GCash users can now opt for a hassle-free, cashless payment method on their next Euro trip as the Philippines’ leading mobile wallet is now accepted in Europe’s top travel destinations, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy.

This cross-border payment service is part of the e-wallet’s strengthened collaboration and partnership with Alipay+ to offer a seamless and secure payment experience, as well as real-time foreign exchange (forex) with no service fee, allowing customers to a hassle-free and rewarding travel experience abroad.

Among the key merchants and stores that can accept GCash via Alipay+ are Harrods, Liberty London, and Harvey Nichols in the UK; Printemps in France; Müller and dm-drogerie markt in Germany; as well as itTaxi, and IVS Group, the leader in the vending machines market, in Italy.

“In line with our fervent commitment to make our customers’ everyday lives better and more convenient, we want to make sure that they can maximize their GCash account not only locally but wherever they are across the world. We look forward to expanding to other markets abroad soon and to partner with even more merchants in 2023,” GCash president and CEO Martha Sazon said.

When paying for your purchases at these destinations, be sure to look for the Alipay+ logo at the checkout. Open your GCash app and select the QR or PayQR button at the bottom of the screen. Scan the merchant’s QR code, or tap “Pay Abroad with Alipay+” to have the merchant scan your generated QR. Then check the amount, and click Pay to see the receipt.

So no need to bring cash or exchange currency for shopping abroad. Just choose the GCash Scan-to-Pay option for your purchases for a  smooth and seamless travel experience – all in just a few taps on your phone via the GCash app! For more information, visit https://help.gcash.com/ and click the “How to Pay QR Internationally” topic.

GCash is continuously expanding its international payment touchpoints in partnership with Alipay+. Aside from the European destinations, the Philippine e-wallet can be used to pay in select merchants across Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and Qatar.

It’s also making its services available to more Filipinos worldwide as the GCash app can now be used with international numbers in the US, UK, Canada, Japan, Italy, and Australia.

Committed to support sustainable development and address climate change, the Philippines’ leading mobile wallet GCash, together with the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), are continuing their initiatives to increase forest coverage and enhance existing mangrove areas in Cebu.

Through GCash’s GForest and RAFI’s One to Tree Program, a total of 1,075,000 mangroves and upland trees have been planted since 2021. For the remainder of 2023, 75,000 more mangroves will be planted, completing the target of 1,150,000 trees spread across three projects in the province.

The two GForests cover the Luyang Watershed in the northern town of Carmen. One project has 375 hectares of farmland in the barangays of Caurasan, Upper Natimao-an, Liboron, Ipil, Cantumog, and Lower Natimao-an. Meanwhile, the other consists of 355 hectares of farmland with planting sites in the barangays of Upper Natimao-an, Corte, Ipil, Caurasan, Hagnaya, Lanipga, and Cantumog.

Among the 600,000 native trees planted in the two GForests are Avocado, Bangkal, Cacao, Cashew, Coffee, Guyabano, Jackfruit, Mamalis, Mangosteen, Molave, Nangka, Narra and Rambutan with a high survivability rate between 92 to 94% as of March 2023.

The Luyang Watershed is a significant ecological area in Cebu as it supplies at least twenty-four thousand cubic meters of surface fresh water. The enhancement of tree cover in the two GForests will improve rainwater percolation.

As a result, this increases the water table under the horizon that supplies springs that support surface water along rivers. The neighboring urban cities of Cebu, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu will benefit from this in terms of water supply.

The third project is GForest Mangroves which aims to plant 550,000 seedlings in Daanbantayan, San Remigio, and Medellin. The three municipalities are facing the Tañon Strait, the biggest marine protected area in the Philippines under the National Integrated Protected Areas System.

As of May 2023, about 47.5 hectares have been covered for enrichment planting with 475,000 seedlings of the Bakhaw Lalaki (Rhizopora apiculata), Bakhaw Babae (Rhizopora mucronata), Bakhaw Bato (Rhizopora stylosa), Bungalon (Aviccenia alba), Miapi (Aviccenia marina), Aviccenia officinallis, Aviccenia rumphiana, Pagatpat (Sonneratia alba), Pedada (Sonneratia caseolaris), and Sonneratia ovata species.

Aside from mitigating the risks of natural disasters and augmenting water supply, the partnership has also helped in the livelihood of local communities. GCash and RAFI have engaged 200 landowners, 687 individuals, and ten people’s organizations in the site preparation, tree-planting, and maintenance activities of the projects.

“GCash is steadfast in playing an active role in minimizing the effects of climate change. Through GForest, we encourage Filipinos to take part in our eco-friendly initiatives and be Green Heroes. With partner organizations like RAFI, we continue to plant the seeds for a better tomorrow,” said CJ Alegre, GCash Head for Sustainability.

 

“This partnership with GCash allows us to reach more people and enable them to take part in caring for our environment even in simple ways. Through this partnershxqip people can build GForests one tree at a time, and also help in community-building and income augmentation of locals. This is a win for the environment and a win for Cebuanos,” said Amaya Aboitiz-Fansler, RAFI President and Chief Executive Officer.

GForest is an in-app feature rolled out in 2019 in line with GCash’s sustainability agenda. Users earn green energy for cashless transactions done in the app such as paying bills, buying load, and sending money. Green energy is collected and used to plant virtual trees.

