Aboitiz Power Corporation’s (AboitizPower) subsidiary Hedcor Inc. (Hedcor) marks today, May 25, its 45th anniversary. Since 1978, Hedcor has harnessed indigenous and renewable sources of energy in service to business and communities. In the process, it has become one of the country’s top renewable energy (RE) companies that specializes in generating electricity from run-of-river hydropower systems.

To date, Hedcor has 22 hydropower facilities in Luzon and Mindanao and a solar farm in the Visayas. These 22 hydropower plants – with a cumulative installed capacity of over 280 megawatts (MW) – are spread out in Ilocos Sur, Mountain Province, Benguet, Davao City, Davao Del Sur, and Bukidnon. Since 2021, Hedcor also operates San Carlos Sun Power, Inc. (SacaSun) in Negros Occidental with a peak capacity of 59 MW.

Hedcor started when Ernesto Aboitiz found interest in hydropower plants during a visit to Baguio City. This eventually led to Hedcor entering into a 20-year contract to operate the four American-built Asin Hydro Power Plants in Tuba, Benguet, which were fully operational by 1986. The following year, Hedcor also took advantage of Executive Order 215 – which encouraged private entities to venture into power projects – becoming one of the first to explore potential areas for hydropower generation.

The name “Hedcor” is derived from Hydro Electric Development Corporation (HEDCOR). HEDCOR was the name given to the initial Davao Light and Power Company team who handled Hedcor’s first hydropower plants. In 2005, generating companies North Mini Hydro Corporation and HEDCOR entered into a de facto merger with non-asset company Benguet Hydro Corporation, which was later renamed to Hedcor, Inc. In 2009, Hedcor became a wholly-owned subsidiary of AboitizPower.

Hedcor aspires to become the largest RE asset manager in the country and in the ASEAN region by growing its clean energy facilities to at least 40 by 2030.  This includes more hydro and solar, as well as having wind power plants.

In 2022, Hedcor launched the country’s first National Operations Control Center (NOCC). It allows for the operation, monitoring, and controlling of 21 Hedcor run-of-river plants and SacaSun all in one location. This results in more efficient operations with less chance of technical errors through centralized real-time data monitoring and analysis, operation and control of equipment, management of the alarm system, and delivery of notifications and plant operation reports.

“To remain competitive, we optimize our current assets, people, and resources. Adopting new technologies will ensure efficiency, helping to implement operational excellence strategies necessary for future business growth,” Hedcor president and COO Rolando Pacquiao said.

Hedcor also celebrates the rich culture and tradition of the indigenous peoples (IP) groups in the communities it operates in. Earlier this year, Hedcor helped renovate the tribal halls of IPs in the province of Bukidnon. It also turned over P10 million worth of infrastructure to IPs in La Trinidad, Benguet. Both projects support the IP groups’ need for venues to host tribe gatherings and meetings, among many other functions.

“We know that we are only as strong as the bond we have with our community. We draw our strength from the homes and businesses we’ve sustained with the energy we provide,” Pacquiao shared.

Since 2000, Hedcor has also planted over 3.5 million trees with an 85% survival rate. Moreover, the company is now in its fifth consecutive year of implementing its #NoToSingleUsePlastics campaign, banning the use of single-use plastics in all company events. Segregation and recycling is also observed within Hedcor’s premises.

“Building on its 45 years of experience and now as part of the Aboitiz Techglomerate, Hedcor will continue to be integral in AboitizPower’s efforts to service the country’s growing need for sustainable, affordable, and reliable electricity,” said AboitizPower president and CEO Emmanuel Rubio.

“As the Philippines sets its sights to integrate 35% and 50% RE in its energy mix by 2030 and 2040, respectively, AboitizPower and Hedcor support it by growing its own diverse clean energy portfolio and investments in innovation and technology,” he added. – Rappler.com

Last May 8, HMN marked the transition with a ceremonial signage lighting ceremony at the renamed Healthway Qualimed Sta. Rosa hospital in Laguna. To show its commitment to patient-first service, the Ayala Corporation also gifted 700 AC Care Cards to the city of Sta. Rosa, which provides cardholders with access to HMN’s extensive services and specialty centers.

