electronic devices that you would like to dispose of without adding up to the piles of garbage in the landfills? Globe helps you let go of these safely! 

As Globe continues to provide reliable voice and data connection, it also makes sure to do its part in creating a safe environment for people to live in. It aims to lessen the harm brought by improper disposal of materials, particularly of electronic waste (e-waste). 

More than 100 bins under the Globe E-waste Zero program are now placed in different collection points nationwide such as Globe Stores and malls, which the public can easily access. These bins can accommodate mobile phones, IT accessories such as mouse, earphones, and speakers; Internet and WiFi modems and routers; cable wires, batteries, circuit boards, CDs /DVDs and other small electronic devices. Bigger items such as computer sets, IT servers and electronic network equipment (antennas, transmitters, etc.), and home appliances (washing machine, oven, refrigerator, etc.) may be requested for pick up. 

“Globe recognizes the importance of taking this extra step in ensuring e-wastes are disposed of properly and can't be harmful to the environment. We would like to enjoin our customers to help dispose of e-waste properly,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability Officer and SVP for Corporate Communications. 

 E-waste is made up of different materials that are toxic and hazardous, making the process of recycling risky for those who are not trained properly and who do not have the necessary facilities to do it. According to the UN Environment Programme, it is estimated that more than 50 million metric tons of e-waste is produced globally per year and its continued importation and increased local generation is a cause for concern. 

Roughly 80% of these e-waste ends up in landfills, pollute the environment and make informal communities susceptible to the hazards of e-waste. According to a recent study made by UNIDO and EcoWaste Coalition, only 28 out of the 135 registered Treatment, Storage, and Disposal (TSD) facilities in the Philippines process e-waste. While the informal sector benefits from these discarded items, their methods of dismantling and recycling e-wastes are unconventional and against approved government standards. 

 In response to this, Globe’s e-waste program not only promotes proper disposal but also educates people about the potential harm of e-waste to the environment and the overall benefits of e-waste recycling. Proper e-waste recycling conserves natural resources. Instead of extracting raw materials, valuable materials from old electronics can be turned into new glass, plastic chairs, filament for 3D printing, and reuse the extracted alloys. E-waste recycling avoids unnecessary dumps in landfills. It provides proper handling and management of toxic chemical substances and helps avoid possible leakage especially towards water streams. It also prevents possible health hazards to informal communities living near dumpsites and whose main source of income is the manual processing of these disposed devices. 

 In 2020 alone, the program managed to collect and responsibly dispose of over 250,000 kg of e-waste, bringing the total collection to more than 1.4 million kg since 2014. These e-wastes are delivered to Globe’s partner Treatment, Storage, and Disposal (TSD) facilities, namely Total Environment Solutions - Asset Material Management Philippines (TES-AMM) in Pasig City, and Maritrans Recycler, Inc. in Cebu. E-wastes are segregated to recover plastic materials, electronic components, and precious metals but the final recycling process is done in TES-AMM’s facility in Singapore. 

“We are thankful to have partners and contributors, composed of more than 66 corporations, private organizations, NGOs, local government partners and schools nationwide that share Globe’s commitment of building a better and safer world for future generations. We encourage more individuals and organizations to join us in this advocacy. Let us all work together in keeping our planet safe from the harm posed by improper e-waste disposal,” Crisanto added. 

 Visit any of the participating Globe stores nationwide or request for free door-to-door pickup of bulky e-waste items. For the list of drop off areas and and bulk hauling requests, check out E-waste Zero on Globe’s sustainability website https://www.globe.com.ph/about-us/sustainability/environment.html 

Globe remains committed to the 10 UN Global Compact principles and contributes to 10 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals such as UN SDG No. 12 - Sustainable Consumption and Production, which is about achieving economic growth and sustainable development by urgently reducing ecological footprint. It is also about decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation, increasing resource efficiency and promoting sustainable lifestyles by changing the way we produce and consume goods and resources. 

