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GCash highlights new features and latest partnership with Meridian allowing transfers from over 12,000 US banks to GCash accounts

GCash, the Philippines’ leading finance app and largest cashless ecosystem, took part in Independence Day commemorations in New York City, hosted by the Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI), a non-profit umbrella organization of Filipino-American associations along the East Coast. The PIDCI’s Independence Day Parade, the biggest Independence Day Parade outside of the Philippines and now on its 34th year, is an annual celebration of Filipino culture, the strengthening of familial and community ties, and a joyful display of Filipino pride.

At the event, Paul Albano, General Manager of GCash International, shared important new features that make digital financial services better for Filipinos living outside of the Philippines. GCash has made strides in its international expansion, with its app now available for download in the US using a US mobile phone number, and cashing in and sending money is easier from over 12,000 US banks to GCash accounts.

“At GCash, when we say that ‘Finance for All’ is our vision, it means we are driven to go beyond the Philippines and reach as many Filipinos as we can around the globe,” said Albano. “We are honored to join our community in this distinctly Filipino celebration, and we’re eager to share all the ways GCash has been continuously innovating and enhancing our services to meet the needs of our kababayan overseas.”

The celebration of heritage and intergenerational community was held through a full-day cultural festival on June 2, 2024. GCash unveiled a float at its main event, an Independence Day Parade traversing Madison Avenue, that highlights GCash’s main features that help connect Filipinos all around the world, especially with their loved ones back home.

GCash booths were also set up during a parallel street fair between Madison and Park Avenues that featured trade and travel merchants. Highlighting its role as a seamless fintech solution for Filipinos overseas, the GCash booth featured partnerships with financial institutions like Meridian, thus bridging US-based fintech services and the mobile wallet that has become a staple for financial services across the Philippines.

GCash and Meridian enable transfers from US banks to GCash peso accounts

GCash’s partnership with Meridian, an instant payments technology company headquartered in New York City, has enabled the direct transfer of US-based user funds within the GCash app from a selection of 12,000 US banks to GCash accounts. Upon transfer, the service automatically converts dollar amounts into Philippine pesos, offering competitive ForEx rates and a nominal $1 fee per transaction.

Albano added, “At GCash, we want to help with the most important thing for our countrymen abroad: how they can care for their families and maintain connections with their loved ones despite the distance. With GCash’s international expansion, this is exactly what we are doing. We’re making it possible for Filipinos overseas to take better control of their finances, and sending money to the Philippines is more convenient with our competitive rates.”

GCash International expansion to reach millions of overseas Filipinos

GCash announced in March that it has expanded its international reach and fully launched its global push following approval from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Filipinos in 14 territories—the US, Canada, Italy, the UK, Australia, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Spain, Germany, and Singapore—can now use international mobile numbers to sign up and use the GCash app. Kuwait and Saudi Arabia will follow suit in the next half of 2024.

With its expansion outside of the Philippines, GCash is able to serve and empower more Filipinos, wherever they may be based. In addition to free real-time money transfers among GCash wallets for convenient access to funds and the ability to buy load for loved ones back home, GCash users abroad can now directly pay their bills—ranging from utilities and tuition fees to government payables like taxes and contributions—from more than 1,900 Philippine billers.

To access GCash outside the Philippines, simply download the GCash app on Google Play, App Store, or Huawei AppGallery with an active international SIM card. On the app, select the country, type in your mobile number, and fill out important personal information to register– residency requirements may apply. Next, set your MPIN then proceed to log in. Ready your valid ID, like your Philippine passport, for scanning to verify your account. Afterward, complete the facial verification via a selfie and provide additional information, then wait for the SMS confirmation. Upon receiving the confirmation, you may now enter your MPIN and use the app.

GCash is also expected to meet with the Filipino communities in Carson City, California and Dubai, UAE within the coming weeks to share its GCash Overseas innovations.

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In support of the United Nations’ call to restore ecosystems, Okada Manila proudly joins the global community in celebrating World Environment Day 2024, reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability with this year’s theme, “Generation Restoration.” The focus is on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience, highlighting the urgent need to revive natural spaces for a sustainable future.

