GCash launches new ‘GCash Card’ powered by Visa

The Philippines’ leading finance super app, GCash, teams up with global payments leader Visa to introduce the new GCash Card – giving millions of unbanked Filipinos access to the benefits of owning a payment card.

“GCash is giving every Filipino, whoever or wherever they are, the benefits of owning a card, especially those with no bank accounts or documents typically required to apply for a card. These include Filipinos with informal sources of incomes like freelancers and independent professionals as well as micro and small enterprises,” said Ren-Ren Reyes, president and CEO of G-Xchange, the mobile wallet operator of GCash.

 

With the new GCash Card, more Filipinos, especially those busy with the daily hustle, can have access to another cashless payment option which they can use for their everyday expenses like groceries, restaurants, and transportation. The GCash Card can be used by customers to shop securely online on their favorite websites and apps. They can also use the card in physical retail stores simply by tapping or inserting the card in terminals.

 

“The new card powered by Visa unlocks more payment options for GCash users as they can use it at over 100 million merchants in the Philippines and across the world,” noted Reyes.

 

Any fully verified user can now order their own GCash Card powered by Visa through the app, without additional documents or approvals.

 

The launch of GCash Card’s aim is “Dahil Kaya All with the Card for All”, providing Filipinos with numerous benefits similar to those enjoyed by those with bank accounts, such as quick ATM withdrawals locally and abroad.

 

Powered by Visa’s global reach, the card can also be used for payments overseas in over 200 countries and territories, at over 100 million merchants. This gives traveling GCash Card users and overseas Filipinos another secure and convenient way of paying abroad – whether it be in restaurants, hotels, retail shops, convenience stores, ride-hailing apps, and other transport services, as well as other merchants who accept Visa as payment.

 

Jeff Navarro, Visa’s Country Manager for the Philippines and Guam, said, “We are very happy to partner with GCash to provide the GCash Card to Filipinos, which paves the way to better financial inclusion. With the card’s contactless capability, it enables Filipino shoppers, especially those who don’t usually pay with cards, to shop conveniently and securely, joining millions around the world who have been tapping to shop, dine, and travel.”

 

Users who have availed of the GCash Card will also have access to GInsure, where they can get free insurance of up to P20,000 coverage for unauthorized transactions for the first 30 days after activation. This also includes the P185 price for card replacement in the event of accidental loss or damage to the card, as well as the shipping fee of up to P225.

 

To order, users can open their GCash app, go to ”View all”, and find the “Manage” section. Click on “Cards” and tap “Order a GCash Card”. To know more, visit GCash at https://www.gcash.com.

 

Mynt to acquire ECPay to serve MSMEs better, boost bills payment business

(L-R) Jasmin Montelibano, President and CEO of ECPay, Martha Sazon, President and CEO of Mynt, Issa Cebreira, Chief Commercial Officer of Globe Group, and Jude Aguilar, President, Payment One, Inc.

Mynt, the holding company of the Philippines’ number one finance super app, GCash, has entered into an agreement with Globe Telecom Inc. and Payment One, Inc. to acquire a 100% stake in Electronic Commerce Payments, Inc. (ECPay), for P3.0 billion.

Mynt believes its acquisition of ECPay will strengthen its position as a partner for growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME). This also allows Mynt to create a more comprehensive suite of solutions that can help drive financial progress for MSMEs.

“Mynt, through its fintech subsidiaries, has already built the largest digital ecosystem for our users which extends all the way to the grassroots level. ECPay is a big boost to our financial inclusion journey as we find synergies with their 570 Biller and Portfolio partners, 490,000+ over-the-counter channels, and 3000+ digital touchpoint channels,” said Mynt President and CEO Martha Sazon.

To date, GCash’s merchant and social seller base is around 6 million. Cash-in and cash-out outlets are at 732,000, and small-scale community outlets are at 935,000.

Incorporated in 2001, ECPay is a leading electronic payment service provider in the Philippines. It was acquired by Globe in 2019 to enhance its distribution network. ECPay enables merchant partners to process bills payments, electronic prepaid mobile phone top-ups, electronic pins, e-wallet & cash card reloading, airline ticket payments, online shopping payments, and credit card payments in their various over-the-counter and digital partners.

Upon closing of the transaction, Mynt will drive synergy by combining the best practices and capabilities of both GCash and ECPay. ECPay will, in turn, benefit from GCash’s rich experience and extensive network, enabling it to extend its market reach and explore new growth avenues.

The transaction, subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to close in the first quarter of 2024.

PNP, GCash nab online seller for sextortion

The Philippine National Police (PNP), in close coordination with GCash, has recently arrested a suspect who was using his online selling business to gain access to a victim’s private photos or videos for ‘sextortion’, an act of extorting money by threatening to expose sensitive materials.

