GCash cites Makati for digital excellence  

MANILA, Philippines — E-wallet giant GCash has recognized Makati for the city’s digital excellence.

Mayor Abigail Binay said the city received two awards during the GCash Digital Excellence Awards held on Thursday for excellence in digital sustainability and digital public aid distribution.

“GCash has been our partner since our digital transformation journey started. Together, we have worked hard to make digital payments and services accessible, reliable, and convenient for our citizens,” she said in a statement yesterday.

Binay said the city was recognized for its effective disbursement of government financial assistance and for being able to adapt early in the digital space and expanding the use of financial technology.

The local chief executive said the Makatizen Card’s GCash feature has helped improve access to financial services for Makati residents, especially at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Makatizen Economic Relief Program, also known as MAKAtulong 5K, was also successful, Binay added.

With GCash’s assistance, Binay said they were able to distribute financial assistance and emergency aid safely and efficiently to residents.

According to Binay, Makati was the first city in the country that implemented the cashless distribution of financial assistance through a mobile wallet.

“There was no confusion, no long queues, and no administrative hassle. The process was fast, reliable, and efficient,” she said.

The city government released P364 million to over 72,000 residents in just one day through Makatizen Card’s GCash feature.

In 2017, the city partnered with Globe Telecom’s subsidiary G-Xchange Inc. (GXI) and iBayad Online Ventures Inc. to create a multipurpose ID called the Makatizen Card.

The card was initially made to provide residents with a multipurpose identification that functions as a valid government ID and ATM card.

Binay said they will continue to think of innovative ways to utilize digital initiatives and make services closer to the public.

“We hope the other localities will replicate our projects so that Filipinos can enjoy the convenience and efficiency of digital technologies,” she said.