Several local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila will be using GCash, the undisputed number one mobile wallet application in the Philippines, to distribute the latest round of financial assistance or ayuda, as the metropolis goes through a two-week enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
The City Government of Makati will use GCash to distribute digital ayuda among its Makatizens in the next coming days. Mayor Abby Binay mentioned in news reports that they are taking these steps to ensure the effectiveness of ECQ implementation in their area and encourage Makati residents to stay home.
The Muntinlupa City government likewise announced on its Facebook page, “for the expected distribution of ayuda for affected Muntinlupa residents under ECQ, the local government will use GCash. The city government decided to hold an online distribution to ensure the safety of everyone against COVID-19.”
GCash is likewise talking to other cities in the National Capital Region to help in the distribution of ayuda to their most vulnerable residents including Caloocan, Mandaluyong, Pasay and Navotas.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, GCash offered both the local and national government its fast, safe, secure and efficient disbursement platform to deliver financial benefits and services to people in need, while minimizing physical contact to prevent the spread of the deadly disease.
“During these challenging times, we continue to support the government with financial technology solutions to help mitigate the negative effects of this pandemic. Through these efforts, we also strive to achieve financial inclusion for all Filipinos,” said Martha Sazon, GCash President and Chief Executive Officer.
At the height of the pandemic in 2020, GCash also partnered with the Department of Social Welfare Development to implement a safer and cashless Social Amelioration Program. GCash was able to distribute more than P16 billion to at least two million Filipinos, saving the government about 952 days and around P52 million.
GCash’s efforts to bring the benefits of digital financial services and products to the unbanked were also recognized recently by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). At this year’s Stakeholders Appreciation Ceremony, BSP named GCash as an “Outstanding Partner” for its innovative financial solutions to grant financial access to all Filipinos, especially the unbanked and underbanked segments.
To help mobilize the economy, GCash partnered with businesses and rolled out GCash QR on Demand. On the app, users can use the QR Code instead of their mobile number to send or receive money.
Additionally, GCash has ongoing programs to support the country’s micro, small and medium enterprises, the backbone of the Philippine economy. Over 2.5 million merchants, including market vendors, have adopted the app that can connect them to over 44 million GCash registered users, some 40 percent of the Philippine population.
“GCash is one with the nation in pursuing a more efficient solution to address the logistical challenges of financial distribution under the newly-announced ECQ. Through the financial technology of GCash, Filipinos no longer need to endure the challenges of physical cash distribution under the pandemic,” added Chito Maniago, VP for Corporate Communications of GCash. “We are asking qualified ECQ ayuda recipients to coordinate with their respective LGUs to learn more details about the distribution”, Maniago adds.
With its numerous programs and initiatives to promote digital transformation among Filipinos during the pandemic, the e-wallet app has grown its user base to 44 million, more than doubling the 20 million users in January 2020.
For more information, visit www.gcash.com.