Pasig City, GCash bring access to faster aid to over 30,000 Pasig City scholars, cashless payments for mega market vendors and residents

 

Pasig City mayor Vico Sotto and GCash vice president and general manager for business Paul Vincent Albano (5th and 4th from left) with (L-R) GCash account manager Rose Ann Danting; vice president and head of public sector Cleo Celeste Santos; chief operations officer and B2C general manager Barbara Dawn Dapul; Pasig City councilors Simon Tantoco and Ryan Enriquez; and administrator Atty. Jeronimo Manzanero

Pasig City continues to innovate in public service, finding new ways to better serve its citizens. To enhance efficiency and speed, the City Government has partnered with GCash, the Philippines’ leading finance superapp, to digitize financial assistance and market fee collection citywide.

This partnership paves the way for beneficiaries, including over 30,000 scholars, to receive aid safely and hassle-free through GCash-linked Visa cards, alongside other beneficiaries such as senior citizens, solo parents, and persons with disabilities (PWDs). This system will eliminate long lines, ensure faster and more secure delivery, and empower Pasig City residents to manage their finances. 

In his message, Mayor Vico shared that this partnership is a “triple win” for the Pasig City Government, GCash, and most importantly—for Pasigueños. “Ito naman po ay primarily gagamitin para sa social services at poverty alleviation programs. Kasi marami pong posibleng paggamitan ng GCash. Ito ay para maging cashless na, mas maikli ang pila, para sa iba’t ibang programa,” Pasig City Mayor Sotto said. 

Sa totoo, sa dami (ng mga programa), talagang ang hirap ng disbursement. Talagang napaka importante ng ganitong partnership para sa amin. Hopefully, everything runs smoothly and works out, and we’ll be able to use GCash more with your help,” Pasig City Mayor Sotto added.

Beyond aid distribution, the initiative also introduces cashless payments for vendors at the Mutya ng Pasig Mega Market, who will soon be able to pay rental fees using GCash Scan to Pay. By shifting away from manual cash collection, the city reduces the need for time-consuming verification and reconciliation, allowing smoother and more efficient daily operations.

With digital disbursement and payment systems in place, Pasig City strengthens transparency and accountability in handling public funds while reducing administrative burden on local government personnel. The streamlined process minimizes errors, accelerates transactions, and ensures that both residents and small business owners experience more seamless interactions with city services.

The partnership also supports broader financial inclusion by giving beneficiaries access to essential digital financial tools. Through GCash, users can manage their funds, pay bills, and complete everyday transactions, or withdraw through accessible cash-out channels nationwide, helping them stay financially empowered.

As more Filipinos embrace digital financial solutions, GCash continues to support more responsive and inclusive local governance, leveraging technology to help ensure support reaches communities faster, services become more accessible, and everyday transactions are made simpler for every Pasigueño.

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

The Fire Horse Year Is Full of Surprises: How Pinoys Build Everyday Financial Safety Nets

The Year of the Fire Horse in 2026 is predicted to be a year full of energy, fast changes, and surprises that can come out of nowhere. In Chinese astrology, they call it a “high-speed” year: good luck can come fast, but problems can hit just as quickly. It’s a time to take bold steps, not just sitting and waiting—but caution is still needed to avoid reckless spending.

For many Filipinos, money is often the biggest challenge. One week, the budget is fine. Next, there’s a sudden home repair, extra capital needed for a small business, or a renovation that can’t wait. In a Fire Horse year, the risk isn’t just moving fast—it’s moving without a backup plan.

That’s why more working Pinoys are choosing to be bold and prepared. 

So, instead of waiting for emergencies to derail their plans, breadwinners, small business owners, and young families are building practical financial buffers that match the pace of their lives. 

For many, that means using GLoan on GCash—a fast, accessible solution that keeps up with a high-speed year, now with FREE health and loan insurance through GLoan Protect automatically included with every approved loan. Because in a Fire Horse year, bold moves win—but smart protection keeps you in the race. 

