Batac city: Residents in this city can now experience digital payment services and citizen ID features for faster and more convenient transactions as the city government partners with GCash for accessibility and financial inclusivity.

According to Philippines News Agency, the GCash-enabled Citizen ID Cards, embedded with a Visa microchip, allow cardholders to accept digital payments, send digital payments, and access local government services and benefits.

"We are happy to be the first to implement this milestone in Batac. Our goal is to make our government services more efficient and economical to the people," Batac City Mayor Mark Christian Chua said in a media interview Thursday.

The partnership with GCash took eight months before it was finally launched in time for the city's 19th Charter Day celebration.

Chua said major beneficiaries include city government scholars receiving their stipends, employees for their clothing allowance, and other sectors such as senior citizens, solo parents, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) - ensuring faster release of aid and minimizing long queues.

GCash Public Sector Head for North and Central Luzon Trisha Dizon said the partnership will help digitalize the city's services and transactions.

For years, beneficiaries in Batac relied on manual payout processes that required long queues and in-person verification at crowded disbursement venues, often causing delays during peak periods. The GCash services include bills payment integration, online webpay, and funds disbursement.