“The integration and launch of the Healthway Medical Network and its promise to deliver care beyond cure exemplifies Ayala’s relentless pursuit of excellence in its unwavering commitment to nation-building,” said Ayala Corporation’s Fernando Zobel de Ayala, who graced the event along with LGU representatives and leaders from AC Health and Healthway.

In the coming years, Healthway is set to upgrade everything from IT to infrastructure to clinical pathways. But at the heart of this immense undertaking is a simple guiding principle: HMN’s tagline, “Care Beyond Cure.”

Treating the whole person, not just the illness

In a roundtable discussion with HMN patients and reps, AC Health chief public health officer and QualiMed Manila COO Dr. Rizzy Alejandro shared an anecdote about how, despite the many examinations and procedures her father experienced during a bout of dengue, what he remembered the most was his doctor’s treatment. This captures the essence of Healthway’s brand of care beyond cure.

“I think that’s really a testament to doctors providing care and, although, yes, we provide the medical aspect of it, the medicines and diagnostics, what patients will remember is how they were taken care of,” said Dr. Alejandro.

To deliver a seamless and personal experience for all patients, Healthway is implementing Connected Care Circles, which brings together a multidisciplinary healthcare team that reviews a patient’s needs. This way, patients are ensured that each step is coordinated as they move across the Healthway network.

In order to serve quality healthcare, Healthway is also expanding its specialized institutions for more particular treatments. Some of these establishments include Healthway’s multi-speciality center in Makati, a women’s center in Sta. Rosa, and a pioneering cancer care hospital in Taguig that is set to open in September 2023. HMN is also set to open three new clinics in Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao this year.

Filling in the gaps of healthcare in the Philippines

According to AC Health president and CEO Paolo Borromeo, the company’s goal is to bridge gaps in Filipino healthcare as it builds its ecosystem. “Healthway Medical Network remains a crucial component of this ecosystem and AC Health will continue to explore even more opportunities to drive synergies within our network, offering a differentiated experience for our Healthway doctors, employees, and of course our patients,” said Borromeo.

Being part of AC Health, Healthway and its patients can also be connected to the company’s pharmacy and digital health assets, which include Generika Drugstore and KonsultaMD, respectively. Patients can also expect improved efficiency in the coming months as Healthway works on a centralized electronic medical records (ERM) and clinical information system.

As Healthway kicks off a new chapter in its evolution, regulars and new patients alike can expect a high standard of holistic care at their nearest Healthway center. To learn more about HMN’s services and locations, visit their website at https://www.healthway.com.ph/.  – Rappler.com

SM Supermalls, the primary and official partner of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), invites you to join the epic job fair at SMX, Manila which is rescheduled for April 30.

Since 2008, Supermalls has been holding job fairs across various SM malls in the Philippines, and it’s making a big comeback in time for Labor Day. And even after May 1, this partnership will continue to keep their malls open as an official venue for job fairs all over the country.

The job fair aims to provide employment opportunities for job seekers as well as support the government’s efforts to reduce unemployment in the country.

The job fair is open to all job seekers, including fresh graduates, returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), and those who have been displaced from their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. DOLE has invited various companies to participate in job fairs, offering a wide range of job opportunities in different industries such as retail, hospitality, business process outsourcing (BPO), and the like.

During the job fairs, job seekers can submit their resumes and undergo initial interviews with the participating companies. Some companies even conduct on-the-spot job offers, which means that qualified applicants can receive job offers on the same day.

As the official venue of DOLE for job fairs nationwide, the job fairs will also take place on May 1 at SM City Grand Central, SM Southmall, SM CityBF Paranaque, SM City Sucat, SM City Baguio, SM City Marilao, SM City Pampanga, SM City Olongapo Central, SM City Tuguegarao, SM City Cabanatuan, SM CDO Downtown Premier, SM City Davao, and SM City San Jose del Monte.