Here’s a closer look at how real breadwinners navigate these everyday surprises:

Unexpected home repairs

“Biglang tumulo yung bubong namin sa kwarto ng mga bata, at sakto kakabayad ko lang ng bills kaya medyo tight ang budget. Nag-apply ako ng GLoan sa GCash, at pagka-approve, pumasok agad sa wallet ko yung funds kaya nabayaran ko kaagad yung gagawa. Mas nakagaan na may free health at loan insurance, kasi iniisip ko lagi, ‘Paano kung ako ang magkasakit habang may binabayaran pa?’” – Dennis, 43, warehouse supervisor

When funds fall short

“Sabay-sabay ang bili ng paninda at may araw na kulang ang cash ko para sa full restock. Imbis na magbawas ng items, nag-GLoan ako para punan yung kulang, diretso sa GCash wallet ko kaya nakabayad agad sa supplier. Malaking bagay din na may free health insurance para may konting peace of mind kung sakaling magkasakit ako habang bukas ang tindahan.” – Aling Edith, 58, sari-sari store owner

Renovation costs rarely come all at once.

“Nag-renovate kami ng konti sa bahay—pintura lang sana at cabinets—pero may nakita pang problema sa wiring at kisame. Imbis na galawin yung savings, nag-GLoan muna kami para ma-cover yung unexpected costs. Flexible ang terms at may free GLoan Protect insurance kaya habang binabayaran ko, may coverage na rin kung sakaling may mangyari.” – Marco, 37, office employee

Turn Life’s Twists into Confident Choices

The Fire Horse year shows just how fast life can change. With responsible, easy-to-access loans that come with built-in insurance, households can better manage unexpected repairs, while small businesses keep money flowing even when renovation costs pile up. In a year full of surprises, being prepared is everything.

Fortunately, solutions like GLoan on GCash make it simple to stay prepared. Eligible users can borrow up to ₱150,000 instantly, with flexible repayment terms, and every approved loan comes with FREE health insurance through GLoan Protect—no extra requirements or cost. Avail of a loan for a minimum of ₱500 through GLoan, and the insurance is automatically included, giving you peace of mind while managing life’s surprises.

Getting started is easy. Apply for a minimum loan of ₱500 through the GCash app, and the insurance is automatically included. Here’s how:

1. Open the GCash app and tap on "Borrow", then select "GLoan".

2. Enter your desired loan amount.

3. On the installment plan, you'll see that your loan comes with free GLoan Protect insurance. 

4. Tick the box to agree to the terms and conditions.

5. Once approved and disbursed, your loan will be sent to your GCash wallet, and your insurance policy will appear in your “My GInsure” page within the next 24 hours. 

Insurance coverage starts immediately upon loan approval and remains active until the end of your loan period, even if you pay early.

To qualify for GLoan Protect, you must be:

1. 21-65 years old, a Filipino citizen, a fully-verified GCash user

2. Your GLoan must have:

1. A minimum loan amount of PHP 500

2. A minimum loan tenor of 1 month, and has been approved and disbursed 

DON’T MISS OUT—apply now to enjoy a free insurance benefit with every approved GLoan, available only until March 31, 2026.

In a year full of energy, movement, and unexpected twists—just like the Fire Horse promises—being prepared isn’t about expecting the worst. It’s about building a safety net that fits your life, one smart move at a time.

To learn more, visit the MyGInsure portal on the GInsure dashboard in the GCash app, or check out the GLoan article on the GCash Help Center. You can also go to new.gcash.com for more details.

Access GLoan through your GCash dashboard or find it under “Borrow.” No GCash yet? Download the GCash App on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery. 

GCash launches in-app beginner's guide to introduce crypto to everyday Filipinos

Interest in cryptocurrency continues to grow among Filipinos, with 96% showing awareness and over half expressing intent to invest within the year, according to a 2025 Consensys survey. Despite this high curiosity, many remain cautious and unsure where to begin.

To help everyday Filipinos take their first confident step into the world of crypto, finance super app GCash launches “A Beginner’s Guide to Cryptocurrency”, a free and exclusive in-app introduction to cryptocurrency, written and illustrated by Luis Buenaventura, Head of GCrypto. Buenaventura, a Filipino crypto author, artist, and entrepreneur, is widely recognized as a pioneer in the local and global crypto scene. 

The Filipino-focused, narrative-style guide breaks down complex concepts like Bitcoin, wallets, and volatility through familiar and practical examples like inflation and daily budgeting, making the topic more approachable for crypto newbies. 

