GCash CEO joins the Financial Technology Report’s top 25 women leaders in fintech 2022

For playing a central role in financially empowering its nearly 70 million users, GCash, the Philippines’ leading finance app, again makes a mark on the global financial technology industry as its president and CEO, Martha Sazon was included in The Financial Technology Report’s list of top 25 women leaders in fintech.

“I’m honored to join other amazing women leaders in the Financial Technology Report’s annual list. This recognition is a testament to GCash’s positive impact on the lives of our millions of customers. It also shows that women, if given the opportunity and platform to shine, can be great leaders for various organizations, especially in this increasingly more digital world,” said Sazon. “This achievement will spur us to further push the envelope in introducing more meaningful digital financial solutions and making sure nobody gets left behind in the digital economy.”

The Financial Technology Report is a New York City-based news agency covering business, investment activity, and corporate actions related to the financial technology industry. It describes itself as “run by a seasoned team of editors, writers, and media professionals highly knowledgeable on financial technology and the various companies, executives, and investors that make up the sector.”

In an article on its website, the Financial Technology Report said, “thousands of new fintechs are launched each year, but only a small percentage demonstrates the staying power to last in such a competitive market. While many begin with truly great ideas, it takes much more to build a successful company. To make it in the long run, fintechs need to acquire financial support, get the word out through marketing, and constantly be innovating—not to mention ensuring that their operations run efficiently and that they remain in compliance with regulations. And for all of these necessities, great leaders are essential.”

Sazon was appointed as CEO of GCash at the height of the pandemic in 2020. Her focus on customer centricity resulted in GCash becoming a lifeline to millions of Filipinos during a time when many lost their jobs. Under Sazon’s leadership, GCash has become the Philippines’ first and only “duacorn,” or a company with a valuation of $2 billion. It’s also become the country’s biggest e-wallet with a registered user base of nearly 70 million.

Sazon has also doubled down on making sure GCash is able to make Filipinos’ everyday lives better enabling the fintech firm to provide meaningful digital finance solutions that empower people and organizations – helping 63% of Filipinos who are unbanked.

Prior to leading GCash, Sazon had 20 years of experience in various fast-moving consumer goods industries like food, pharmaceuticals, personal care, and telecommunications. She spent 12 years at Globe Telecom, the largest mobile network in the Philippines, where she headed the Broadband business and pioneered many breakthroughs and achievements for a wide array of products.

Previously, Sazon was also named “Philippines: CEO of the Year” at the IDC Future Enterprise Awards 2021. Earlier in 2022, she was recognized as a “Master Innovator for Digital Transformation Innovation” during the 2nd Annual Mansmith Innovation Awards and Summt.

Hybrid European Higher Education Fair 2022 offers partnership opportunities for Universities and Colleges

The European Union continues to champion quality higher education as it launches its Virtual Hybrid European Higher Education 2022 in the Philippines on 18 and 19 November 2022 at Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong.

The higher education fair provides access to information and fosters partnerships between European and Filipino higher education institutions to the benefit of students, academicians, and researchers. Faculty, academicians, researchers, and students can now register at http://www.ehefphilippines.com to participate in this most exciting fair.

With the theme “Youth for Excellence and Innovation”, the EU is opening its doors for a sustainable partnership with local universities and higher education institutions.

It is being organized by the EU Delegation to the Philippines together with the EU Member States’ Embassies, education services, and Cultural Institutes and in collaboration with the Commission on Higher Education.

This year’s university partners include regional university hubs such as the Wesleyan University and the University of Cordilleras (Luzon), Silliman University (Visayas), Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan (Mindanao), and other top-notch Philippine universities such as Ateneo de Manila University European Studies Programme, De La Salle University, Holy Cross of Davao College, Mabalacat City Colleges, Rizal Technological University, Trinity University of Asia, University of Sto Tomas, and Visayas State University.

As a centre of excellence in higher education, the EU aims at sharing best practices and approaches from its many outstanding universities and higher education institutions (EHEIs) with their Philippine counterparts. This partnership aims to enhance student and faculty mobility, research collaboration, joint scientific activities, curricular enhancement, and policy formulation.

Opportunities for mobility and research grants like Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions, and Jean Monnet are open for students and educators alike.

