USERS of virtual wallet GCash can now donate money to their chosen non-government organization (NGO) or foundation right at their fingertips.
GCash for Good, a corporate social responsibility program, lets users donate to NGOs that advocate education, environment and animal welfare, among others.
“GCash for Good is not just a campaign. It is a changing mindset and a movement to encourage Filipinos to get out of their comfort zone and help,” said Reyner Villasenor, vice president and head of corporate communications group of GCash.
He said the move is meant to reach out to their 20 million users and encourage them to take part in causes promoting education, the environment, children’s rights and others.
The company is also encouraging NGOs in Cebu to reach out to them but they would have to complete regulatory requirements to become an official GCash for Good partner to ensure the organizations are legitimate and the money donated will not be abused.
“For you to be able to be issued a GCash QR, you have to undergo a process we call Know Your Merchant where you have to submit requirements that our regulator, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, requires from us. We make it clear that it’s the one thing that is non-negotiable for them to comply,” said Villasenor.
The program was launched on May 30, 2019, at the Bai Hotel in Mandaue City where representatives from their initial 35 NGOs were present.
Villasenor said the country can achieve a cashless ecosystem, even when donating to worthy advocacies.
“We really believe in the power of platforms, not just in paying bills here through GCash, but also donating by having a cashless ecosystem, one barangay at a time,” he said.
He stressed that people prefer donating online to avoid long queues and save them time in doing other things after.
“Any amount will create huge opportunities for organizations that forward different issues. With GCash for Good, users will also have direct access to where their donations go. It showcases a more transparent and user-friendly interface for anyone to access,” Villasenor said.
He said they will soon launch the GCash for Good icon in the app within the year as they plan to get 100 more NGOs to become partners. (JOB)