In recent years, LGU  and PESO have also embraced online job fairs, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when physical gatherings were restricted. This year, they strategically selected SM City Marikina SM City Lipa (May 1) under LGU, SM City Roxas (May 1),  SM City Bacolod (May 5 and 6), SM City Puerto Princesa (May 1), SM Cherry Antipolo ( May 12),) SM City Novaliches ( May 1)  under PESO by connecting job seekers with employers and promoting employment opportunities.

Take your career to the next level with new opportunities and #ExperienceTogetherAtSM.

Grab this great opportunity to find your dream job! Visit the SMX
Convention Center in Manila on April 30 and SM Supermalls for the nationwide job fair on May 1!

For more information and updates, check out smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media. – Rappler.com

One of the ways to ensure equitable and sustainable development in the Philippines is to improve everyone’s health and safety. This piece explores the country’s top health and safety concerns, and tips to address them.

Road safety is a significant concern, with an estimated 12,000 Filipinos dying from road-related incidents yearly.¹ Drivers should follow traffic rules, wear seatbelts (with all passengers), avoid using mobile devices, and stay within the speed limit. Motorcycle riders should wear helmets.

Fires also affect many Filipinos, with faulty electrical wiring and appliances being a leading cause.² Regular electrical inspections and replacing damaged appliances are essential. Structures should install fire extinguishers and smoke detectors, and people should know how to use them.

Lifestyle diseases are a pressing matter. The Department of Health identifies heart, vascular system, and cancer diseases as leading causes of mortality. Adopt a healthy lifestyle with regular physical activity, balanced diet, no smoking, and less alcohol. Regular check-ups can help detect and prevent diseases.

AboitizPower prioritizes the health and safety of its employees, contractors, and stakeholders. It strives to integrate safety into its operations. The company celebrates World Safety Day and believes safety is a priority and a core value that drives its business toward sustainable, profitable growth. At AboitizPower, safety is visible, felt, and lived.

Learn about AboitizPower’s safety and health initiatives here. – Rappler.com

¹ https://www.roadsafetyfacility.org/country/philippines

² Bureau of Fire Protection

In a bid to amplify the company’s green initiatives, telecommunications company Radius Telecoms, Inc. is moving itself and its clients towards ethical e-waste disposal. To realize this, the company has partnered with Edispo – a social enterprise aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) that help companies to dispose of tech waste responsibly.

For enterprise clients who would like to upgrade their network equipment, Radius will be offering a Lease-to-Tech Refresh bundle that lets customers replace their hardware with Cisco routers, access points and other networking equipment on a lease agreement. Along with this bundle, clients will get Edispo voucher worth up to P10,000 which can allow them to get business matching consulting hours or offset expense for their actual disposal service from the list of partners of Edispo.

Radius’ steps toward ethical e-waste disposal help address a “looming e-waste crisis” in the country. According to the United Nations’ last Global E-Waste Monitor report, the Philippines is one of the top Southeast Asian countries that generate e-waste, with an estimate of 3.9 kg per capita in 2019. The Environmental Management Bureau has also deemed “waste electrical and electronic equipment” or WEEE as one of the fastest growing waste streams in the country.

If left unchecked, improper e-waste disposal can have detrimental effects on Filipinos’ health and the environment at large due to its hazardous nature. With Radius being a reputable 23-year-strong player in the local telecommunications industry, it takes the company a step closer to supporting Meralco’s UNSDG sustainability efforts by adopting ethical e-waste management. This follows UNSDG’s Goal #12: Responsible Consumption and Production, ultimately leading into becoming a cleaner Philippines.

To learn more about how Radius goes beyond connectivity for its customers, visit their official website now. – Rappler.com

Radius Telecoms, Inc. continues its pursuit in providing world-class connectivity to local enterprises through an enriched partnership with worldwide technology leader that powers the internet, Cisco. As it fortifies its position as a Cisco-powered network, large enterprise and SME clients can experience a boost in the overall caliber of their subscriptions. 

Last year, Radius secured the Cisco Select Partner status under Cisco’s channel partner program, allowing the company to enjoy various upskilling for its technical workforce, technology sharing, joint marketing activities and preferential pricing for its enterprise customer projects. “Partners are at the heart of everything we do at Cisco. We are delighted to partner with Radius as they help local companies speed up their digitization initiatives this year,” said Zaza Nicart, managing director of Cisco Philippines.