Aside from country presentations and EHEI representatives, alumni, and scholars will conduct briefing sessions, structured seminars/ webinars on higher education and mobility opportunities and programme offerings. A networking event will also take place on 18 November at 7:30PM at Shangri-La Plaza.

Media partners this year include: Adobo Magazine, BusinessWorld SparkUp, CNN Philippines, Gadgets Magazine, iOrbit News, Philippine Daily Inquirer – INQPOP!, ThePhilBizNews, SEA Wave, and WhenInManila.com.

Quincy Miller, new Converge FiberXers import arrives in the PH for PBA Commissioner’s Cup

MANILA, Philippines, August 23, 2022 Converge FiberXers import Quincy Miller arrived this morning in Manila to begin rigorous training with the team in preparation for the PBA Commissioner’s Cup this coming September.

The 29- year-old, 6-foot-9 forward has spent the past 10 years of his professional career playing for some of the biggest basketball leagues around the world.

Quincy Miller was the 38th pick overall in the 2012 NBA draft by the Denver Nuggets, where he played 52 games with 16 starts. Shortly after, he played for the Sacramento Kings and Detroit Pistons in 2015 then moved on to be one of the most loved players in Serbia under the EuroLeague and many more across Europe. Most recently, he played for Nacional in Basketball Champions League Americas, and now, he’s been recruited to play for the youngest yet most promising team in the PBA, the Converge FiberXers.

Team owner and Converge CEO, Dennis Anthony Uy shares his excitement over developments in the rookie team. “The Converge FiberXers is pleased to have Quincy as our import. He is a well-rounded player with the height and build that is a definite advantage for the team. Under the leadership of our new head coach, Aldin Ayo, I look forward to seeing him play this coming September. First order of business is to start practice right away, build rapport with the team and bring out the best in each player, said Uy.

GCash ramps up public sector partnerships towards financial inclusion

In line with its vision of “Finance for All,” GCash, the Philippines’ leading fintech company, holds its second annual “One with the Nation” conference, to further strengthen its partnership with the public sector.

The theme of this year’s conference is “Innovative and Inclusive: The Future of Digital Financial Services”. What started out as a webinar due to pandemic restrictions in 2021 is expected to make a bigger impact this year as the upcoming event will be in a hybrid setup that will be held on-site on August 25, 2022, Thursday at the SEDA Hotel in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig and will be streamed simultaneously online via Zoom.

The “One with the Nation” conference gathers industry leaders and top government officials for crucial insights on the future of digital financial services towards a more financially inclusive country, with a strong focus on economic growth. This event is a rare opportunity to listen and learn from powerful speakers led by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Felipe Medalla, who will be discussing the importance of digital payment adoption in fostering economic growth.  

Also present is Trade Assistant Secretary Mary Jean Pacheco, who will talk about convenient and safe online payments through eBayad.

Meanwhile, representatives from the Commission on Audit (COA) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) will share their insights on eCollection, ePayments and digital payment options for MSMEs.

GCash president and CEO Martha Sazon together with GCash chief customer officer Winsley Royce Bangit, and chief commercial officer Oscar Enrico Reyes Jr. will highlight key developments and updates in the rapidly growing fintech sector.

“At GCash, we continuously strive to make meaningful innovations with our products and services to better serve Filipinos and achieve our vision of ‘Finance for All’. Together with our esteemed partners from the government, we aim to leave no one behind without access to digital financial services,” said Sazon.

Topics will include “Enabling Economic Growth through Digital Payments Innovations,” “Reinforcing Growth through Digital Payments Adoption,” “Understanding the Guidelines on eCollection and ePayments,” “Promoting Inclusive Finance within Local Government Units through the Paleng-QR Ph Program,” and “Promoting Convenient and Safe Online Payments through the eBayad Mo! Program.”

The GCash app is available for free on the Google Play and App Store. For more information, visit www.gcash.com.

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About GCash

GCash (G-Xchange, Inc.) is the #1 Finance App in the Philippines. Through the GCash App, 66M registered users can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills at over 1,600 partner billers nationwide; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 5.2M partner merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings, credit, loans, insurance and invest money, and so much more, all at the convenience of their smartphones. GCash is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt (Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc.), the first and only duacorn in the Philippines.

GCash was recognized by The Asian Banker (TAB) and by the IDC in 2021 for its outstanding digital financial inclusion programs.

