GCash, the Philippines’ leading finance app, has been recognized as the 2023 National Winner of the Energy Globe Award in the Philippines for its GForest feature. This award highlights GCash’s dedication to environmental sustainability and its innovative approach to driving positive change.
Since its establishment in 2019, the GForest program has made significant strides, including the planting of over 2.7 million real trees, covering more than 11,600 hectares, with the support of 16.2 million green heroes.
The Energy Globe Awards, presented by the Austrian Embassy through Advantage Austria, honor remarkable initiatives that contribute to sustainability and environmental protection. GForest’s standout performance in the “Earth” category was praised for its efforts in reforesting critical areas and raising environmental awareness among millions of users.
Christina Stieber, commercial counselor at Advantage Austria, commended GForest’s achievements, stating, “Energy Globe is awarded to the world’s best environmental projects and honors innovative solutions to environmental problems. We cannot think of a better fit to receive this award than GForest.”
The GForest program within the GCash app incentivizes users to participate in tree planting by earning green energy points through digital transactions. These points can then be used to plant virtual trees that contribute to the actual reforestation efforts led by GCash in collaboration with environmental organizations.
Winsley Bangit, vice president and head of New Businesses Group at GCash, emphasized the impact of technology in driving positive change, stating, “We optimize technology to solve different challenges that Filipinos experience every day—and with over 94 million Filipinos that have tried GCash, we have the reach to maximize tech for good.”
GCash’s GForest program aims to address the pressing need for reforestation in the Philippines, where only 6% of the land is covered in rainforest. By empowering users to engage in tree planting initiatives, GCash is working to elevate awareness of environmental conservation and promote financial inclusion while making a positive impact on the lives of Filipinos.
CJ Alegre, Sustainability head of GCash, shared the motivation behind the GForest program, highlighting its commitment to sustainability across environmental, social, and governance impact pillars. The program involves planting native trees, partnering with organizations like the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. and engaging local communities in reforestation efforts.
Through workshops and partnerships, GCash ensures the sustainable management of planting sites and creates economic opportunities for farmers involved in tree planting activities. The GForest program stands as a groundbreaking initiative by a fintech company, driving environmental awareness and sustainable practices among Filipinos.
