Luzon Institutional Partners lead the charge toward a digitally inclusive Philippines at GCash Digital Excellence Awards 2025

In the Photo. The Bauang Public Market of the Municipality of Bauang is recognized as a leader in championing sustainable financial digitalization across public markets. (L-R) Fuse Financing Inc. President and CEO Tony Isidro; Mynt President and CEO Martha Sazon; Bauang, La Union Mayor Ma. Clarissa “Manang Bong” Lee; local economic development and investment promotions officer Marvilyn Savellano, information system analyst Boni Pedralvez, Department of Finance secretary Frederick Go, and GCash chief marketing officer Neil Trinidad.

The 5th GCash Digital Excellence Awards (GDEA) drew the curtain on another milestone evening for Philippine governance, spotlighting the local government units and national agencies that are actively reshaping how Filipinos access public services faster, safer, and entirely cashless.

Held at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, the ceremony gathered awardees under this year’s theme: “Recognizing Digital Pioneers: Empowering the Public Sector for a Modern, Inclusive Philippines.” Of the 45 awardees recognized nationwide, 32 came from Luzon, a testament to the region’s growing commitment to digital governance and financial modernization.

Through the digital payment infrastructure of GCash, these institutions have made tangible strides in building government services that are not only efficient but accessible to every citizen, regardless of location or circumstance.

Leading the charge in the Ilocos Region, the Bauang Public Market of the Municipality of Bauang, La Union, was honored for championing sustainable financial digitalization across public market transactions, making cashless payments a daily reality for vendors and buyers alike.

In Cagayan Valley, the Metropolitan Tuguegarao Water District earned recognition for improving citizen access to water-related services through secure digital payment channels and streamlined online service options.

Central Luzon emerged as a strong cluster of awardees, with five institutions receiving citations: the City of San Fernando in Pampanga, the City Government of Baliwag and its Baliwag Public Market in Bulacan, the Municipality of Morong, and the Provincial Government of Bataan. Across urban centers and provincial communities alike, these LGUs have rolled out digital payment systems for local fees, utilities, and market transactions while expanding their online service footprints.

Also recognized for Digital Transformation Excellence in Utility Efficiency was the Metropolitan Naga Water District, underscoring how utilities are embracing digital tools to improve service delivery. Meanwhile, CALABARZON contributed four recognized institutions to the roster: the City Government of Santa Rosa in Laguna, the City Government of Imus in Cavite, the Municipality of Tanay, and the Pililla Water District in Rizal, each implementing traceable, citizen-friendly digital systems that simplify access to government services.

Rounding out Luzon’s awardees are the Municipality of Mauban, Quezon, and its Mauban Public Market, the City of Lucena, and the Provincial Government of Quezon, and Antonio L. Raymundo, Jr., President of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines – Bataan Chapter, who were recognized for their efforts to expand online payment channels and digitize public services across provincial towns—bringing modern governance closer to the communities that need it most.

The ceremony also recognized several national government agencies for advancing digital transformation and financial inclusion in public service. The Department of Transportation – Metro Rail Transit Line 3 received the Digital Breakthrough Growth Award for expanding digital payments in commuter services. The Land Bank of the Philippines, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation were named Champions for Digital Advocacy and Connectivity for widening access to digital financial services. The Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund) earned the Leader in Sustainable Financial Digitalization Award for its long-standing digital initiatives, while the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Philippine Statistics Authority, and the Bureau of the Treasury were cited as Catalysts in Financial Inclusion for strengthening digital access and transparency in public financial systems. The Department of Trade and Industry also received the Excellence in Digital Transformation Award for integrating digital platforms into services that support Filipino businesses.

Mynt Chairman Ernest Cu credited the partnerships that made progress possible across these communities. “2025 was truly a year where GCash doubled down on its commitment through partnership with the government in advancing digitalization in our country. We are moving beyond ear access to delivering world-class innovations that people use daily. We could not have reached these heights alone. Together, we have brought strengthened fiscal management, streamlined disbursements, and connections to the LGU,” he said.

GCash VP and Head of Public Sector Cleo Santos also added, “We are one with the government in the mission to serve every Filipino. Everything we do is anchored in our shared vision of finance for all. Every leader here tonight is a testament to the belief that no Filipino should be left behind in the digital economy,”

The GDEA’s award categories were designed to meet institutions where they are in their digitalization journey. First-year adopters were recognized through the Digital Breakthrough Growth Award, while the Excellence in Digital Transformation Award honored agencies that have demonstrated sustained growth in digital transactions from 2022 to 2025.

Sector-specific recognition was given through awards for Digital Transformation Excellence in Healthcare, Education, and Utility Efficiency, while the Catalyst in Financial Inclusion Award celebrated programs that meaningfully expanded financial access for underserved Filipinos.

Long-standing partnerships were honored through the Leader in Sustainable Financial Digitalization Award, which is reserved for agencies with at least five years of collaboration with GCash. The Leader in Sustainable Financial Digitalization for Public Market pushes for governments’ call for cashless payments and payment options. These Public Markets maintain at least 70% active vendors using GCash as a payment option to its customers.

The numbers underscore the momentum. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reports that over 97% of government-to-government and government-to-employee transactions are now digitally processed, while retail digital payments now account for more than 57% of total transaction volume nationwide.

Setting the bar for what digital transformation must achieve, Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Director General Ernesto Perez stressed that results must ultimately be felt by citizens. 

“Digital excellence within government rests on tangible results experienced by individuals and enterprises. It is seen in faster transactions, simplified requirements, dependable payment channels, and platforms that reach communities regardless of geography or circumstance. Through this initiative, GCash and ARTA continue to champion the goals by promoting ease of doing business, enhancing digital payment systems, and fostering stronger collaboration between government and the private sector,” he noted.

By putting the spotlight on Luzon’s digital trailblazers, the 5th GDEA reinforces that the path to a modern, inclusive Philippines is already being built, one LGU, one transaction, and one empowered citizen at a time

For more information, visit https://www.gcash.com.