Global Threat to Ecosystems

Ecosystems worldwide, including forests, drylands, farmlands, and lakes, are threatened and reaching a tipping point. This year’s World Environment Day focuses on land restoration, desertification, and building drought resilience under the slogan, “Our Land. Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration.” The current generation is the first to witness severe environmental degradation and the last with the chance to counter it and achieve global climate and biodiversity goals.

Key Environment-friendly Initiatives

In alignment with “Generation Restoration,” Okada Manila has implemented several key initiatives that underscore its dedication to environmental stewardship, categorized as follows:

Land Restoration

Tree-Planting Activities: In partnership with organizations like Nuvali, ABS-CBN Bantay Kalikasan, and the Motolite-PBSP Balik Baterya program, Okada Manila has engaged in tree-planting activities that contribute to reforestation efforts in critical areas such as the Marikina Watershed and La Mesa Dam.

Plant Propagation: The Nursery at Okada Manila propagates, stocks, and grows plants for internal and external landscapes, replacing existing plants due to damage or senescence, and serves as a recuperation area for indoor plants displayed around the property.

Marine Restoration

Coastal Cleanups: The resort organized coastal cleanups of Manila Bay in 2018 and conducted another cleanup drive in September 2023. These efforts demonstrate the resort’s ongoing commitment to the environment and the preservation of marine life.

Zero Water Waste: Okada Manila utilizes state-of-the-art sewage treatment plants and ultra-filtration system technology to achieve zero water waste discharge, ensuring that water used in operations is treated and recycled, thereby minimizing environmental impact.

Sustainable Practices and Green Spaces

The Garden: Adjacent to the Asian cuisine restaurants, The Garden features Japanese pocket gardens and a gazebo with flowering vines overlooking Manila Bay, enhancing guests’ dining and strolling experiences.

The Zen Garden: Designed for relaxation, meditation, and contemplation, The Zen Garden places special emphasis on creating harmony, tranquility, and balance with every plant and rock.

The Herb Garden: A dedicated space for growing herbs used by The Retreat Spa, located in the Secret Garden and maintained organically to avoid contamination and insects.

The Winter Garden: Featuring the Giant Fern (Angiospteris evecta), a threatened Philippine plant, adding to the forest-like atmosphere of the property.

The Tropics at Cove Manila: Creates a tropical atmosphere with lush plants, pebbles, and white sand, enhancing the overall experience for guests enjoying the indoor pool.

“At Okada Manila, we are committed to building and designing an integrated resort that balances economic, environmental, and social considerations to ensure long-term viability and positive impacts,” said Byron Yip, President and Chief Operating Officer of Okada Manila. “This means adopting environmentally friendly practices, managing resources efficiently, and reducing waste and carbon footprints to combat pollution and climate change. We have the power and the knowledge to reverse the harm and restore the environment — if we act now.”

Okada Manila invites everyone to join in celebrating World Environment Day 2024 and to participate in ongoing efforts to restore and protect the environment. Together, a significant impact can be made, paving the way for a sustainable future.

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The Philippines’ IT and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) industry has been expanding in recent years. It aims to grow its workforce to 2.5 million by 2028. This underscores the need for innovative HR strategies to ensure the acquisition and retention of quality talent.

With a firm commitment to be the trusted digitalization partner of businesses, Globe Business is ready to provide comprehensive support to IT-BPM companies. Globe’s enterprise arm aims to harness technology to optimize recruitment processes and enhance employee experience.

“We understand the critical role of HR in every organization. Our collaboration with IT-BPM companies ensures they have the right tools to recruit effectively, boost productivity, and foster a positive work environment,” said KD Dizon, Head of Globe Business.

“As your trusted partner in digitalization, we are dedicated to helping your organization thrive and succeed by uplifting employee experiences that mirror customer satisfaction,” she added.

Utilizing the diverse capabilities of Globe’s portfolio companies, Globe Business presents a comprehensive suite of HR solutions curated specifically for the unique needs of the IT-BPM industry. These offerings encompass:

• Recruitment

Give HR teams access to a powerful combination of data analytics and digital marketing prowess through Inquiro. This platform enables quick actionable insights and data-driven business decisions, allowing IT-BPM companies to find and engage with potential talent through data-driven and compelling digital campaigns.

