GCash, the Philippines’ leading finance super app and largest cashless ecosystem, was honored with the Climate Advocacy and Education Award – Philippines and Gender Equality and Women Empowerment Award – Philippines accolades at the ESGBusiness Awards 2024 for its exceptional climate action initiative and dedication to a diverse and inclusive work environment.
Transformative environmental tech initiative
The Philippines, known for its biodiversity, faces environmental challenges from climate change, including extreme heat and powerful super typhoons that affect communities.
In 2019, GCash launched GForest to encourage user contributions to reforestation and combat climate change, evolving into a digital eco-movement that supports agroforestry and local farmers across the Philippines.
“Our goal when we started GForest in 2019 was to make it easier for GCash app users to contribute to environmental efforts through tree planting,” “Through digital transactions, GCash users can reduce their carbon footprint, which is equivalent to in-app energy points that users can use to plant virtual trees.”
“In turn, GCash, together with its international and local partners, plant actual trees throughout the Philippines, at no cost to users. At present, GForest has planted over 2.8 million of various species, ranging from mangroves to native trees to fruit-bearing trees, including coffee and coconuts across the Philippines.”
CJ Alegre, sustainability head at GCash
GForest’s design features several key elements for success. It uses science-based metrics to track carbon reductions, incorporates gamified rankings for user engagement, and partners with organizations like WWF and local institutions to select indigenous trees and support community livelihoods.
GForest works with environmental experts to select suitable tree species and ensure high seedling survival rates. Harvests benefit local communities, boosting farmers’ incomes by an additional P25,000 annually.
In 2020, GCash set a goal to plant 2.3 million trees by the end of 2023. Despite the challenges, they surpassed this target by nearly 500,000 trees. GCash has committed to planting 10 million digital trees by the end of 2025. To date, GForest has 19 million registered users who have contributed to these tree-planting efforts.
GCash earned the Climate Advocacy and Education Award – Philippines at the ESGBusiness Awards 2024 for its sustainability efforts and community partnerships.
Empowering gender equality and inclusive culture
Sustainability and diversity, equity, and inclusion are key pillars of GCash’s sustainability strategy. With 55% of its 90 million users being women, GCash prioritizes a diverse and inclusive workplace that values women’s contributions.
GCash recognizes women’s key role in shaping impactful financial services, addressing their needs amid societal trends.
In 2024, GCash’s inclusivity efforts led to women comprising 47% of its workforce and 49% of leadership, exceeding tech industry averages.
“GCash is committed to gender equality and diversity through several key initiatives. Our DEI Day x Day Training programme equips employees with inclusive communication skills and practices, achieving a 99% participation rate and 87% DEI certification. This commitment is reflected in an 88% inclusive management score from HR Asia Best Companies to Work for and Great Place to Work Surveys, indicating strong support for inclusive behaviour and equal opportunities,”
GCash chief people officer Robert Gonzales
GCash supports women’s career advancement in tech through GTalks, connecting employees with women leaders for insights and guidance. GCash’s no-mandatory dress code policy empowers employees to come to work as they are, dressed comfortably and authentically.
GCash promotes an inclusive culture by partnering with Gallup to identify employee strengths and support career growth.
GCash’s dedication to women’s empowerment and inclusivity earned them the Women Empowerment Award – Philippines at the ESGBusiness Awards 2024.
“We are honoured to be recognised by the ESGBusiness Awards for our environmental protection and women empowerment initiatives. This recognition inspires us to strive for a better Philippines—where we can help enable more Filipinos to thrive every day, be prepared for a rainy day, and plan for one day,”
GCash president and CEO Martha Sazon
The ESGBusiness Awards recognises and celebrates companies that lead the way in building a sustainable future. The awards programme honours businesses that demonstrate outstanding commitment and achievement in environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices.
