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(L-R) GCash chief marketing officer Neil Trinidad; Fuse
Financing Inc. chief commercial and business assurance officer Jong Layug;
president and CEO Tony Isidro; Securities and Exchange (SEC) Commission
commissioner Rogelio Quevedo; and
financing and lending department director Sheara Lupango -Tamayo
The Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) has partnered with Fuse Financing Inc.,the lending arm of
GCash, to launch a nationwide financial literacy campaign that empowers
Filipinos to borrow responsibly, recognize unlicensed lenders, and protect
themselves from predatory lending and financial distress.
The campaign features
SEC-approved educational videos designed to promote responsible borrowing, help
consumers spot illegal lenders, and encourage the use of safe, regulated credit
options. Tailored to local nuances, these materials break down complex
financial concepts into relatable, easily understood insights for everyday Filipino consumers.
Its primary aim is to help
Filipinos avoid predatory lending and build long-term financial resilience.
Additionally, it addresses the stigma around borrowing—a barrier that often
discourages Filipinos from using formal credit when they need financial help,
inadvertently driving them toward unlicensed lenders.
To prevent fraud and secure
personal data, the SEC strongly encourages borrowing only from registered
lenders. This campaign supports safe, transparent, and regulated in-app loan
products, while helping consumers understand actual costs, repayment
capacities, and their rights as borrowers. Furthermore, it explicitly raises
awareness against illegal lenders that
charge exorbitant interest rates and use unfair collection practices.
“The SEC shall continue to
exercise its regulatory and enforcement powers against violators. We must also
empower the public with knowledge, awareness, and critical thinking. An
informed citizen is the first line of defense against fraud. The SEC and its
steadfast partners, will build a financially literate, wise, and vigilant
Filipino community—one that is capable of recognizing opportunities, avoiding
risks, and making informed decisions that lead to lasting financial
well-being.” Commissioner Quevedo said.
By reinforcing these standards,
the initiative fosters a culture of fair and responsible lending while
equipping consumers with the knowledge to make smarter, more informed financial
decisions.
The campaign underscores that
responsible borrowing is a shared responsibility. While the SEC strengthens
oversight and enforcement, consumers also play an important role by borrowing
from regulated lenders, understanding loan terms, and borrowing within their
means.
The initiative also reflects a
broader belief that financial inclusion must go beyond access alone. As digital
lending becomes more accessible, consumer education and protection are equally
essential to help Filipinos avoid fraud, identify legitimate lenders, and
borrow with confidence and dignity.
“Through this partnership, our
goal is to actively work with the SEC to advance safe borrowing practices,
promote regulated credit options, and help Filipinos make smart financial
decisions to avoid debt traps,” said Tony Isidro, president and CEO of Fuse
Financing Inc.
This initiative reinforces that
true financial inclusion requires safety and digital trust—ensuring that
regulated digital credit becomes a reliable resource that helps everyday
consumers thrive.
As digital lending becomes more
accessible, Filipinos are encouraged to borrow only from SEC-regulated lenders,
understand the terms of their loans, and stay informed about their rights as
consumers. By choosing safe and trusted loan options and reporting suspicious
lenders, consumers can protect themselves and help make borrowing safer for
everyone.
For more information, please
visit www.gcash.com.
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