• Interview Process

Maximize automation to enhance communication with candidates through IVES. This web-based application helps create call flows for automated individual or bulk callouts for more efficient screening, response, and scheduling of applicants.

• Hiring and Onboarding

Make recruitment management more efficient and streamline applicant tracking and onboarding using customized applications through Yondu, a top-notch Information Technology (IT)-solutions provider.

• Employee Engagement

Power up communication allowance and salary disbursements through Load Up and GCash. Load Up is a platform used to seed internet data and load credits to employees, while Gcash is widely utilized to disburse payroll, incentives, and allowances.

Reward and incentivize employees by providing exclusive digital vouchers as part of the employee engagement programs with the Spark Rewards platform. Employers can then drive talent development, upskilling, and reskilling in the workplace through Training Vouchers.

By providing access to tested technologies, Globe Business equips IT-BPM companies with essential resources to remain competitive locally and globally. These tools are crucial in fostering an efficient and engaged workforce, which is key to the industry’s ongoing success.

IT-BPM companies looking to overcome HR challenges are encouraged to explore Globe Business’ suite of digital solutions and set up a business consultation. To learn more about Globe Business’ HR Solutions, visit https://bit.ly/globeitbpm2024.

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Acumen’s consultancy services are customized and data-driven

“I am not afraid of asking tough questions.”

This is one of the guiding principles of Pauline Fermin, President & Chief Executive Officer of Acumen Strategy Consultants, which has been a trusted advisor of companies among the Philippines’ Top 100 and multinationals over the last 22 years. 

What it means, Ms. Fermin said in an online roundtable discussion, is addressing the elephant in the room when corporate leaders sit down to assess their operations and organization in order to map out a new or renewed direction.

The business evaluation and the consequent tough questions, she stressed, are always anchored on data and other observable factors.

“What we bring is objectivity… because when leaders in a company have to make a certain decision, there are a lot of biases, perhaps history, paradigms that they have that stop them from really stepping back and thinking about what the right long term plan is for them,” said Ms. Fermin, who also heads Acumen’s Corporate Strategy Practice.

Having clear goals and a strategic plan to achieve those targets have become more crucial now than ever as industries and businesses — whether big, medium or small — are constantly challenged by a variety of disruptions, both good and bad, such as technological innovations, regulatory changes, geopolitical developments, and even natural threats like the global climate crisis. 

Tom Valderrama, Client Director at Acumen, recalls how he dished out the “candid truth” to the CEO of one of Acumen’s largest clients regarding what he saw as likely problems in putting the firm’s strategic plan into action. 

“So I brought it up to the CEO and I just said, ‘Our teams worked well together to deliver a solid strategic plan, but we’ve uncovered significant operational gaps during the process that need to be addressed.” said Mr. Valderrama who, before joining Acumen, worked in the telecommunications industry in the Philippines and abroad for two decades, with the last 12 years in various C-level executive positions.

He said a more common consulting engagement would have simply ended with drawing up the company’s strategic plan. But he took it further — a demonstration of Acumen’s commitment to delivering relevant, value-adding, and actionable plans. 

TAILORED 

Acumen Vice-President Tonton Mapa said their consultancy process starts with gaining a deep understanding of the client’s business needs, followed by tailored strategies that address those specific requirements.

“It’s very customized for the client, starting with what their business needs are,” said Mr. Mapa, who leads the Capability Building Practice, which involves training programs under Acumen’s Business Insights Academy™ and Marketing Leaders’ Academy™. 

Benjie Jimenez, Program Director for Business Analysis, said Acumen’s process and outputs are always operative, measurable, and firmly rooted in data.

“We have a framework where we customize and connect all of the metrics that our client monitors,” Mr. Jimenez said.

This framework and the data-driven insights that come out from the evaluation process provides Acumen’s client companies a clear and solid foundation for making crucial business choices.

“We filter what the client really needs to look at – the critical drivers or success factors – that they must assess and consider before making decisions,” Ms. Fermin said, noting how easily businesses can get carried away by what’s trendy in the market and new developments in their industry. 