The PNP has identified the suspect, an online seller from Victoria Homes, Brgy. Tunasan, Muntinlupa, who used a social media account using an alias, to threaten the victim that he would circulate her sensitive videos unless she paid him P10,000. He also managed to infiltrate the social media account of the victim’s father-in-law, to whom he sent the same threatening messages.

Unfortunately for the suspect, the victim’s husband is a police officer who immediately coordinated with his fellow law enforcers and GCash to track him down by luring him into receiving his money via e-wallet which led to his arrest.

With millions of users and the end goal of financial inclusion, Gcash prioritizes the online safety of its users. While the country’s No. 1 finance super app continues to cooperate with law enforcement authorities against scammers and fraudsters, it also promotes public awareness of these cybercriminal activities so that users know how to avoid them. GCash is in close coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC).

GCash is also urging its users to be extra vigilant of online scammers and fraudsters. When making transactions on the app, users are reminded never to disclose their MPIN or OTP. With the rise in phishing incidents, users are strongly advised never to click links, especially from unknown senders.

For help and assistance, contact the PNP-ACG via their hotlines at (02) 8414-1560, 0998-598-8116, or via email at acg@pnp.gov.ph

To report scams and fraudulent activities, visit the official GCash Help Center or message Gigi on the website and type, “I want to report a scam.” GCash will never send private messages to ask for personal information, especially the MPIN and One-Time Pin (OTP). Customers can also reach out to the official GCash hotline at 2882 for queries and other concerns.

Globe fetes Alex Eala for historic double bronze win in Asian Games

Globe congratulates its ambassador, tennis sensation Alex Eala, for making history for the flag anew after winning two bronze medals in the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, the country’s first podium finish in tennis in the regional tilt in 16 years. 

Eala scored a double bronze win in her Asiad debut ending the country’s nearly two-decade tennis medal drought in women's singles. She then clinched another bronze with Francis Casey Alcantara in the mixed doubles event.

Eala’s wins mark the first time the Philippines won two medals in tennis in the Asian Games since 2006, when Filipino American Cecil Mamiit won two medals in the men's singles and doubles.

“We are overwhelmed with pride over another historic feat that our ambassador, Alex Eala, has accomplished for the flag. She is the epitome of what hard work, grace and determination can achieve. At such a young age, she has rewritten the country’s sports history as she continues to achieve personal milestones,” said Ernest Cu, Globe Group President and CEO. 

A Globe ambassador since age 8, Eala has landed historic wins for the Philippines. She clinched the 2022 grand slam singles championship at the US Open Juniors, and has so far won four pro titles in the International Tennis Federation (ITF), the 2021 French Open Girls' Doubles tournament, and the Australian Open Girls’ Doubles in 2020.

Apart from these, Eala won three bronze medals in the singles, women’s team play and doubles events in her Southeast Asian Games debut last year.  

GCash supports COMELEC’s Kontra-Bigay campaign

GCash expressed its full support for the Commission on Elections’ (COMELEC) Resolution No. 10946, also known as "Kontra-Bigay", ahead of the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

Officials from the fintech company attended the campaign’s launch at the Palacio del Gobernador in Intramuros, Manila, earlier in September. The launch was also attended by distinguished representatives from lead agencies such as the Department of Justice (DOJ), Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), Public Attorney's Office (PAO), Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), Department of Education (DepEd), as well as prominent election-focused NGOs like National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL), Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), and Legal Network For Truthful Elections (LENTE).

COMELEC Resolution No. 10946 aims to combat online vote buying and selling by establishing a Kontra-Bigay Committee and expanding the existing vote-buying regulations under the Omnibus Election Code and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, as well as the other rules and regulations issued by COMELEC.

One of the most significant highlights of the newly passed resolution is its recognition of online banking transactions and the use of e-wallets as potential channels for vote buying under Section 30. During the launch, COMELEC emphasized its authority to scrutinize the financial details of account holders suspected of involvement in such illicit activities.

“GCash reiterates its unwavering commitment to cooperate fully with the COMELEC in the fight against online vote buying. The company recognizes the critical role fintech companies play in safeguarding the integrity of elections by preventing the misuse of digital financial tools for unlawful purposes,” said Martha Sazon, president and chief executive officer of GCash.

GCash believes that fostering transparency, accountability, and trust in financial transactions is paramount to ensuring fair, honest, and inclusive elections that reflect the people's will.

"We remain committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency and security in financial transactions and will actively support the COMELEC in their efforts to maintain a level playing field for all candidates and voters,” added Sazon.

