Manila, Philippines – Philippine financial technology platform GCash participated as an official partner of the 48th ASEAN Summit, supporting cashless payment initiatives and promoting digital financial inclusion during the regional gathering held in Cebu, Philippines.
The summit brought together heads of state and delegates from 11 ASEAN member countries to discuss regional priorities, including energy security, food security, regional stability, sustainability, and digital cooperation.
According to GCash, its participation formed part of efforts to support the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship and highlight digital payment solutions during the event.
“We are incredibly honored to be a huge part of the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship. Our partnership with ASEAN provides us a chance to showcase Filipino innovation on the global stage and demonstrate how the Philippines is leading the charge toward a more integrated, digital ASEAN region,” GCash General Manager for GCash for Business Paul Albano said.
At the summit’s Partners Pavilion, GCash facilitated cashless transactions for booths operated by Cebu-based micro-entrepreneurs selling products such as home décor, pastries, woven goods, chocolates, dairy products, souvenirs, and artisan crafts.
“By supporting the MSME marketplace at the Pavilion and enabling cashless transactions for Cebuano micro-entrepreneurs, we are showing how digital financial inclusion creates tangible, real-world impact,” Albano added.
The company also used the event to promote digitalisation among micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) by onboarding merchants to its GCash for Business platform and demonstrating digital payment tools for local businesses.
“We are powering the MSME marketplace by bringing cashless payments to Cebuano micro-entrepreneurs. When a local vendor can accept a digital payment as easily as a major retailer, that is digital financial inclusion in practice,” Albano said.
In addition to the exhibition activities, GCash joined side events during the summit focused on digital transformation and expanding financial access across the ASEAN region.
The 48th ASEAN Summit, themed “Navigating Our Future, Together”, was held this month in Lapu-Lapu City as part of the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship programme.