ABS-CBN pauses deal with TV5

Here is their official statement:

McDonald’s joins Brigada Eskwela 2022, bolsters support as face-to-face classes resume

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Reinforcing its commitment to make a difference through programs that support Filipino children’s need for education, QSR giant McDonald’s Philippines through its charity of choice, Ronald McDonald House Charities, once again extends its support to schools for the annual Brigada Eskwela.

Led by the Department of Education (DepEd), Brigada Eskwela gathers volunteers from both the private and public sector every year to help prepare public elementary and secondary schools for the upcoming school year. Since 2015, McDonald’s and RMHC have been providing meals, cleaning materials, and Ronald McDonald Read-to-Learn kits to partner schools. 

This year, the company distributed over 20,000 Burger McDo to educators and volunteers, while 1,000 Happy Meal toys and 20 sets of Read-To-Learn kits were provided to elementary schools. These kits are part of RMHC’s Read-To-Learn program, a program in partnership with DepEd, which provides reading materials to Grade 1 and Grade 2 learners in public schools as well as trains educators on teaching beginning reading.

Grounded by its core value of malasakit, employee-volunteers from McDonald’s also took time from their daily routine to help prepare and distribute meals, and clean school premises, to ensure that both students and teachers alike, can hold classes in a safe and conducive learning environment.

Meanwhile, the company also allocated streamers, welcome banners, and safety signages to over 4,000 schools, in an effort to ensure that government-mandated COVID-19 protocols are still being followed as face-to-face classes resume.

“On behalf of our Chairman and Founder Dr. George Yang and President and CEO Kenneth Yang, congratulations to the Department of Education led by Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte on the launch of the 2022 Brigada Eskwela program. Makakaasa kayo na nandito ang McDonald’s at ang kaniyang charity of choice, Ronald McDonald House Charities, para makatulong sa inyong paghahanda para sa simula ng bagong school year,” said McDonald’s Philippines Managing Director Margot Torres during the Brigada Eskwela Kick Off.

With the generosity of Filipinos, the support of partners, and the efforts of volunteers, RMHC can achieve more. Anyone can help share feel-good moments to those in need by donating at rmhc.org.ph/donate.  

SKY BOOSTS ITS 24/7 CUSTOMER SUPPORT SYSTEM KYLA TO SERVICE MORE SUBSCRIBERS NATIONWIDE

SKY continues its commitment to provide top-notch and hassle-free service to its valued subscribers by making it more convenient for them to raise their concern with just a few clicks through their 24/7 customer support KYLA.   

By expanding KYLA’s accessibility to more parts of Luzon (Baguio, Batac, Dagupan, Laoag, Urdaneta, Bulacan, Batangas) and in Mindanao (Davao, General Santos, Zamboanga) starting August 15, SKY ensures that SKY subscribers from different parts of the country can experience the same fast and convenient customer service. 

Since its launch in 2021, more SKY subscribers expressed their satisfaction with KYLA in addressing their simplest to more complex matters when it comes to their cable and internet service. Here are some common concerns that KYLA can help manage to assist each subscriber in real-time: 

Matters on monthly billings and payment  

Got questions with your SKY bill? Do you plan on enrolling in digital payment methods for ease of transactions? Want to know the status of your monthly bill and so on? 

KYLA’s got you covered on matters regarding your SKY billing and monthly payment. With KYLA, you can easily access your monthly statement and address any concerns from inquiries, status updates, information on SKY’s payment channels to transferring your billing details in an instant. 

For more complicated billing matters, KYLA can also endorse you right away to a live agent to discuss other queries. A subscriber shared “I got the answer that I needed to check my account immediately. Good thing that my KYLA inquiry was answered quickly.” 

Service concerns and real-time advisories 

Got a technical concern with your cable TV or internet connection? KYLA is here to help solve the issue to restore services as soon as possible. KYLA can also notify SKY users of the latest advisories in real-time to keep them updated on SKY’s maintenance efforts, among others. 

As shared by another SKY subscriber “Salamat kasi meron kayong ganitong customer service. Hindi ko na kailangan tumawag sa landline at maghintay nang matagal para malaman kung may ongoing maintenance sa area namin.”  

Subscribers can also do their part in reporting anomalous incidents like cable cutting affecting their services by submitting their reports directly to KYLA. 