Cisco is one of the largest cybersecurity providers globally. In 2021, Cisco won Best Security Company and Best Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Security Solution at the prestigious SC Awards. The multinational company ranks 74th on the Fortune 500 list and is the preferred connectivity partner for world-renowned institutions like the National Football League (NFL) and telecom giants like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Telstra Corporation.

“We have been using Cisco in our core network for more than 20 years and it’s just apt that we also extend their world-class networking solutions to our enterprise customers,” said Quiel Delgado, Radius’ president and chief executive officer. 

Now, local businesses can experience this technology through Radius, who have partnered with Cisco for enterprise customers’ hardware needs for their routers, switches and access points. For a more tailor-fit subscription process, Radius will offer customized bundles targeted for industries like BPOs, banking, manufacturing, and SMEs. In addition, Radius will also make Cisco hardware ownership under a leasing agreement conveniently bundled with their data and direct internet access services. This will be financially beneficial as the model will be OPEX-based, easy on the company cash flow, and helpful in saving the company from hardware obsolescence.

For local businesses who want connection reliability that’s on par with international standards, Radius may have the equipment bundle for you. Encapsulated by its tagline of “we make things faster for you,” Radius builds on its goal of providing agile, versatile, and reliable service that goes beyond just speed.

With the combined strengths of Radius’ reliability as a 100% Meralco-owned business and Cisco’s award-winning solutions, business owners can be assured of smooth connectivity. For inquiries or a free IT consultation, email Radius at inquiry@radius.ph or visit their official website. – Rappler.com

The Philippines is in for a new wave of digital transformation – and you might already be a part of it.

Sprout Solutions and Kaya Founders have launched the first Software as a Service (SaaS) conference in the Philippines: SaaScon PH held at the Marriott Grand Ballroom on March 28, 2023.

The bustling afternoon saw the likes of Ayala Corporation’s Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, Komunidad’s Felix Ayuze, Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng, and Amazon’s Naveen Asrani have mind-enriching discussions on the overalls state of SaaS – as over 700 entrepreneurs eagerly watched on to learn how to elevate their businesses. 

Now, you might be asking yourself…

Wait, what’s SaaS?

SaaS is an abbreviation of the term “software as a service.” It encompasses the companies that provide licensed cloud software on a subscription. Think Microsoft Office 365, Dropbox, Zoom, and even Netflix. 

Although it’s not a household name just yet, we all have used SaaS in the digital age, and will likely continue to in the years to come.

With their latest collaboration, Sprout Solutions and Kaya Founders ushered in a new wave of SaaS in the country by bringing together startup founders, investors, and enterprise leaders during the one-day conference to share insights on the growing B2B (business-to-business) SaaS landscape.

“We need the ecosystem to grow,” said Sprout Solutions CEO and co-founder, Patrick Gentry. “Gatherings such as SaaScon PH will allow us to empower not only startups in developing their businesses but also potential investors who could benefit from these groundbreaking digital platforms.”

True enough, Marriott Grand Ballroom was packed with over 700 people ready with their big ideas (and calling cards) as industry leaders held discussions on game-changing solutions for business transformation, building a climate for digital innovation, SMEs in software, and more. 

Impact ‘23 Accelerator Program

As a treat to the SaaScon crowd, the event also brought in the three winning startups of the prestigious Impact ‘23 to pitch their winning ideas.

Impact ’23 is an eight-week accelerator challenge organized by Sprout and Kaya Founders. The program gathered budding Filipino innovators in a sandbox environment to collaborate and pitch their next big SaaS idea.

They were then handpicked by industry leaders based on what would potentially bring huge digital changes to the country. Think The Apprentice, but with software ideas and in a lot more modern backdrop. No “you’re fired” lines, either.

The second-runner up, Umwelt.AI, pitched the all-in-one AI HR officer named Nikki. Nikki is a chatbot that employees can consult with 24/7. It can offer answers and solutions to employees’ inquiries just like how a human HR officer can.  

