MANILA, Philippines, December 20, 2024 — GCash, the Philippines’ leading finance super app and largest cashless ecosystem, celebrated public sectors and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Mindanao for driving change to promote financial accessibility and equity.
Through the 2024 GCash Digital Excellence Awards (GDEA), the fintech giant identified key categories of recognition, in which Mindanaoan communities participated, with the ultimate goal of pursuing “Finance for All.” Marking the fourth year of the annual event, GCash looked back on the year of meaningful strategic partnerships across government units, businesses, and consumers, spanning Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
“As digitalization continues to reshape the Philippine economy, local communities should be encouraged to gear up for the future by embracing innovative digital financial tools and advocating for financial inclusion,” said Cathlyn Pavia, Head of Strategy of GCash for Business. “As we take on this mission, we at GCash are grateful for the opportunity to broaden our reach and collaborate with pioneering communities such as those in Mindanao.”
Key to this mission and a major highlight at the GCash Digital Excellence Awards is the DigiCities Program, designed to create synergies across local government units (LGUs), businesses, and communities, and empower them with the tools and resources to bring digital payment innovations to their localities. Currently, four cities in Mindanao (Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Kidapawan, and General Santos) operate as DigiCities, working to promote a widespread shift to online payments and other financial transactions.
The 2024 GDEA also honored other model communities for their digitalization efforts. In the awards ceremony, GCash granted the Digital Breakthrough Growth Award to Cotabato City for successfully setting up the necessary infrastructure that allowed its constituents to embrace the shift to digital processes. As a blueprint city, it was the first in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to launch the Paleng-QR Ph Plus Program, ultimately accelerating the use of digital financial solutions. The “plus” edition by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) goes beyond servicing public markets and local transportation, making cashless transactions possible at various other business establishments in the region.
“When we introduced programs like Paleng-QR Ph Plus and integrated cashless payment systems through GCash, we aimed to bring convenience and accessibility closer to the people,” said Cotabato Mayor Mohammad Ali “Bruce” Matabalao. “Digital payments have made transactions easier, safer, and more transparent for our vendors, business owners, and residents.”
Meanwhile, the Palengke Excellence in Digital Transformation Award was given to Cagayan de Oro’s Carmen Public Market for showing tremendous success in encouraging the adoption of digital transactions among vendors and customers. Furthermore, GCash lauded the establishment’s financial literacy and awareness efforts that have strengthened vendor trust and confidence in the digitalization program.
At the 2024 GDEA, MSMEs were also celebrated through the GCash for Business Biz Awards category. This year’s Rising Biz Award, an accolade granted to the year’s top “GCash for Business” merchant, went to General Santos-based coffee shop Nikko’s Brew. The awarding body acknowledged the efforts of the budding business to cultivate its community of followers while driving business growth using GCash-powered services.
GCash concluded the 2024 edition of GDEA with a renewed commitment to building a meaningful digital ecosystem, where the Mindanao region serves as a key player in creating a financially inclusive Philippines. “From urban centers to rural towns, Mindanaoan communities are succeeding in making digital financial services part of their day-to-day,” observed Pavia. “As our advocates in Mindanao continue to grow in number, we know we are moving closer toward building a transformative digital nation.”
