Insider Spotlight
Why it matters
MSMEs make up 99.6 percent of businesses in the Philippines and employ over two-thirds of the workforce, yet many struggle to secure funding. The new scorecard aims to bridge that gap by giving lenders clearer, standardized metrics tied to sustainability and governance.
The big picture
The initiative builds on global ESG momentum but localizes it for Philippine businesses through the GCash ecosystem. It will provide simplified, accessible tools so MSMEs can track impact, improve operations, and align with international standards without heavy compliance costs.
What they’re saying
“For MSMEs, this is a game-changer. It provides visibility into their environmental and social impact and credibility that can attract green capital and partnerships,” Winsley Bangit, GCash group head for new businesses, said in a press statement on April 20, 2026.
“Crucially, MSMEs’ growing social impact cannot be overlooked. Through our collaboration with GCash and IFC, we are making technologies such as AI more accessible to local MSMEs, empowering them to participate in the next wave of sustainable digital transformation,” said Carrie Suen, vice president and head of Global Affairs and Strategic Development at Ant International.
“This scorecard serves as a vital tool for future innovation, reinforcing that true environmental sustainability integrates social and economic impact, and it must never be sidelined,” said Suen.
“MSMEs play a critical role across markets. By equipping them with the right tools, we can strengthen resilience, support adaptation, and enable sustainable growth at scale,” added Christina Ongoma, IFC East Asia and the Pacific Regional advisory manager for the Financial Institutions Group.
How it works
The scorecard will roll out in phases, starting with ecosystem assessments and stakeholder engagement, followed by development, validation, and field testing. Insights from the pilot will shape broader regional expansion.
Bottom line
By translating global ESG frameworks into practical digital tools, the partnership positions GCash and its global partners at the forefront of inclusive fintech—helping MSMEs scale responsibly while tapping into new pools of sustainable finance. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