Smile API nabbed the first-runner-up prize with their digital platform that can facilitate fast and reliable background checks of applicants. The platform will get employment and income data from gig platforms, commerce platforms, and government databases to give businesses an all-in-one employee information sheet.

With a grand prize of  $100,000 (around P5.5 million), Olivia Technology Group Inc. won this year’s accelerator program with an app that can scan and digitize receipts to make the reimbursement and liquidation process easier for HR and employees. It is also optimized for Philippine receipts to recognize local brand invoices.

Meanwhile, the top 10 finalists of the Impact ‘23 program also had booths present outside the grand ballroom.

Events like SaaScon PH prove that there’s a growing market for new and fresh ideas in tech, we just need more events to serve as a melting pot for the industry to come together and create something new. 

If SaaS is still a foreign word for you, remember that AI and cryptocurrency were lost on us before too, but they now serve as a real livelihood to many in this age of new careers and innovations. After all, big ideas are needed to cause a little disruption. – Rappler.com

Having a stable power supply continues to be one of the Philippines’ major challenges. Just last September, the Luzon Grid was placed under red alert. Several large power plants were on forced outage, following the tripping of a major transmission line. Some parts of the Philippines, including Metro Manila, were advised to expect brownouts.

Fortunately, some households didn’t have to suffer from these brownouts thanks to the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Interruptible Load Program (ILP).

What is the Interruptible Load Program (ILP)? 

It’s a voluntary, demand-side management program that allows customers to collectively reduce electricity drawn from the grid when power interruptions are imminent to ration limited power supply.

In other words, when the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) issues a red alert, for example, Meralco customers who consume large loads of power and have signed up for the ILP are requested to “de-load” by using their own generator sets (gensets) or by reducing their operations.

This way, they are able to free up megawatts (MW) from the grid so small households and businesses without access to generators can use those instead, preventing brownouts. These Meralco customers are then compensated by Meralco per kWh of electricity they were able to contribute. This also ensures that the transfer to gensets or lowering power is within their control, versus a power outage from lack of supply or fluctuations that may damage their equipment.

ILP was first implemented in Visayas and Mindanao to manage the limited power supply and to address outages. In March 2014, DOE implemented ILP in Luzon through Meralco because of the expected power shortages then.

Who is eligible to participate in the ILP?

ILP is open to:

• Non-contestable customers (electricity end-users who can only procure their energy supplies from their distribution utility)
• Contestable customers (electricity end-users who meet the eligibility requirements for contestability and threshold level set by the Energy Regulatory Commission to qualify in the contestable market)
• Locators in economic and freeport zones
• Directly connected customers

Priority is given to customers with large loads like malls because they have the biggest potential to free up significant MW of power once the NGCP calls for it.

How does the ILP work?

Participants of the ILP work closely with Meralco’s Customer Care and Enterprise and National Government Groups. Meralco guides the participants during the whole process of de-loading.

• Notification – participants are alerted by Meralco about NGCP red alert warning and participants of ILP are requested to confirm their activation

• Activation – participants choose between two de-loading windows – 10 am to 1 pm or 12nn to 3 pm – and are asked to de-load immediately once advised by Meralco. Participants can also choose the ‘flexible’ option and be requested to de-load during either or both windows. Window hours may be extended if necessary, though participation is still purely voluntary as there are times that operations cannot drop load for whatever reasons they may have.

• Determination of compensable kWh – Meralco will read consumption meters of participating accounts at the same time as the usual reading for billing and tag hours of ILP activation.

• Billing – Meralco will compute the De-loading Compensation based on ERC-prescribed formula and send it to the participating customer for verification within seven days from the regular reading date.

• Settlement – The signed conforme must be returned to Meralco within eight days from receipt. Meralco will then process the payment within 30 days.

How can you join the ILP?

If you want to join the ILP, get in touch with your Meralco Relationship Manager and advise the following:

• Volunteer to de-load a certain amount of your demand
• Choose a time slot (10 am – 1 pm only, 12 nn – 3 pm only, flexible)
• Establish a baseline load profile
• Designate three contact persons from your organization

Why should you participate in the ILP?