“Storytelling makes learning personal and relatable. By grounding financial concepts into everyday examples, we aim to make complex topics like crypto approachable for anyone,” said Buenaventura.

Crypto: From Making Sense to Making Moves

Divided into eight chapters, the guide takes users through the fundamentals of crypto in a practical, easy-to-follow format that reflects the real financial experiences of Filipinos. It starts with why cryptocurrency was developed–tracing its roots to real-world economic challenges, particularly inflation and its impact on people’s savings and purchasing power. From there, it walks readers through Bitcoin's rise and volatility. 

“Understanding why crypto matters is the first step to learning how to use it wisely,” Buenaventura noted. “By helping them understand the balance of ‘high risk, high reward,’ we aim to set realistic expectations before they dive into actual investing.”

Once readers have a grasp of cryptocurrency, the book guides them towards taking their first careful step into investing. It emphasizes the importance of building traditional savings, maintaining diversified investments, and treating crypto as a complement—not a replacement—to other financial foundations.

The succeeding chapters explore the tools and mindsets needed to invest responsibly. It explains wallet apps, satoshis, and trading basics, and introduces other cryptocurrencies beyond Bitcoin, such as Ethereum, Solana, stablecoins, and high-volatility memecoins. 

It also dives into the mindset behind investing, tackling topics like moments of doubt, the importance of discipline, and the value of long-term thinking. Ultimately, it brings the conversation back to purpose—that crypto should serve real-life goals, helping Filipinos fund dreams, support their families, and celebrate financial progress responsibly.

“Our goal is to educate Filipinos on the responsible use of cryptocurrency, enabling them to take confident, informed steps into the future of finance,” Buenaventura added.

Crypto na Gets Mo

Accessible with just a few taps, “A Beginner’s Guide to Cryptocurrency” is now available through GCrypto, a secure marketplace within the GCash app where users can buy, sell, and learn about crypto safely. 

“By publishing the book directly on the GCrypto platform, users can learn and explore at their own pace within a secure environment. This helps Filipinos build confidence and make informed decisions as they navigate the world of crypto,” said Buenaventura. 

With streamlined registration, low minimum investment options, and a curated selection of reputable coins reviewed by security experts, GCrypto aims to make cryptocurrency more accessible and less intimidating for Filipino users.

Users can register and begin trading with just their fully verified GCash account, with no separate onboarding required. With investment entry points starting at just ₱200, GCrypto lowers the barrier for participation in the digital economy. 

The platform also offers a carefully curated portfolio of trusted cryptocurrencies, helping users make informed choices among reputable coins vetted for security and reliability. It also supports seamless conversion between pesos and crypto, as well as blockchain transactions for sending and receiving funds, all within the GCash app.

Users can access the book by opening the GCash app, tapping ‘Grow,’ and selecting GCrypto.

Ready to take your first step into crypto? Download the GCash App on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery. Kaya mo, i-GCash mo!

Love may be blind, but trust shouldn’t be: GCash strengthens consumer protection efforts against love scams

 

GCash reminds users to watch out for warning signs of love scams

GCash continues to step up its security systems and awareness campaigns as part of its thrust in consumer protection. The initiative aligns with advisories from the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG).

Authorities say love scams remain one of the most common online fraud schemes, where criminals build and take advantage of emotional connections before asking for money. Recent data from the CICC show 123 love scam complaints in 2025, with 18 cases recorded in January 2026 alone. Cases usually increase during the love month as scammers become more active.

Common signs of romance/love scams

Government advisories highlight several warning signs:

• Sudden requests for money under the guise of emergencies, travel, or medical needs

• Refusal to meet in person or join live video calls

• Profiles with overly polished or unrealistic photos

• Persistent pressure to send money or invest in unfamiliar platforms

Authorities remind the public to be extra vigilant, verify identities, and avoid sending money to people they have only met online. 

Investing in prevention and user protection

To help stop scams before they happen, GCash continues to invest in technology, partnerships, and user education. The company works closely with the DICT, CICC, PNP-ACG, and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to support investigations and public awareness efforts.