Instant troubleshooting and account reconnection  

For troubleshooting and reconnection confirmation, KYLA’s updated feature now accepts video and photo attachments so that subscribers can directly send proofs of payment for account reconnection or a video of their modem for internet connection diagnostics and troubleshooting with a live agent.   

“KYLA is interactive and it guides you on what you need to do, for complicated matters it becomes personalized as soon as an agent takes over the conversation, everything is easy too,” a happy SKY subscriber commented.  

These are among the concerns that SKY’s KYLA can help you with.  Plus, it’s even easier to raise concerns through KYLA as all the subscriber needs to do is type a simple query in English to start a conversation.  KYLA will be able to recognize the concern and direct the subscriber to the proper resources or journey to address the issue.   To ensure a seamless conversation, subscribers are advised to keep their account number ready for transactions that will require it. 

Access KYLA on Viber via mysky.com.ph/kylaofsky, on Facebook Messenger through m.me/myskyupdates, or on any web browser via mysky.com.ph/message-us. For more info on KYLA’s features and functionalities, please refer to mysky.com.ph/aboutkyla. 

Cebu Landmasters sustains growth momentum with record 1.55B H1 Net Income, up 40% Year on Year

On the back of strong sales and project completions, leading VisMin developer Cebu Landmasters, Inc. (CLI) achieved its highest H1 net income performance of Php1.55 billion, an increase of 40% versus H1 2021. Without the adjustment from CREATE law, CLI grew its earnings attributable to parent by 18% from the reported Php 1.1 billion of the same period last year.

Real estate sales also grew by a robust 45% from Php5 billion to Php7.36 billion year on year. All other business units continued to improve performance as the firm fast-tracked construction and strengthened operations. These resulted in higher percentage of completion, paving the way for more units to qualify for revenue collection. Gross profit margin was maintained at a healthy 45% as the company strongly mitigated inflationary pressures while sustaining 100% of its construction operations.

CLI’s economic housing brand Casa Mira accounted for the largest share of H1 2022 revenues indicative of the significant housing backlog in key VisMin cities. A hefty 40% of H1 2022 revenues came from Cebu; with Davao following at 16%; Cagayan de Oro, 15%; Iloilo, 12%; and the balance from Ormoc, Bacolod, Dumaguete and Bohol. With CLI’s portfolio now encompassing over 15 key VisMin locations, the company sees increased contributions from its new expansion areas in the coming quarters. 

The listed firm’s first-half leasing business expanded by 20% year-on-year as both office demand and retail foot traffic saw a healthy rebound especially in Cebu. With heightened tourism activity accompanied by increased mobility in Vismin, CLI’s hospitality business registered a 271% growth as occupancy rates significantly improved.

CLI’s capital expenditures rose by 42% to Php5.5 billion from last year’s Php3.88 billion, with most of the amount earmarked for project development while 22% was spent on land banking including the purchase of a 17-hectare expansion site in Butuan City. CLI is also gearing up for its large-scale townships in Davao, Cagayan de Oro and Minglanilla in Cebu as these are now moving strongly at different stages of development. 

Cebu Landmasters’ Davao Global Township (DGT) envisioned to be the preferred central business district in Davao has already completed land development and is now selling commercial  lots. The first 4 towers of The East Village at DGT, the township’s first six-tower residential project, are also now almost 100% sold.

Davao Global Township (DGT), envisioned to be the premier central business district in Davao, was recently inaugurated with the site development completion of the 23-hectare estate. The company also announced that limited commercial lots were being made available for sale to select developers and investors in the estate, awarded as Best Township in Asia 2021 by PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards. The first 4 towers of The East Village at DGT, the township’s first residential offering, is now 90% sold in only 4 months since its March 2022 launch date.

These positive developments were further reinforced by CLI’s announcement that it would increase its retail bonds offering to Php8 billion from Php5 billion and a Php3 billion oversubscription. Strong interest from institutional buyers prodded the move. Meanwhile, the maiden retail bonds of CLI was rated PRS Aa plus with stable outlook by PhilRatings on the back of sound management and strategy with a sustained competitive advantage in the Visayas and Mindanao markets.

Cebu Landmasters’ economic housing brand Casa Mira accounted for the largest share of the company’s H1 2022 revenues indicative of the significant housing backlog in key VisMin cities. Known to provide more value to the Filipino family, Cebu Landmasters unveiled its Casa Mira brand in key cities in VisMin. The photo above shows the club house with swimming pool of Casa Mira South located in Naga and San Fernando, Cebu.