ILP is an opportunity for companies to be part of the solution to brownouts, giving back to the community that supports their businesses.

This will be especially helpful as the Luzon grid is expected to experience yellow alerts in the months of March, April, May, June, September, October and November according to DOE’s January 9, 2023 media briefing.

As of January 31, 2023, the total capacity for de-loading or the available electricity that can be freed up to power small households in Meralco’s area is 560.59MW, equivalent to an estimate of 2.2 million households. This is thanks to 117 companies representing 260 participating accounts.

Since ILP was implemented in 2014, as many as 1.8 million households have been spared from rotational brownouts.

Just imagine how much more Filipino households can be spared from rotating brownouts if more large load customers will join this bayanihan program.

To know more about ILP, watch this video: https://mer.ph/whatisilp

For other inquiries, contact your Relationship Manager or e-mail Meralco at enterprise@meralco.com.ph. – Rappler.com

McDonald’s Philippines achieved record-breaking sales in 2022, surpassing its pre-pandemic (2019) sales performance. 

Owned and operated by its chairman and owner Dr. George T. Yang and president and CEO Kenneth Yang – the quick service restaurant (QSR) giant attributes its performance not just to strong consumer mobility and post-pandemic behavior but to its continuous commitment to providing value for money, exciting limited-time menu offers, and an elevated omnichannel customer experience. 

“McDonald’s Philippines’ strong performance in 2022 wouldn’t have been possible if not for the trust and continuous support of our customers all over the country. As we aim to consistently improve how we serve McDonald’s favorites to every Filipino, we are equally committed to providing feel-good experiences to our people (crew and managers) who make it all happen in our stores, and in communities where we operate for many years to come,” said Kenneth Yang, president and CEO of McDonald’s Philippines. 

Feeling good, feeling safe

From its first store opening in Morayta, Manila in 1981, McDonald’s Philippines continues to uphold global food safety and quality standards in the preparation and service of its food whether through dine-in, take-out, Drive-Thru, or McDelivery.  

This was further strengthened during the pandemic as part of its M Safe program, introduced in 2020.

The company doubled down on food safety and quality efforts through continuous monitoring, and crew and manager training, which contributed to its third party food safety audit results and customer perception scores on safety and trust.

Since the launch of M Safe, the company’s findings on “brand trust” increased by 5.4% which contributed to increased dine-in guest count, lifting market share for McDonald’s in 2022.

Setting the standard for doing good 

McDonald’s takes pride in its global learning and development programs from Crew Training to Restaurant Leadership courses to its Digital Academy. As one of the biggest employers in the country, McDonald’s Philippines believes that everyone has the opportunity to grow and succeed in the company which starts by first having job security. McDonald’s is the first quick-service restaurant in the country to practice a direct hiring policy, providing regular employment to all its crew members. In 2022, McDonald’s Philippines hired more than 17,000 new employees in support of its new store openings – employing working students regardless of race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. 

To date, the company has close to 60,000 employees in over 700 stores across the Philippines – with over 47,000 employees in Luzon, close to 6,000 employees in Visayas, and 5,000 employees in Mindanao.  

Serving meals with kindness 

McDonald’s also prioritizes its commitment to the communities where it operates. To serve meals to underserved families without access to food, McDonald’s Philippines launched the Kindness Kitchen, a flagship program of its charity of choice, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). 

In December 2022, Kindness Kitchen has served over 800,000 meals, a 33% increase from 600,000 meals served in May. The initiative aims to serve 1 million meals by the end of 2023. 

By continuously improving the quality of food, providing growth opportunities to its people, and creating a positive impact in communities, McDonald’s exemplifies always being a step ahead in upholding its commitment to world-class excellence. 

Yang reiterates, “It is these customers we serve, the people working in our restaurants, and communities that we help that inspire and motivate us to be and do better. As many Filipinos continue to face challenges and recover from the pandemic, we want to be a place where they can experience feel-good moments. We want to be a company that Filipinos today and the future can trust.” – Rappler.com

Remember the banking experience pre-pandemic? Customers can either earn high interest but with locked funds (via time deposit), or have available funds with very low interest. Even worse, customers would need to visit physical branches or ATMs to fulfill their banking needs.