On the platform, GCash maintains several layers of protection, including:

• Verified user identities through strict KYC processes

• Real-time fraud monitoring

• Account security features such as PINs, OTPs, and device checks

• Confirmation prompts when sending money to a new contact or recipient

• In-app advisories on common scam tactics

Users can also report suspicious activity through the app’s Help Center or official customer support channels.

“Love scams often rely on emotional manipulation rather than technical attacks,” said Miguel Geronilla, Chief Information Security Officer at Mynt, parent company of GCash. “We continue to strengthen our security systems and work closely with government agencies, but users should always verify before sending money to someone they only know online,” he added. 

Government advisories also note that senior citizens are among the most targeted groups, making awareness and platform safeguards even more important.

Through continued investments in security, partnerships, and public education, GCash aims to create a safer digital financial experience for Filipinos, making cybersecurity a top priority for GCash, our partners, and regulators.

For more information, visit www.gcash.com.

GCash MRT-3 Payment: Skip Top-Up Hassles and Ride Cashless in the Philippines

 Days move fast. For daily commuters, they are a constant juggle—beating the rush, staying on schedule, and making sure you get from home to work as quickly as possible.

Which is why nothing spikes commuter stress like realizing you’re low on balance—right when you’re already in line, already late, and already surrounded by equally rushed strangers. 

Suddenly, it’s a scramble: searching for a top-up station, queuing behind others, or dealing with reloading machines that seem to break only during peak hours or even the ticket booths where card top-up lines merge with single-journey ticket purchases. In the middle of rush hour, these small hiccups turn into full-blown setbacks, proving that top-up problems don’t just delay your commute—they derail your entire day.

One Less Thing to Worry About—Thanks to GCash 

Somewhere between the morning rush and the daily routine, you discover GCash—and finally, no more second-guessing your balance while the line grows longer behind you, checking your balance in a stored value card reader, or lining up again to reload at the ticket booth or machine. 

With GCash, your phone or GCash Visa Card is your train ticket!

And even on days when you do need to cash in, it’s easy–You can CASH IN FOR FREE at GCash cash in machines, available across all MRT-3 stations, or transfer funds online from your bank accounts. Topping up can fit seamlessly into your commute instead of disrupting it. With FREE WI-FI AT THE MRT also available, you can complete transactions on the spot—no data, no detours, just a smoother commute from start to finish.

With GCash, you can ride the MRT-3 in hassle-free ways: 

Tap to Pay using your phone

Using an NFC-enabled Android phone? Great news! Your device is now your ticket for a seamless entry and exit pass.

To get started, GCash Tap to Pay is a quick, one-time activation:

1. Simply tap Settings on your mobile phone.

2. Turn on the NFC feature.

3. Login to your GCash app.

4. Select Tap to Pay and agree to the Terms & Conditions.

Once activated, paying for your MRT-3 ride is just one tap away. Just login to your GCash app, then tap your phone on the turnstile upon entry to proceed to the platform. Upon exit, don’t forget to tap your phone again at turnstile to automatically deduct the exact fare.

Scan your GCash Commute QR 

No NFC-enabled Android phone for tapping? No worries! You can still enjoy the convenience of cashless commuting by generating a Commute QR code on your GCash app, serving as your digital ticket without the need to input any station details. 

Here's how easy it is:

1. At the start of the trip, tap Commute on the GCash app.

2. Click Generate QR. You may download the QR or take a screenshot.

3. Scan your Commute QR at the turnstile, then proceed to the train platform.

Upon exit, just scan the same QR code again, and the exact fare will be automatically deducted from your account. 

Tap your GCash Visa Card

Spotty signal, running out of battery, or simply love using a card? You can still breeze through your MRT-3 commute using your GCash Visa Card. Just like the current card ticketing system, you can simply tap your card upon entry and again upon exit. The GCash Visa Card is linked to your GCash wallet – use it directly to pay not just for MRT rides but also shopping in millions of online and offline stores and withdraw from your GCash account in any ATM for as low as P10. See the details of your GCash Visa Card payments on your app’s Transaction History.

To use this convenient payment method, order your GCash Visa Card on the app, and after it is delivered to you, make sure to link it to your GCash account:

1. Tap 'Cards' in the GCash app to order or link your GCash Visa Card.

2. To order – Select ‘Order a Card,’ then input your delivery address and pay P250. It will be delivered to you in 7-10 days.