To know more about Globe’s sustainability initiatives, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/about-us/sustainability.html

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Smart empowers schools in Region 10, providing solutions for online learning

Coping with the demands of education in the new normal has been rough for some educators due to the lack of equipment for the production of modules and connectivity tools for online classes. 

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), the wireless arm of the country’s largest integrated telco PLDT, launched various efforts to respond to educators’ needs. One of them is the Study Smart Program, which aims to provide technology and digital solutions, including printers, photocopiers, laptops, WiFi devices, Free WiFi, and SIM cards, to schools all over the country. 

In Region 10, Smart has supported 21 schools, colleges, and universities from Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Cagayan de Oro City, Bukidnon, Iligan City, Camiguin Island, and Ozamiz City. 

One beneficiary, Tagoloan Community College (TCC), received a photocopier, paper and toners to help in the printing of modules. Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School also received free WiFi devices for deserving teachers. 

Smart also introduced Infocast, an SMS-based broadcast system, to augment the schools’ information campaign efforts amid the health crisis. The service has helped 13 schools in the region to receive advisories, announcements, and send inquiries, via SMS, for free. 

Dr. Susan S. Olana, Bukidnon National High School Secondary School Principal IV, expressed her gratitude to Smart. “We thank Smart for being our strong partner. The equipment they provided to the school will have a huge impact in the delivery of instruction, especially in these challenging times,” she said. 

Schools like the Iligan Medical Center College also acquired Smart Bro Pocket WiFi devices at discounted prices to help their teachers connect to the Smart’s LTE network. 

“It is important for schools to be equipped with necessary tools as they continue the new normal of education. Smart offers technology solutions that will truly help teachers and students, especially in their online classes where connectivity is crucial,” said Ma. Santina Calipayan, Smart Community Relationship Specialist. 

“We are happy that we are able to help a lot of schools in Region 10. We thank them for choosing and trusting Smart,” she added. 

Study Smart Program has been made possible through the help of Smart’s regional and provincial distributors, Elvir’s Blue Sky Telecom, Ilicomm, and Metroshoppers Inc. Other beneficiary schools under the program include PHINMA Cagayan de Oro College, Liceo de Cagayan University, Bukidnon State University, Ozamiz City National High School, Misamis Occidental National High School, Valencia National High School, among others. 

Study Smart is part of a broader program of PLDT and Smart to highlight the application of ICT for development, in support of the Group-wide advocacy to promote digital inclusion. These initiatives also aim to contribute to the achievement of UN Sustainability Development Goal #4 of providing quality education.

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Globe sees 4G LTE as new PH Standard for Mobile Internet

As part of the national plan in shaping a new normal for the Philippines, the country is ramping up the shift into a new, digital economy. Technological enhancements to further boost the digital economy can help facilitate continuity of businesses and enhance productivity, especially as the country aims to thrive in the new normal. At a time when the majority of the population’s interactions are online, better connectivity is a necessity. Internet usage has increased exponentially as well over the first half of 2020, following the effects of COVID-19. 

Aligning with the national plan to boost digital inclusivity and fulfill its commitment to serve its customers, Globe has been focusing on upgrading its network infrastructure and expanding its reach through new site builds. Globe sees 4G LTE as the new Philippine standard for mobile internet, emphasizing that customers deserve higher speed and better connectivity. With the ongoing network upgrades, the telco’s capacity using advanced wireless networks 4G LTE and 5G will enable its customers to enjoy a better data experience. 

"Internet services have become a critical need for many Filipinos. With the evolution of mobile technologies, it is high time for our country to have 4G/LTE everywhere as the basic mobile internet technology used by everyone. And for the most demanding mobile uses, 5G is here and now, too. Both 4G and 5G were designed for the internet, with 5G designed specifically for new uses such as video streaming, mobile gaming, and even IoT. That is why we call on all customers who still use 3G for mobile data to make the 4G/5G change -- SIMs and handsets -- and see the difference,’ adds Gil Genio, Globe’s Chief Technology and Information Officer. 