Fast-forward to after the pandemic, the new normal has now provided greater opportunities for online banking – from cashless payments, digital fund transfers, online shopping, to tracking of finances – all made readily available with just a few taps. And with today’s busy lifestyle, consumers are looking for a bank that helps them fulfill “Ezy” financial transactions, without leaving the safety and comfort of their homes. The adoption of digital banking, as well as partnering with the right bank for this gives customers flexibility in seamlessly managing and fulfilling their financial needs.

Maybank x GCash

The company is proud and happy to announce that Maybank, the fourth largest bank in Southeast Asia, has recently partnered with GCash, the Philippine’s leading mobile wallet, to offer a digital savings account to jump start Filipinos’ digital banking journey.

Through GCash, Maybank offers a fully operational digital account that provides financial rewards, but at the same time allows customers access to their money anytime, anywhere! Customers can quickly and conveniently open an account, earn interest on their savings, and easily perform mobile wallet transactions between their EzySave+ account and their GCash wallet.

“The transformation of the banking system from branch to digital banking has paved the way for easy and convenient banking transactions, especially with the changes in lifestyle brought about by the new normal. With our partnership with GCash, we are hoping to encourage Filipinos to start saving with security and convenience. In line with our role as a financial institution, we want to ensure a seamless online banking experience for our customers. With the launch of EzySave+, not only can our customers jumpstart their savings, they can also enjoy interest earnings, and perform cashless payments and fund transfers suited for their needs.” said Maybank Philippines’ president and CEO Abigail Del Rosario.

For GCash, EzySave+ allows their customers to earn interest on their online deposit accounts. This product complements the breadth of their financial options.  Teaming up with Maybank to offer a user-friendly platform to open a savings account, GCash ensures a seamless, convenient and hassle-free customer experience for Maybank customers and GCash users alike.  “This partnership with Maybank is a major step in achieving our vision of ‘Finance for All.’ It also opens up more opportunities for our users to achieve their personal finance goals,” said Martha Sazon, president and CEO of GCash. “Making EzySave+ available in our GSave Marketplace is also a testament that we will work tirelessly to ensure that our customers remain financially empowered when they use the GCash app.” 

Savings made Ezy

So how can customers apply for EzySave+? It’s Ezy with the GCash app!  EzySave+ requires no initial deposit, no maintaining balance, and earns interest for as low as Php0.01! Your savings also earn interest and are insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp (PDIC) by up to P500,000. Your EzySave+ also comes with a free EMV-enabled Maybank Visa Debit Card, should you need to withdraw cash, buy from your favorite shops, or pay for your online transactions. And as a bonus for new customers, Maybank will give an additional 5% cash credit on your Average Daily Balance (ADB) during the first 90 days of opening an EzySave+ account! Furthermore, to protect you and your future, EzySave+ comes with a free personal accident insurance of up to P1 million, with a minimum ADB of only P50,000. 

Humanising financial services #ForYou

EzySave+ is part of Maybank Philippines’ offerings as it celebrates its 25^th anniversary this year in the Philippines.  With the campaign theme of #ForYou, Maybank Philippines reiterates their brand promise of putting their customers at the heart of everything they do. Connecting the bank’s products and services to the customers’ needs, for their financial and personal well-being, through relevant products and expanded services, Maybank strives to be your trusted partner for a sustainable future, by providing financial and innovative products that offer greater convenience – all made especially #ForYou.

Maybank maintains a “phygital” proposition that combines physical accessibility through its network of more than 60 branches and 90 ATMs nationwide, and digital capabilities through its Maybank2U PH mobile and internet banking platform. Together with GCash, and the new EzySave+ savings product, Maybank aims to expand its reach and provide secure and convenient financial services to Filipinos.  – Rappler.com

For more information, please contact:

Maybank Customer Care: Metro Manila: (02) 8588-3888| Toll Free: 1-800-10-8588-3888 | Email:  mpi.customerservice@maybank.com