Jose Soberano III, CLI chairman and CEO, disclosed: “We are on track to achieve another record year and there are several strong indicators for CLI to achieve its growth guidance of 20% this year. With our expanding portfolio and with our operations tailored to provide the strongest ‘ground game’ in the region, CLI is best-positioned to address the growing housing backlog while extending best-in-class turnaround times and customer service.” 

GLOBE TO SELL OVER 7,000 TOWERS; THE LARGEST EVER TOWER SALE AND LEASEBACK TRANSACTION IN THE PHILIPPINES

August 11, 2022, MANILA, PHILIPPINES ± Globe (PSE:GLO), a leading digital platform in the Philippines with major interests in telecommunications, financial technology, digital marketing solutions, venture capital funding for startups, corporate venture building, virtual healthcare and providing support to
entertainment, announced today that it obtained Board approval for its milestone initiative to sell over 7,000 towers, of which 66% are located in Luzon, 19% in Mindanao and 15% in Visayas. The tower assets up for sale are made up of 79% ground-based towers and 21% rooftop towers, and have been grouped into 3 unique distinct portfolios assigned to three different tower companies representing local and international groups with deep experience and expertise in telecom tower infrastructure, and engineering and construction. Upon completion, this transaction will represent the largest ever tower sale and leaseback deal in the country.

Globe expects to raise a significant amount of capital over the next few quarters from executing this transaction. Of the total proceeds, approximately 75% will be used to fund capital expenditures, to support ongoing network expansion and sustain industry-leading network consistency and reliability scores. The balance of 25% will be earmarked to cover our 2023 debt servicing requirements. This will significantly improve the health of the company’s balance sheet and provide flexibility to compete in this dynamic market as well as further expand its digital ecosystem.

As the biggest milestone of this initiative, Globe signed 2 sale and leaseback agreements for 2 portfolios consisting of 5,709 telecom towers and related passive telecom infrastructure for over 71 Billion Pesos.

DUWA Cebu Children’s Festival Takes Kids on Wild, and Wonderful Experiences

Give your kids an experience of a lifetime at DUWA Cebu Children’s Festival, where young minds can harness their innate curiosity and creativity and push the boundaries of what they can be!

Happening on August 13-14 and 20-21 at Oakridge Business Park, this exciting weekend activity guarantees fun-filled days to keep the little ones happy and occupied.

“DUWA Cebu Children’s Festival recognizes that it is through play that children first grasp the world around them. By providing weird, wild, and wonderful experiences, the festival hopes to enrich the local landscape with things kids can do,” said Allen Tan, one of the organizers. 

With the popularity of the Internet, many children no longer get a chance to play outside their homes and partake in Filipino games that their lolo and lola once enjoyed. This time, they can try tubig-tubig, buwan-buwan, jackstone, takyan, bato-lata, and many more for free every 2-3pm on all Festival days.

“Over the pandemic, children have been cooped up, and it has been limiting their social skills. So we wanted to do something that fosters interaction and enhances their sense of wonder and play,” said co-organizer Mark Deutsch. 

They can also broaden their artistic perspectives by watching free performances of the Cebu Centre for Dance Ballet and Sistemang Pilipino and by attending the musical storytelling by Little Boy Productions.  

The more reserved ones may stay at the drawing tables, play sungka, do some origami, or simply read their favorite story books.

“Creativity is important, as adults, we see AI replace people in the workplace. However, there’s one thing AI can’t replicate and that’s creativity. So it’s important to immerse children in creative activities and instill the importance of this value,” said Mark Anthony Ynoc, Mandaue Business Month Chairperson 

For those who desire to enhance their skills, the Festival has lined up numerous workshops for only P650 per child, per workshop, including a snack pack.

They can pick among the following activities:  Ballet Workshop with Cebu Centre for Dance, Hip Hop Dance with Mr. Quelo, Theatre Workshop with Penelop Ong, Young Inventors Workshop with the University of the Philippines Fabrication Lab, Express Yourself through Watercolor with Marianne Guinto, and Draw Your Heart Out with Little Boy Productions, 

Learn more about DUWA and how to register for the workshops by visiting https://duwachildrensfestival.com/.