In a showcase of public sector excellence, the 5th #GCash Digital Excellence Awards (GDEA) officially set the benchmark for modern governance, honoring local government units (#LGUs), national agencies, health care and education institutions that have successfully bridged the gap between traditional service and a digital-first Philippines.
Held on February 19th at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, this year’s theme, “Recognizing Digital Pioneers: Empowering the Public Sector for a Modern, Inclusive Philippines”, highlighted the vital role of government institutions in driving the country’s digital modernization. Through its digital payment infrastructure, GCash continues to support these public institutions in building secure, efficient, and citizen-focused services.
Across agencies, digitalization has created a stronger culture of transparency, reduced manual cash handling, and shortened transaction times. Citizens now experience faster access to benefits, simplified requirements, and more reliable payment channels, while institutions report improved oversight, financial control, and operational efficiency.
From left: Fuse Financing Inc. President and CEO Tony Isidro; GCash Chief Marketing Officer Neil Trinidad; BARMM Ministry of Human Settlements and Development Deputy Minister Aldin Asiri; BARMM Ministry of Human Settlements and Development Policy Development, Coordination and Regulation Division Chief Abdulhamid C. Alawi, Jr.; Department of Finance Secretary Frederick Go; and Mynt President and CEO Martha Sazon
“2025 was truly a year where GCash doubled down on its commitment through partnership with the government in advancing digitalization in our country. We are moving beyond mere access to delivering world-class innovations that people use daily,” said Mynt chairman Ernest Cu. “We could not have reached these heights alone. Together, we have brought strengthened fiscal management, streamlined disbursements, and connections to the LGU.”
Ernest Cu, chairman of GCash parent company Mynt, underscores the importance of making technology available to everyday consumers and micro, small, and medium enterprises so they can participate in the digital economy.
Meanwhile, Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Director General, Secretary Ernesto V. Perez, highlighted that the ultimate measure of digital excellence is the citizen experience. “Digital excellence within government rests on tangible results experienced by individuals and enterprises.
It is seen in faster transactions, simplified requirements, dependable payment channels, and platforms that reach communities regardless of geography or circumstance,” said Perez. “Through this initiative, GCash and ARTA continue to champion the goals by promoting ease of doing business, enhancing digital payment systems, and fostering stronger collaboration between government and the private sector.”
Anti-Red Tape Authority Director General Ernesto Perez, in his speech during the GCash Digital Excellence Awards, stresses that digitalizing government processes will result in faster transactions, simplified requirements, and accessible payment channels.
This year’s GDEA highlighted several award categories representing different stages of digital adoption. The Digital Breakthrough Growth Award recognized LGUs and NGAs that successfully adopted digital solutions within their first year, while the Excellence in Digital Transformation Award honored institutions demonstrating sustained growth in digital transactions from 2022 to 2025.
From left: GCash Chief Legal Officer Maria Corazon Adriano; Fuse Financing Inc. Chief Commercial and Business Assurance Officer Jong Layug; Metropolitan Naga Water District Chairman Gilberto Alberto; Metropolitan Naga Water District General Manager Florencio Mangoso Jr.; GCash Head of New Business Group Winsley Bangit; and GCash Chief Technology Officer Pebbles Sy
The Catalyst in Financial Inclusion Award recognized initiatives that expand access to financial services, while specialized categories such as Digital Transformation Excellence in Healthcare, Education, and Utility Efficiency honored institutions that improved service delivery through digital payment adoption.
Long-term leadership was recognized through the Leader in Sustainable Financial Digitalization Award, honoring agencies that have partnered with GCash for at least five years, and the Leader in Sustainable Financial Digitalization for Public Markets, which recognized markets with at least 70% vendor adoption of digital payments. The Palengke Digital Breakthrough Growth Award and the Champion for Digital Advocacy and Connectivity Award also highlighted grassroots and partnership-driven progress in financial inclusion.
Digitalization remains a key priority in expanding access to government services, particularly in underserved communities. According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, over 97% of government-to-government and government-to-employee transactions are now processed digitally, while retail digital payments account for more than 57% of total transaction volume.
By recognizing digital pioneers in the public sector, the GDEA reinforces GCash’s role in supporting the country’s modernization agenda and expanding access to technology-driven public services nationwide.
GCash Public Sector Head Cleo Santos highlights the role of the country's leading super finance app in furthering financial inclusion for both consumers and local government units
"We are one with the government in the mission to serve every Filipino. Everything we do is anchored in our shared vision of finance for all. Every leader here tonight is a testament to the belief that no Filipino should be left behind in the digital economy,” said GCash VP and head of public sector Cleo Santos.
For more information, visit https://www.gcash.com