She narrates how a previous client, one that was a market leader in its product category, enthusiastically expanded their line to a point of having thousands of brands and SKUs (stock keeping unit), many of which later ended up unsold.

“Without the discipline of zeroing in on who you truly are, what your business model is, what your strategies are, it’s so easy to get swayed by all of the latest and greatest that’s happening globally,” she said.

Mr. Valderrama, going back to the telecommunications sector as another example, noted how Acumen’s planning frameworks and methodologies help simplify and provide clarity to players in an industry driven by swift technological evolutions. 

“Particularly in industries with that type of rapid change from 2G to 3G to 4G to 5G, it’s really important to be grounded in fundamentals… it all goes back to fundamentals like what is the value proposition of each technology and how does it support the unique selling proposition of your business?” he said.

COLLABORATION

Acumen’s approach also involves close collaboration with clients.  

Acumen respects the expertise of their clients, said Zinnia Rivera, another Client Director who was president of a multinational company’s Philippine operations as well as a subsidiary of one of the biggest local restaurant conglomerates prior to joining Acumen.

“We don’t impose anything on them, and we don’t want to act as if we know more than them,” Ms. Rivera said. “Being the best in their field is their role. Ours is to make them think about their situations better through the frameworks, processes and tools that we bring in.” 

This emphasis on meeting clients on an equal level is key to that collaboration.

Barbara Young, Vice-President for the Commercial Strategy Practice, said they make sure that clients never feel that the Acumen consulting team thinks they are more knowledgeable on everything.

“We want to meet them at their pain points, and we want to rise up together with them,” Ms. Young said. 

Acumen’s president also emphasized that they take great pride in having a 100% Filipino team of consultants and affiliates who bring with them years of experience in the local, regional and global corporate sectors.

“Many of our senior consultants have that balance of multinational and local experience,” Ms. Fermin said. 

Ms. Rivera added that what they bring to the table is “that general management mindset… a good understanding of the business side and the people side, how to build a business and at the same time, how to build your organization because at the end of the day it’s always these two dancing together.”

Building local capabilities using global standards

When Acumen Strategy Consultants deliver a training program under their Capability Building Practice, they do not simply pull out modules from the shelf then conduct the lectures and exercises to a corporate audience they barely know.

“It starts with what the business needs,” said Acumen Vice President Tonton Mapa, who heads the practice. “Each client will have its own unique situation, it’s not one size fits all.” 

The Capability Building Practice, carried out through Acumen’s Business Insights Academy™ and Marketing Leaders’ Academy™, applies a comprehensive and involved process wherein the company’s data and actual business cases are used in the training sessions.

“We work with the client. We make sure that whatever that program is, it’s relevant to the client and is really going to add value, and it’s practical, it’s actionable,” Mr. Mapa said.

Acumen President Pauline Fermin said they consider Capability Building — one of the consulting firm’s four practice areas — the “apple of our eyes” because it is where the company traces its roots and it provides an opportunity to transfer knowledge to local companies.

The other three practice areas are Corporate Strategy, which involves strategic business planning; Commercial Strategy, for mapping out sustainable business growth; and Organization Transformation for calibrating team structure, culture, and leadership approach. 

“We’re passionate about building capabilities through consulting… and helping local companies. That’s why actually most of our clients are not multinationals, they’re local companies,” Ms. Fermin said. “And a lot of the discipline that we have learned from our multinational experience is what we’re now sharing and teaching.” 

Mr. Mapa noted that Acumen’s pool of consultants come from different industries, worked in big local companies and multinationals, and most with C-level experience. 

“We’ve been in different roles, most in marketing, but some in finance and operations, general management, all at different levels and different positions,” he said. “And I think what we’ve picked up from that is the importance of really holding ourselves to a very high standard,” which is what they bring into the training programs.

At the same time, Acumen’s team members do not rest on their laurels. 

Many on the faculty remain engaged in other endeavors, keeping them grounded and in touch with local and international developments in various industries.

Acumen also regularly conducts research, “which is part of making sure that our own organization’s capability remains fresh and remains strong,” according to Mr. Mapa.

“Aside from market research, we have our own learning sessions internally, so that the whole organization keeps abreast of what’s happening,” he added.

