By Victoria “NIKE” De Dios
Since the inception of Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation’s DiskarTech last year, one of its missions is to empower and provide financial inclusion for every Juan and Juana.
As the country commemorates Labor Day, the inclusion super app of Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) honors the Overseas Filipino workers, teachers, entrepreneurs, and low-wage earners and unveiled various new programs launched yesterday to recognize the contribution of these sectors.
DiskarTech welcomed its partnerships with various government agencies and private institutions in Diskarteng Bayanihan, a virtual pre-Labor Day celebration streamed yesterday, April 30.
“The past year has been an extraordinary time, and to this day, the extraordinary spirit of the Filipino worker continues to drive our recovery in this global pandemic. We at DiskarTech are grateful to our partners who are also committed in uplifting the lives of our unbanked and underserved kababayans,” said RCBC President and CEO Eugene Acevedo.
Teachers
DiskarTech revealed its basic deposit account and insurance products can now be availed by teachers through the Gabay Guro mobile app of the PLDT-Smart Foundation.
Gabay Guro Chairman Chaye Cabal-Revilla encouraged teachers to avail of these new in-app services.
“Imagine, teachers can now avail of the financial products of DiskarTech without even leaving their houses. It is a one-stop shop. It’s like you guys going to school and then going to work and then going to the bank at the same time. There’s nothing like it,” she said.
The Gabay Guro app offers learning and livelihood tools for teachers. Here, users can also schedule classes and attend trainings that will upgrade their skills.
RCBC Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation and Inclusion Officer Lito Villanueva marks the partnerships as important milestones in digital financial services.
“The support of various government agencies has been instrumental in keeping us motivated amid the pandemic. There’s nothing we can’t overcome through these collaborations,” he said.
In another initiative for teachers, this time with the Department of Education, DiskarTech is set to host a series of financial inclusion caravans across the Philippines.
With digital financial inclusion as its main thrust, DiskarTech hopes to equip teachers with skills and knowledge on the latest digital financial technology and help them employ the same in their personal lives.
“We are one with DiskarTech in their efforts in empowering teachers and many other Filipino workers by giving them a platform where they can learn and apply their learnings when it comes to savings and financial management. Surely, this will help them prepare their children for the future, and in turn, prepare a brighter future for their children,” said Education Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs, External Partnerships and Project Management Service Tonisito M.C. Umali, Esq.
Parents and learners are invited alike to join in these webinars beginning May.
Labor groups
Another financial inclusion caravan is slated to begin this month through the partnership of DiskarTech and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Different workers’ groups have been invited to attend webinars on financial health and management.
Digital financial tools have become essential in navigating the new normal. DiskarTech and DOLE both believe that Filipino workers have a lot to benefit from the use of these readily available resources.
“We salute the Filipino worker for his valuable contribution to this nation’s livelihood and development. You are the front liners who are helping our nation heal from the disease as well as to recover from the economic crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you for your sacrifices, the government and the Filipino people will forever be grateful,” said Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III in a message.
OFWs
DiskarTech also disclosed that OFW loans will be the next offering in its in-app loans marketplace, the first offered by a local universal bank.
Up to P500,000 can be borrowed by land-based and seafaring Filipino workers abroad.
No collateral shall be required and loan terms can be as long as 12 months.
MSMEs
Meanwhile, Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez highlighted the government’s efforts in balancing the health of the people with the economic situation in the country. He also recognized the efforts of financial institutions in helping the people cope with the pandemic.
“We laud RCBC for bringing innovative products and services to those who need it the most, like the DiskarTech Sarisari Store Insurance, which has been providing relief and security to small enterprise owners. Again, we thank RCBC with your continued collaboration with DTI and we are one with you in honoring our workers today,” he said.
The new microinsurance product of DiskarTech targeting MSMEs include fire cash assistance among its coverage.
RCBC is one of the leading universal banks accelerating digital transformation in the Philippines. It was judged in 2020 as the Philippines’ best digital bank by the Asiamoney and the Alpha Southeast Asia, among other global and regional recognitions. It is also the first local universal bank to have the most extensive reach with registered customers from across all 81 provinces nationwide through its mobile apps RCBC Mobile and DiskarTech. Its digital products include RCBC mobile and online banking, handheld ATM Go mobile point-of-sale terminals, and DiskarTech, among others. DiskarTech was recognized as the 2020 breakout finance app in the country by App Annie, a global data analytics firm covering all mobile applications worldwide.