GCash, the Philippines’ leading finance app and largest cashless ecosystem, celebrated the Day of the Seafarer with the Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP), as well as graduating cadets of the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP).
The Void is not synonymous with stagnation; rather, it's a fertile ground for exploration and discovery. By understanding and embracing the Void, creatives can liberate themselves from the constraints of expectation and perfectionism. This liberation becomes a catalyst for fresh ideas, enabling a departure from the ordinary and a journey into uncharted territories of innovation.
Navigating the Void requires a willingness to confront uncertainty and silence the noise of external influences. It's a practice in mindfulness and self-discovery—a journey into the depths of one's own thoughts and emotions. In this solitude, creatives often find the raw materials for groundbreaking concepts, discovering connections and patterns that were previously obscured.
The process of engaging with the Void is not about avoiding challenges but transforming them into opportunities. It encourages a shift in perspective, viewing obstacles not as roadblocks but as stepping stones to innovation. By understanding 'the Void' as a realm of potential, creatives unlock the door to their most authentic and impactful work, revealing the beauty that emerges when the creative spirit is allowed to roam freely. In essence, the Void becomes not an abyss to be feared, but a sanctuary where creativity thrives, and our most brilliant ideas come to life.
The Day of the Seafarer recognizes the contributions of seafarers to everyday Filipino lives, the global community, and global trade industries—a feat that rests on the shoulders of 578,000 Filipinos who make up a significant portion of the 1.89 million seafarers worldwide.
“The purpose of the Day of the Seafarer is to honor retired, current, and future seafarers. AMOSUP is involved in taking care of its members and ensuring comprehensive assistance. Meanwhile, MAAP prepares cadets to be confident and competent assets to their respective companies. We take care of our seafarers, especially with the difficulties they may encounter in their day-to-day jobs,”
stated AMOSUP Executive Vice President and MAAP President Vice Admiral Eduardo Ma. R. Santos.
Filipino seafarers have long made their prominent mark on maritime industries across the globe, giving them a well-earned reputation of being among the best of the best due to their hard work and dedication to their calling. GCash shares AMOSUP and MAAP’s mission of upholding the welfare of seafarers and reaffirms its commitment to the sector as part of realizing its vision of Finance for All, regardless of where Filipinos may be.
“Our suite of products that now cater to overseas Filipinos stands as a testament to our dedication to empowering every Filipino, no matter where they may be in the world. We understand the challenges faced by our kababayan abroad, as well as their families. Through GCash, we provide a powerful tool for marinos and all our overseas Filipinos to have direct control over their finances, ensuring that distance is no barrier to financial management and financial progress,”
said Jules Abalos, Head of Product, GCash International.
GCash presented its suite of services to AMOSUP and MAAP cadets who are expected to finish schooling by the year-end and go onboard their respective companies. GCash emphasized that its convenient, secure, and efficient digital financial services can be used anywhere in the world, for our newly minted Pinoy seafarers to thrive in their careers as they care for their families back home.
Among the secure financial solutions GCash offers are its Send Money and Save features, which enable app users to save and grow their money and conveniently transfer funds to their loved ones. The GCash Card also allows account holders to pay at 35.9 million Visa-accepting merchants worldwide in 150 currencies, as well as withdraw cash from any affiliated BancNet ATMs in the Philippines.
“Convenience and safety are at the heart of what we do. With our suite of digital financial products, including real-time money transfers, we facilitate seamless transactions so that family members of migrant workers can receive support instantly, wherever they may be. This real-time capability not only enhances convenience but also strengthens familial bonds across borders,”
Abalos explained.
“Moreover, we are committed to offering competitive rates, ensuring that our services remain accessible and affordable. We understand the importance of cost-effectiveness, and through GCash, we strive to provide the best value compared to others in the market.”
However, the financial solutions of GCash don’t stop there. To be a partner for financial empowerment and progress, GCash also helps seafarers take control of how they can best grow their money.
“More than just a mobile wallet, GCash is an everyday companion,”
explained Cash Maghirang, Account Manager, Public Sector at GCash, explaining the other ways in which GCash can help seafarers, including providing them and their families with affordable and accessible insurance, as well as inclusive and fair lending.
Most importantly, GCash can help seafarers grow their money and achieve financial stability through features such as GSave, GInsure, GCrypto, and GStocks. GSave, in particular, allows seafarers to open a savings account with any of GCash’s partner banks—BPI, CIMB, Maybank, and UNO Digital Bank—without having to physically go to a branch of the bank, thus making the process easy, safe, and protected.
Rox Samin, Head of Executive Escalations at GCash, explained the various security protocols in place to ensure that seafarers’ money with GCash is safe and protected, including added layers of protection at users’ fingertips. She also emphasized the importance of cybersecurity education, or “how you keep yourself safe,” as well as shared vital cyber safety tips.
This year’s celebration of Day of the Seafarer underscores the value of meaningful partnerships with organizations like the AMOSUP and MAAP, as GCash works to ensure that the Filipino seafaring community is equipped to navigate the challenges of the profession and achieve financial security both at sea and on land.
“GCash remains steadfast in our mission to empower every Filipino with financial freedom, bridging distances and creating opportunities,”
Abalos concluded.
