Manila: Academic scholars of the state-run Mariano Marcos State University attended a caravan organized by e-wallet giant GCash at the MMSU covered court in Batac City, Ilocos Norte on Tuesday to assist them in creating and activating their personal GCash accounts as part of the university's transition to a cashless scholarship stipend disbursement system.
According to Philippines News Agency, this came after MMSU entered into a partnership with GCash to expand the use of digital payment services and promote a more convenient, secure, and efficient cashless transaction system on campus. By adopting cashless services, MMSU President Virgilio Julius Manzano Jr. stated that this initiative will streamline scholarship releases, employee payments, and other financial transactions as the university aims to become the first public higher education institution in northern Philippines to integrate the digital platform.
"This partnership supports the university's digital governance initiatives to make financial services more accessible and convenient for students and employees," he said. Students, likewise, welcomed the partnership, saying "cashless payments offer greater convenience and flexibility" for their daily transactions. Many also expressed optimism that the system would reduce waiting times and streamline payment processes within the university.
Under the agreement, MMSU will distribute free GCash cards for fund disbursement for all employees and scholars. According to GCash representative Trisha Nell Dizon, the firm is also in the process of exploring additional programs with MMSU to further expand cashless transactions across the campus with co-branded MMSU-GCash cards for its students, faculty, and staff.
This initiative supports the Marcos administration's efforts to modernize government operations, improve public service delivery, and strengthen the country's digital economy. Among the administration's priorities are the digitalization of government processes, the expansion of e-governance platforms, improved internet connectivity, and the adoption of digital payment systems across public institutions.
