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Lapu-Lapu City, PhilippinesMay 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — GCash, the leading financial technology platform in the Philippines, is proud to support the 48th ASEAN Summit as an official partner, bringing the convenience of cashless payments and financial inclusion to the region’s largest gathering of leaders.
GCash joins ASEAN’s official partners to bring cashless convenience and financial inclusion to the heart of the largest ASEAN gathering in Cebu, the 48th ASEAN Summit.
Held in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu Province, this summit is one of the highest-level meetings of the regional bloc within the year, bringing together heads of state from 11 member countries to discuss and make decisions on key regional issues.
Paul Albano, General Manager of GCash Enterprise Business, said: “We are truly honored to be deeply involved in the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship. This collaboration with ASEAN allows us to showcase Philippine innovation on the global stage and demonstrate how the Philippines is leading the ASEAN region toward a more integrated digital future.”
At the partner pavilion, GCash supported several booths showcasing products from local micro-entrepreneurs in Cebu, including home decor, pastries and confectionery, handwoven items, chocolate, dairy and food products, as well as locally made souvenirs and handicrafts.
Albano stated: “By supporting the MSME market at the pavilion and providing cashless transaction support for micro-entrepreneurs in Cebu, we are demonstrating how digital financial inclusion can create tangible, real-world impact.”
In addition to product demonstrations, the booths aimed to drive the digitalization of MSMEs by guiding new merchants in using GCash Merchant and showcasing how digital tools can help local businesses grow in an increasingly cashless economy.
Albano added: “We are energizing the MSME market by providing cashless payment services to micro-entrepreneurs in Cebu. When a local vendor can accept digital payments as easily as a large retailer, that is digital financial inclusion in practice.”
GCash participated in key side events during the summit, engaging in discussions on digital transformation and promoting expanded access to financial services across the region.
Themed “Navigating a Shared Future,” the summit was held this month in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu Province, Philippines, as a key event during the country’s ASEAN chairmanship.
The summit brought together leaders from all 11 ASEAN member states, along with thousands of delegates, officials, and international media representatives.
Discussions revolved around topics such as energy security, food security, regional stability, and the protection of ASEAN citizens, while also covering broader themes like economic integration, sustainable development, and digital cooperation.
For more information about ASEAN, please visit https://asean2026.gov.ph.