It’s a privilege, Mr. Mapa said, to be able to apply Acumen’s collective knowledge and expertise to help transform local companies by sharpening their strategies and building up their organization’s capabilities.

“The ability to bring all of our knowledge and experience to bear, to help companies, Philippine companies, transform themselves, level up, compete better not just here but on the world stage, I think that’s a very important and very meaningful purpose for us.”

Getting a grip on the Philippine market

What do Filipino shoppers want? And what are the different consumer portraits that make up the Philippine market? 

Acumen Strategy Consultants got the answers.

“We’re quite big on data,” said Barbara Young, Vice-President for Commercial Strategy Practice, the Acumen business unit that helps companies draw up plans for sustainable revenue and market share growth.

For each engagement, Acumen starts with a discovery phase wherein a dedicated team looks at the client’s entire operations and organization. At this stage, Acumen takes a deep dive into the business — using proven business analysis frameworks, bringing in the expertise of senior consultants who have local and international experience across different industries, and tapping into existing data as well as additional primary market research in most cases. 

“We look at what are the key drivers. And when I say key drivers, what are the pockets or business parts, including consumers, that will affect the performance of the business, the revenue or market share,” Ms. Young said.

Client Director Zinnia Rivera said Acumen uses its understanding of the Philippine market and culture to help companies develop plans and strategies that are relevant, value-adding and actionable. “Our programs are always designed with the proper perspective and context,” she said.

One of Acumen’s major research initiatives on the local market involve the profile, life needs, values and attitudes of the different generations of Filipinos — Gen Z, Gen Y, Gen X and Boomers.

“We have been thought leaders in this space,” said Acumen President & Chief Executive Officer Pauline Fermin.

Acumen’s Growth Accelerator™ service for sustainable commercial success also puts emphasis on being customer-focused with data-backed knowledge of the market base.

“We also teach customer-centricity, or how do you make the organization more customer-centric, because a lot of times companies are just planning based on what they know versus what the customers or consumers want,” Ms. Young said.

It is of equal importance, she said, for clients to understand the Philippine market and for them to be aware and appreciate how consumers actually perceive their brands and business.

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The Pag-IBIG Fund has approved an P815-million developmental loan to construct a total of 17 medium- to high-rise condominium buildings in San Mateo, Rizal under the government’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Program. Once completed, the Juan Tahanan project will provide a total of 4,670 units for Pag-IBIG members living in the area, officials announced on June 4.

“I am pleased to report that there is a consistent growth of proponents partnering with Pag-IBIG Fund in building sustainable and self-sufficient communities through the 4PH Program. Buyer-beneficiaries of the 4PH will now have access to more affordable and decent homes, in line with President Marcos’ vision to address the housing needs of Filipino workers, especially the underserved,” said Secretary Jose Rizalino L. Acuzar, who heads the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the 11-member Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees.

Located in Brgy. Guitnang Bayan I, San Mateo, Rizal, the Juan Tahanan — San Mateo, Rizal project has already made significant progress through the construction of buildings 1 to 6 with a total of 1,080 condo units, within just seven months from the signing of the contract between the developer and the Municipality of San Mateo.

Aligned with Pag-IBIG’s commitment to integrity and proper fiscal management, safeguards are implemented including the developer-contractor’s compliance with required permits and accreditations, application of a maximum payment term of three (3) years for the developmental loan, and provisions ensuring the release of funds only for the intended projects.

Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta highlighted the benefits for Pambansang Pabahay (4PH) buyer-borrowers, including lower payment terms through subsidies and acquiring properties in a sustainable community with access to essential infrastructure and services.

“Pag-IBIG Fund members will greatly benefit from availing of projects under the Pambansang Pabahay (4PH) program, which include affordable monthly payments due to interest and price subsidies as package price is regulated. This will ensure affordability while enjoying quality living in a well-designed township with vertical infrastructure in proximity to commerce centers, educational institutions, and healthcare centers. These buildings ensure that residents will have comfortable and improved living conditions through green features, communal open spaces and gardens, as well as amenities such as swimming pools and basketball courts. Our aim is to elevate the quality of life for Filipino workers through the opportunity of homeownership,” Acosta said.

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