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.
