A customer scans a market vendor’s GCash QR
code at Farmers Market
The cost and risk of doing business during the
pandemic has gone up drastically, especially for market vendors who earn their
income on a daily basis interacting with people and oftentimes in crowded
spaces. With strict health protocols, crowded areas like markets have been
challenged time and time again by the potential increase of infection, making
it more difficult to get through in their respective businesses.
But now, thanks to GCash, the leading mobile wallet
app in the country, MSMEs like market vendors have a safe and convenient method
of payment for its buyers through the app’s QR on Demand feature. This will
first be rolled out in Farmers Market as GCash’s partners with Araneta City to
make the famous market a model for a cashless palengke. With the virus
being able to remain for 28 days on paper currency, With the probable risk of
paper currency exchange, having cashless transactions reduces the likelihood of
infection by minimizing physical transfer. Furthermore, cashless transaction
also allows the vendor and vendees to practice social distancing required by
the government, making cashless transaction a surefire way to ensure
survivability of MSMEs during this pandemic.
"Even before the pandemic, Araneta City has been introducing
digital solutions to provide convenience to its patrons. Now, the ‘City of Firsts’
continues to do so by encouraging vendors of Farmers Market to offer cashless
payment options to customers via GCash,” said Martha Sazon, GCash president and
chief executive officer. “For our part, we will continue to innovate our
digital offerings and partner with institutions that would help us achieve this
goal of giving financial access for all Filipinos."
The leading e-wallet app introduced QR on Demand as
part of its mission of financial inclusion for all, which includes supporting
all types of entrepreneurs. The QR on Demand is a new and better way to
securely send and receive money without having to worry about “wrong sends” due
to incorrect numbers, or giving away personal information such as their mobile
numbers.
Users can easily generate their own QR Code and use
this in place of giving their GCash number for safe and hassle-free payments ─
whether it’s for personal use or for small businesses.
"As an essential establishment, Farmers Market
has remained open to the public regardless of the quarantine classification
imposed by the government. We have always maintained that all market personnel,
vendors, and shoppers will observe compliance with health and safety protocols.
We value the cashless payment platform provided by GCash as a welcome addition
to our strict anti-COVID measures," according to John Castelo, Araneta
City's Senior Vice President for Business Development.
GCash’s partnership with market vendors of Farmers Market at Araneta
City is just among its initiatives to provide equal financial opportunities for
Filipinos. Recently, GCash enabled up to 15,000 jeepney drivers to receive
alternative income sources through the app under the Service Contracting
Program, in partnership with Sakay.Ph. The app also provides PUJ drivers and commuters
with a safe and cashless transaction option amid the pandemic via P2P QR Codes
on the GCash app.
Not yet
on GCash? Simply download the GCash app for free on Google Play for Android,
Apple Store for iPhone and iPad users, or Huawei Gallery to enjoy this exciting
offer from GCash and airasia.
To know
more, visit https://www.gcash.com/business.