GCash partners with international and local organizations in planting actual trees around the country. At present, they have planted 2.2 million trees and aim to plant a total of 5 million trees by 2025.

For more information about GForest and other sustainability initiatives, visit www.gcash.com.ph

The field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents many opportunities for women. This was the key message emphasized by Connected Women, partner of leading mobile wallet GCash during its GTalks event, held in celebration of UN Women in Tech day on April 25, 2023.

Gina Romero, co-founder of Connected Women, explained how the organization is aligned with GCash’s vision of financial inclusion through the AI training programs it provides for women, helping them qualify for remote employment, even without formal education.

Romero believes that women, regardless of background or financial standing, can work with AI. The rapid growth of emerging technologies and industries such as AI, coupled with the wider adoption of remote work, are creating opportunities for women to upskill and earn a livelihood from their homes while taking care of their families.

“I’ve had a diverse career, from pig farming to air cabin crew, before entering the tech industry. Anyone can learn the skills needed for the future of work. We need women in tech at all levels to create an equitable future. Connected Women ensures accessibility for women, including underserved groups, to participate in the digital economy,” said Romero.

“We are thrilled to be working with GCash, a company that truly exemplifies diversity in tech and leadership roles. GCash’s commitment to fostering inclusivity aligns perfectly with our vision at Connected Women, and we are excited to collaborate with them to create more opportunities for women in the digital space,” added Romero.

“GCash stands for inclusion at large. With our partners, we aim to give women more opportunities towards financial freedom. More than just providing them with accessible financial services, GCash is also pushing for more opportunities for women in line with our goal to normalize women leaders in tech,” said GCash president and CEO Martha Sazon.

In collaboration with the country’s leading mobile wallet, Connected Women enables its AI remote workers to easily receive their payments through GCash. The Connected Women community platform is now accessible through the Earn Money feature in the GCash app.

Since the partnership’s inception in March 2023, the feature has already garnered over 11,000 sign-ups. Based on Connected Women’s latest statistics report, 91% of respondents were not male (female, non-binary, prefer not to say), majority of whom are looking for remote work.

Romero was one of the speakers in the event entitled GTalks: Empowering Women in Tech. Alongside her were co-speakers UN Women country coordinator Lenlen Mesina, For the Women Foundation’s co-founder Michelle Alarcon, GCash president and CEO, Martha Sazon, GCash chief technology & operations officer, Pebbles Sy, and GCash chief people officer Robert Gonzales. This event was hosted by renowned broadcast  journalist Karen Davila.

To stay updated on GCash’s latest updates, visit https://facebook.com/gcashofficial

FAQ

1. What is the partnership between GCash and Connected Women?

The partnership between GCash and Connected Women aims to provide opportunities for women in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Connected Women, a training organization, aligns with GCash’s vision of financial inclusion by offering AI training programs that enable women to qualify for remote employment, even without formal education.

2. How can women benefit from the AI training programs provided by Connected Women?

The AI training programs provided by Connected Women empower women to upskill and earn a livelihood from their homes while taking care of their families. The rapid growth of emerging technologies like AI, along with the wider adoption of remote work, creates opportunities for women to enter the tech industry and participate in the digital economy.

3. Who can participate in the AI training programs offered by Connected Women?

Connected Women believes that women from all backgrounds and financial standings can work with AI. The organization ensures accessibility for women, including underserved groups, to participate in the digital economy and acquire the skills needed for the future of work.

4. What is the goal of GCash in partnering with Connected Women?

GCash, a leading mobile wallet, aims to foster inclusivity and provide more opportunities for women in the tech industry. The partnership with Connected Women aligns with GCash’s commitment to diversity in tech and leadership roles. GCash strives to normalize women leaders in tech and empower women towards financial freedom.

5. How does the collaboration between GCash and Connected Women benefit AI remote workers?

Connected Women enables its AI remote workers to easily receive their payments through GCash, the country’s leading mobile wallet. This collaboration ensures seamless financial transactions and provides a convenient way for AI remote workers to access their earnings.

6. How can women access the Connected Women community platform through GCash?

The Connected Women community platform is now accessible through the Earn Money feature in the GCash app. Women who are part of the Connected Women network can utilize this feature to engage with the community, access resources, and explore remote work opportunities.

7. What are the statistics regarding sign-ups and interest in remote work from women since the partnership began?

Since the partnership’s inception in March 2023, over 11,000 sign-ups have been recorded through the Earn Money feature in the GCash app. Connected Women’s latest statistics report shows that the majority of respondents (91%) looking for remote work were not male (female, non-binary, prefer not to say).

8. Who were the speakers at the GTalks: Empowering Women in Tech event hosted by GCash?

The speakers at the GTalks event included Gina Romero, co-founder of Connected Women; Lenlen Mesina, UN Women country coordinator; Michelle Alarcon, co-founder of For the Women Foundation; Martha Sazon, GCash president and CEO; Pebbles Sy, GCash chief technology & operations officer; Robert Gonzales, GCash chief people officer. The event was hosted by renowned broadcast journalist Karen Davila.

9. How can I stay updated on GCash’s latest updates?

To stay updated on GCash’s latest updates, you can visit their official Facebook page at https://facebook.com/gcashofficial.