Globe Telecom and GCash are teaming up with the City Government of Manila to transform the lives of students in the city and at the same time introduce to them the wonders and perks of digital, cashless financial transactions.
Under the Memorandum of Agreement signed by the parties on September 18, 2019, about 1,000 students under the scholarship program of the city government will start receiving their allowances and other monetary benefits through the GCash digital app platform. Those students will be given a GCash Mastercard each, which they can conveniently use to cash out money. At the same time, the GCash card to be issued will also serve as an official identification card that will signify their status as bona fide scholars.
For its part, Globe Telecom will empower the city scholars and other students across Manila through its revolutionary GoWiFi service, which allows users to automatically connect to the Internet via public hotspots found in coffee shops, malls, restaurants, convenience stores, transport terminals and hubs, and other sites. The service ensures continuous and seamless Internet connectivity with its numerous hotspots nationwide.
Financial inclusivity
“This project with the City Government of Manila is a big, important step in bringing financial inclusivity not only to the financially underserved sectors of the society but also to the emerging generation of purely digital natives, which are today’s youth,” said Globe Chief Executive Officer Ernest Cu.
GCash Chief Executive Officer Anthony Thomas lauded the City of Government of Manila as well for supporting digital innovations and teaming up with them to bring the benefits of a fully digital lifestyle closer to more Filipinos. “With GCash becoming part and parcel of the lives of thousands of students in Manila, they can finally enjoy ease and freedom in daily tasks such as buying snacks, paying for school supplies, topping up their load or even sending money to friends and family,” he said.
First step in financial journey
Thomas also pointed out that GCash is helping the youth start on a journey toward financial literacy and empowerment. He cited the app’s features like GSave or Save Money that allows users to make digital savings without dealing with the usual hassles of opening a bank account. GCash also facilitates investments and bills payments—important tasks and responsibilities that young people should learn how to manage.
Manila City Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso thanked Globe Telecom and GCash for the partnership. “I remember years ago, Globe used to congratulate our city scholars for passing board exams or graduating. Now they are here to further support them,” he said.