With the call from the national government to improve internet services, Globe laid out a 3-pronged strategy to improve data experience which includes aggressive cell site builds; upgrading its cell sites to 4G LTE using many different frequencies; and fast-tracking the fiberization of Filipino homes nationwide. 

Network builds, upgrades and optimization efforts are currently underway and will continue until the end of 2021. 

Globe has been aligning its initiatives in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 9 which highlights the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development. Globe is committed to upholding the 10 United Nations Global Compact principles and 10 UN SDGs. 

 For more information, visit www.globe.com.ph.

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Five Mother’s Day gifts you can easily get online even while you're staying at home

Mother’s Day is coming up this weekend, and while we're all on stay-at-home quarantine mode, it’s still more than possible to make your mom feel special on the day of the year that’s just for her!

With many businesses now opening online stores with delivery and cashless payments options, finding a good gift for your mom should be a breeze.

Here are some hassle-free gift ideas:

1. For the movie junkie mom If your mom loves movies, why not give her access to all her favorite films and series with a Netflix subscription? You can even set up a movie night for the entire family complete with your go-to snacks. Subscribing to Netflix with your PayMaya virtual or physical card is easy. Buying snacks online at supermarkets like Landers and Super8 is also convenient, now that you can pay by simply keying in the mobile number linked to your PayMaya account. You can even score up to 100% Balik Bayad for your purchases!

2. For the mom who’s the senti type If you’re feeling a little crafty, you can also create a scrapbook for your mom. Compile photos of your favorite moments together as well as little memorabilia like theme park tickets, and use materials that are readily available at home. Include heartfelt letters from the entire family and get ready for some happy tears from your senti mom. If you don’t have art materials available, you can easily order them via National Bookstore at Lazada and pay with your PayMaya account.

3. For the foodie mom What better way to spend a Mother’s Day than with the people she loves most? Plan a nice and warm Sunday meal with the whole family at home, and take the pressure off her hands by having her favorite food delivered. What’s even better is you can order food online at a PayMaya partner restaurant like McDonald's, Goldilocks, Army Navy, Shakey's, Red Ribbon, Chowking, Burger King, Domino's Pizza, Sariwon Korean Barbecue, Soban K-Town Grill, and Sibyullee Unlimited Korean BBQ, and pay using your phone number for up to 100% Balik Bayad!

4. For the mom who’s practical One great way to show your love for your mom who keeps the house together is by helping out with the household expenses. Take care of groceries by ordering online, and settle her bills for her, all with the help of your PayMaya. You can even get P100 Balik Bayad when you pay a PLDT bill worth at least P1,000 this month, as well as P50 Balik Bayad for Smart and Sun postpaid bills.

5. For the extroverted mom Does your mom miss all her friends and relatives? How about setting up one big video call with the whole family to greet her and her fellow moms a happy Mother’s Day? You can make sure you stay connected by buying data packages for your and the rest of her friends at discounted rates through the PayMaya app!

This Mother's Day, let PayMaya’s help you show just how much you love your mom at the safety and comfort of your own home. If you don’t have your own PayMaya account yet, it’s easy to sign up in time for Mother’s Day!

Just download the PayMaya app for Android or iOS, register your own account, and start shopping with the fastest, safest, most rewarding, and hassle-free way to pay for anything both online and in-stores! Better yet, teach your mom how to set up her own PayMaya account by checking out paymaya.com/quick-guide.

For more details on the awesome PayMaya promos you can enjoy, check out paymaya.com/deals. Don’t forget to follow @PayMayaOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more news and updates!

PayMaya is the only end-to-end digital payments ecosystem enabler in the Philippines with platforms and services that cuts across consumers, merchants, and government. Aside from providing the payments acceptance for the largest e-Commerce, food, retail and gas merchants in the Philippines, PayMaya is enabling national and social services agencies as well as local government units with digital payments and disbursement services. Through its PayMaya app and wallet, it is providing millions of Filipinos with the fastest way to own a financial account with over 40,000 Add Money touchpoints nationwide, more than double the total number of traditional bank branches in the Philippines combined.

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