Given the demand for digital adoption in the ongoing pandemic, the future of micro and small businesses depends on the availability of inclusive technology to help increase their productivity and efficiency. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) MIMAROPA Region partnered with GCash (Mynt), a household name for convenient electronic transactions, to promote digital solutions in rural communities.
“Cashless For All: The Rise of Inclusive Digital Payment Solutions” is part of a series of activities set by DTI MIMAROPA in creating a financially inclusive environment in the region. The first event of the series is a virtual information session in partnership with GCash, which aims to orient Tricycle Operators and Drivers’ Association (TODA) drivers, public market vendors, cafeteria (karinderya) owners, and other small-time businesses on available cashless payment solutions suitable for them. Moreover, this activity aims to enjoin and assist the target beneficiaries to register with and eventually implement contactless payment solutions and sustain their daily livelihood activities through secure and safe options and solutions.
At the beginning of the program, DTI MIMAROPA Assistant Regional Director Rodolfo J. Mariposque, who is an active purveyor of eCommerce, said, “Receptive ang micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) before dahil kahit na maraming gumagamit ng contactless payment, karamihan naman ay nasa siyudad. Kaya we want to spread that sa ating mga probinsya. Patuloy tayong mag-develop at mag-encourage nang dumami ang mga negosyante na gumagamit ng contactless payment.”
Around 66 TODA drivers and other small vendors and businesses participated in the virtual session. The activity was also attended by Negosyo Center Business Counsellors, who are at the forefront of assisting MSMEs and other clients with business development services.
Speaking during the virtual information session are representatives from GCash; Tim Gatmaitan Account Manager – Enterprise, Public Sector who gave a refresher on the basic services of the platform, Joy Go Account Manager – SG Partnerships, Informal, who discussed their special services for TODA drivers, market vendors, and other informal businesses, and lastly, Jason Adeva, Territory Sales Manager – SG Partnerships, GPOs, who presented a new business model idea for sari-sari store owners with the Pera Outlet.
A total of 132 individuals, coming from both the public and private sector, was recorded to have participated in the half-day activity. A large number of these participants, especially those who belong to TODA associations, expressed their interest to onboard with GCash’s QR Code solution and services.
In a separate interview, DTI MIMAROPA Regional Director Joel B. Valera emphasizes that the Office resonates with GCash’s advocacy of creating a financially inclusive environment for all types of businesses, anywhere in the country.
The webinar was held on 7 October 2021, via the Zoom application, and was streamed live via the DTI MIMAROPA Facebook page. ♦
Date of Release: 11 October 2021