Every thriving business begins with an idea, but turning that idea into lasting success often requires knowledge, opportunity, and access to the right financial tools.
Recognizing this need, GCash brought its WaisTindera Caravan to Barangay Calaparan in Villa Arevalo, Iloilo City, to equip micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with financial literacy, digital finance knowledge, and responsible borrowing practices that can help them thrive in an increasingly cashless economy.
The caravan transformed the Calaparan Covered Gym into an interactive learning space where participants explored booths on budgeting, saving, responsible borrowing, and scam prevention before joining Wais Talks and educational sessions that introduced practical financial skills, digital payment solutions, and financial services for business owners.
The initiative comes at a time when MSMEs account for 99.5 percent of all businesses in the Philippines, yet many continue to face challenges in accessing financing, digital tools, and formal financial services, underscoring the importance of financial education and digital inclusion for long-term business growth.
Among those who saw value in the program was Mieumi Perl Cordova, a Barangay Calaparan resident who started a small sandwich business at her workplace and joined the caravan in search of ideas that could help her take the next step as an entrepreneur.
Cordova said she hoped the program would help her learn how to access capital, improve her business, and eventually turn her small venture into a bigger one, noting that many aspiring entrepreneurs need guidance as they begin building their livelihoods.
”Yes, I would highly encourage people kay syempre digital na subong ang almost everything, cashless na. So, GCash is very helpful. Open GCash lang, scan QR code,” she added.
Cordova also shared that the caravan encouraged participants to become more “digital-wise” and “money-wise” by using financial services responsibly, managing their money wisely, and exploring additional sources of income at a time when a single source of earnings is often no longer enough for many Filipino families.
Barangay Captain Renante G. Tubola welcomed the initiative, saying GCash has made it easier for residents and business owners to pay utility bills, send money, and manage their daily financial transactions.
He added that bringing the Wais Tindera Caravan to Barangay Calaparan gives local entrepreneurs greater access to practical financial knowledge and digital services that they can apply in managing and growing their businesses.
Through the WaisTindera Caravan, GCash continues to strengthen financial inclusion by bringing financial education, digital financial tools, and greater access to formal financial services directly to grassroots entrepreneurs, helping them build more resilient and sustainable businesses.Pia Maleriado/IMT