3. To link – Select 'Link my Card,' then input the One-Time Pin (OTP) and submit.

4. Enter the last 4 digits of your card and your virtual account number found on the back, then submit.

In a world where every minute is accounted for, convenience isn’t a luxury—it’s self-care. Saving precious minutes by skipping the line at the ticket booth or machine, eliminating a bit of stress there, and keeping your headspace intact can make all the difference in how the day feels. Simple tools, like GCash, take the friction out of everyday routines, proving that small wins add up.

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With its growing daily usage, GCash has become a trusted and established payment option at MRT-3—making it a seamless part of the everyday commute. Whether you tap, scan, or use your card, you are not just skipping one extra line and saving yourself time, but also experiencing a global, innovative way to pay with GCash!

Ready to power up your commute journey? Download the GCash App on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery.

GCash lending arm Fuse advances AI use to strengthen responsible collections practices and protect customer dignity

(L-R) Wiz.Ai chief operating officer Alex Song, Mynt (parent company of GCash) chief technology and operations officer Pebbles Sy, Wiz.Ai chief executive officer Jianfeng Lu, and Fuse Financing Inc. President and CEO Tony Isidro

Fuse Financing Inc., the lending arm of GCash, is enhancing its customer servicing as it expands its strategic partnership with artificial intelligence (AI) solutions provider Wiz.AI, automating key processes within its collections operations, particularly Quality Assurance (QA) to strengthen the audit process and overall service quality. 

Leveraging the expertise of Wiz.AI, voice AI will review and assess call recordings, evaluating performance based on service quality. This integration will help ensure that human agents remain respectful and uphold the company’s commitment to fair and responsible collection practices. 

"Our partnership with Wiz.AI has already transformed how we manage high-volume collection calls, and with this renewed collaboration, we’re excited to explore new frontiers in automation. By integrating voice AI into our QA processes, we’re not only improving operational efficiency but also ensuring a more consistent and personalized customer experience,” said Tony Isidro, president and CEO of Fuse Financing Inc. 

“This innovation will also support our audit process to ensure our agents remain responsible, while helping us gain insights into how we can further enhance the way we serve our customers and continuously improve our service. We highly value our customers’ dignity and maintain zero tolerance for harassment or abusive practices,” Isidro added.

Over the past three years, the lending arm of the country’s leading finance super app, GCash, and Wiz.AI have worked together to deploy VoiceBot, an AI-powered voice automation tool that handles high-volume, routine collection calls. The solution has reduced the heavy manual workload, allowing agents to focus on more complex and high-value customer concerns that require human interaction. 

This marks a major step toward solving one of the lending industry’s biggest challenges: labor-intensive processes– while enhancing scalability,  reducing errors, and improving the overall customer experience.

Wiz.AI’s technology enables the lending arm to offload repetitive, lower-value tasks from human agents, such as making reminder calls or verifying information. This allows agents to focus on complex customer interactions that require empathy, negotiation, or deeper problem-solving—improving both productivity and service quality.

“Fuse's success in leveraging voice AI is a perfect example of how the GCash ecosystem uses smart technology to solve core friction points for financial inclusion,” said Pebbles Sy, chief technology and operations officer of Mynt, the parent company of GCash. “This partnership ensures our lending platform is scalable, trustworthy, and efficient, allowing us to safely serve millions more Filipinos.”

“This partnership is a testament to the transformative power of enterprise voice AI when applied to visionary financial ecosystems like GCash. At WIZ.AI, we’ve built our reputation as the most trusted  AI partner because we understand that leaders need more than technology—they need solutions that integrate seamlessly and scale reliably. By expanding into quality assurance, we are jointly setting a new benchmark for digital lending operations across the region,” said Jianfeng Lu, Wiz.AI chief executive officer. 

By integrating automation into both its customer service and QA functions, Fuse is directly addressing the industry’s biggest bottlenecks: limited capacity, high cost, and inconsistent quality. The result is a more scalable, accurate, and sustainable lending operation that combines digital precision with human expertise.

As Fuse Financing and Wiz.AI continue to expand their collaboration, both companies remain focused on creating a future where lending is not only faster and more efficient but also smarter, setting new standards for digital finance in the Philippines.

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