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Website Launched for Mobile Phone Banking Clients of Rural Banks
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| A new website www.mobilephonebanking.rbap.org has been launched to further support the expansion of mobile phone banking services for rural banks and their clients utilizing the MABS-designed mobile phone banking applications that utilize the Globe Telecom’s electronic money platform - GCash. The new website is an online resource for mobile phone banking services and provides users with a directory listing all of the 287 accredited rural bank branches. The website also lists the rural bank registered merchants that accept mobile payments via GCash, allowing GCash users to easily locate merchants in their towns. Clients and merchants can now download the forms required for registration and access instructions and guidelines. Step-by-step instructions and requirements are also available to users of the new mobile phone banking services. |
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The accredited rural banks offer various mobile phone banking services and mobile commerce solutions for their clients and local merchants. Recently, one of the accredited rural banks, Bangko Kabayan, started offering the Text-A-Payment and the new Text-A-Withdrawal services at its Calaca Branch. The bank has a growing number of clients residing in Balayan which is located some 30-40 minutes away from the nearest branch in Calaca. Text-A-Payment is one of the mobile phone banking applications developed by the MABS Program which utilize the GCash platform. After completing the registration procedures at their bank branch, clients no longer need to go to the bank to make payments. They only need to load their GCash wallets, key in payment instructions, and complete their loan repayments by sending the corresponding GCash value through a text message.
Ms. Josephine Macalalad is one of the clients currently paying through Text-A-Payment. “Maalwan, imbes na pumunta sa bangko, naglo-load na lang ako ng GCash, sobrang daling gamitin, kailangan lang kabisado mo ang instructions,” (It is very convenient, instead of going to the bank branch, I just load GCash credits. It is easy to use, you just have to follow the instructions and know the commands), Ms. Macalalad says with a smile.
Ms. Merlita Werlan, a client of Bangko Kabayan’s Calaca Branch started using the Text-A-Withdrawal service after it was offered by the bank. This new service allows clients to remotely withdraw funds in the form of GCash. Ms. Merlita sells cellphone accessories and electronic load at her stall in the Balayan market. She beams when asked about the new Text-A-Withdrawal service, “Di na kailangan pumunta ng Calaca para makapag-withdraw, isang text lang, pinapadala na agad ng bangko ang GCash sa akin – nagagamit ko agad!” (With just one text, I can withdraw and use my cash – I do not need to travel to the bank branch to make withdrawals). It is like having an ATM in the palm of your hand.
The USAID-supported Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines - Microenterprise Access to Banking Services (MABS) Program started developing mobile phone banking applications in 2005 to provide rural bank clients with a more convenient, affordable, and secure mode of repaying loans; sending money transfers; and making deposits and withdrawals. The mobile phone banking and mobile commerce solutions now offered by rural banks are powered by Globe Telecom’s GCash platform and have proven to significantly reduce the costs and time for rural bank clients as well as other customers who want to send or receive remittances.
Ms. Macalalad says she is grateful for the few extra hours that she saved after switching to the Text-A-Payment service. “Nakakapagbayad ako na di na kailangan umalis sa salon, laking ginhawa kasi kailangan ko ng madaming pahinga ngayon, masusundan na kasi ang panganay namin” (Paying for my loans without leaving the salon has never been so timely – I need more rest now because I am having my second baby), she adds with a smile. She sums up the value proposition of mobile phone banking services for rural bank clients in two magic words: anytime, anywhere.
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