Makati bags two GCash awards for digital excellence 

Makati Mayor Abby Binay said the city won two awards for Excellence in Digital Sustainability and Digital Public Aid Distribution at the GCash Digital Excellence Awards. 

"I would like to thank GCash for these awards. GCash has been our partner since our digital transformation journey started. Together, we have worked hard to make digital payments and services accessible, reliable, and convenient for our citizens," she said. 

Mayor Abby said the city was recognized for its effective disbursement of government financial assistance and for being able to adapt early in the digital space and expanding the use of financial technology. 

The mayor said the Makatizen Card's GCash feature has helped improve access to financial services for Makatizens, especially at the height of the pandemic. 

"The Makatizen Economic Relief Program, better known as MAKAtulong 5K, was a great success. With the help of GCash, we were able to distribute financial assistance and emergency aid safely and efficiently to residents. There was no confusion, no long queues, and no administrative hassle. The process was fast, reliable, and efficient," she said. 

Mayor Abby said Makati was the first city in the country to implement the cashless distribution of financial assistance through a mobile wallet. 

The city released P364 million to over 72,000 residents in just one day through Makatizen Card's GCash feature. 

"The GCash Digital Excellence Award is more than just a recognition of our success. It affirms our commitment to bridging the gap between traditional financial services and digital payments," said Mayor Abby. 

In 2017, the city partnered with Globe Telecom's subsidiary G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI) and iBayad Online Ventures Inc. to create a multipurpose ID called the Makatizen Card. 

The card was initially made to provide residents with a multipurpose ID that functions as a valid government ID and ATM card. 

"Makati will continue to think of innovative ways to utilize our digital initiatives and make public services closer to the public. We hope the other localities will replicate our projects so that Filipinos can enjoy the convenience and efficiency of digital technologies," Mayor Abby said. 

Last year, the city dominated the GCash Digital Excellence Awards and won four awards, such as Excellence in Innovation and Leadership, Excellence in Public Aid Distribution, Excellence in Digital Financial Inclusion, and Excellence in Digital Advancement for the Youth (together with the University of Makati).