As the country’s no. 1 finance super app, GCash embraces its responsibility in ensuring that not only finance but also democracy, is for all.

GForest reports 52 billion grams of carbon reduced since 2019

In celebration of International Zero Emissions Day, GForest announces that it has reduced a total of 52 billion grams of carbon through the various digital transactions done by its users on GCash. These day-to-day services include sending money, paying bills, and buying load.

Daily activities contribute to our carbon footprint which indicates the total greenhouse gas emissions related to these actions. Planting more trees aids in carbon sequestration where carbon dioxide is captured and stored, reducing its presence in the atmosphere and ultimately, minimizing climate change.

As a pioneer in the fintech industry and a committed supporter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, GCash encourages Filipinos to minimize their carbon emissions by giving incentives for digital transactions done through GForest.

GCash users earn green energy points for performing digital financial transactions in the app. The equivalent carbon reduced by going digital is converted into green energy points, which users can use to plant virtual trees. To ensure that the points given are based on actual carbon reduction, GCash tapped the expertise of China Beijing Environmental Exchange (CBEEX) to use science-based methodologies to compute these.

The virtual trees planted by users are then planted into actual trees by Gcash’s partner local and international organizations in strategic areas around the Philippines. After some time, these trees will also sequester carbon from the environment.

“Our partnerships with CBEEX and other established organizations in the Philippines for our reforestation efforts through GForest is a testament to how dedicated we are in addressing climate change. By employing sustainability practices and evaluation methods backed by science, we ensure that we are able to reach our targets,” said CJ Alegre, GCash Head of Sustainability.

Since its inception in 2019, GForest has planted 2.5 million actual trees in total, covering over 11,000 hectares across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, resulting in about 1.3 million tonnes of carbon sequestered. This has been made possible by its 14.4 million green heroes.

Globe Group's multi-awarded #MakeITSafePH campaign clinches double honors at PRCA Platinum Awards 2023

Globe Group's #MakeITSafePH anti-cyberbullying campaign has garnered two prestigious awards at the Public Relations Communications Association (PRCA) Platinum 2023 Awards Ceremony in London, besting top-tier entries from Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. 

The campaign, which aims to provide both education and support on cyberbullying, won “Best in Digital and Social Media,” and the “Purpose Award.” The PRCA Platinum Awards are renowned for celebrating the pinnacle of global public relations, as only agencies, teams, and individuals who have either won or been shortlisted in award events over the past year can enter.

 

This recognition solidifies the Globe Group's reputation as an international frontrunner in championing Tech for Good, particularly in its collaborative stand with leading health platform KonsultaMD and other partners to address the pressing issue of cyberbullying and its mental health implications.

 

"This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to create a safer digital environment. With the #MakeITSafePH campaign, we aim to bridge the gap between the digital world and real-world interventions. We believe that by empowering parents and guardians, we can foster a generation of mindful netizens and create a lasting positive impact,” said Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Communications Officer of the Globe Group.

 

The campaign uniquely brings the stark reality of online harassment to the forefront for parents and guardians to understand how it affects their children. This approach is particularly relevant in the Philippines, which holds the second-highest global ranking for children's exposure to online risks.

 

Campaign activities include the creation of the MakeITSafe.ph website, which offers resources such as a comprehensive Cyberbullying Glossary showcased via digital and physical flashcards. These flashcards were designed to educate parents about the evolving language of cyberbullying and are backed by real stories.

 

There are also free mental health consultations via KonsultaMD for affected families as well as video e-modules of Globe’s Digital Thumbprint Program included in DepEd’s K-12 curriculum to supplement learning on child online safety and responsibility. The campaign also released two impactful digital films, Parents Social Experiment and Off To School, and organized Facebook Community webinars featuring ambassadors from #TeamGlobeOfGood.

 

#MakeITSafePH raised awareness on the impact of cyberbullying with the help of social listening and user-submitted content. The results were overwhelming: over 77,000 visits to the MakeITSafe.ph website, a 315% surge in mental health consultations post-campaign, a social media reach exceeding 147 million, and more than 22.6 million engagements. 

 

The Globe Group's efforts have been amplified by close to 300 content creators and celebrities who shared their personal experiences with cyberbullying, further driving home the campaign's message.

 

The company’s success at the PRCA Platinum 2023 is a significant milestone in its journey to combat cyberbullying. As the Philippines grapples with the challenges of the digital age, initiatives such as #MakeITSafePH are crucial in ensuring a safe and inclusive online space for all.

 

The Globe Group encourages parents and guardians to initiate lessons on online safety and responsibility at home to safeguard the mental well-being of the youth. With its online safety platform, www.MakeITSafe.ph, the Globe Group empowers them to be more effective digital advocates for their children's mental health.