Tovic Salvador

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<div style="line-height:1"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/178348517589920260706090756_PHOTO 1- SEC X FUSE.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">From left: Neil Trinidad, GCach Chief Marketing Officer; Jong Layug, Fuse Financing Inc. Chief Commercial and Business Assurance Officer; Tony Isidro, Fuse Financing Inc. President and CEO; Rogelio Quevedo, Securities and Exchange (SEC) Commission Commissioner; Sheara Lupango -Tamayo, SEC Financing and Lending Department Director. The SEC and Fuse Financing are working together to champion responsible and safe borrowing among Filipinos. <em>Photo source: GCash </em></span></span></span></div><p style="line-height:1">Borrowing money or &#x27;utang&#x27; is a deep-rooted cultural practice that is a survival strategy in the Philippines. Driven by rising inflation and limited savings, households rely on borrowing to survive.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">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. </p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">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. </p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">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. </p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">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. </p><div style="line-height:1"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/178348515069620260706090756_PHOTO 2 SEC X FUSE.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">SEC Commissioner Rogelio Quevedo stresses that consumers must only deal with legitimate online lenders to avoid falling victims of abusive lending practices. <em>Photo source: GCash </em></span></span></span></div><p style="line-height:1">&quot;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,&quot; said Commissioner Rogelio Quevedo. </p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">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. </p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">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. </p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">The initiative also reflects a broad belief that financial inclusion must go beyond access alone. As digital lending becomes accessible, consumer education and protection are equally essential to help Filipinos avoid fraud, identify legitimate lenders, and borrow with confidence and dignity. </p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">&quot;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,&quot; said Tony Isidro, President and CEO of Fuse Financing Inc. </p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">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. </p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">As digital lending becomes 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 may protect themselves and help make borrowing safer for everyone. </p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">For more information, please visit the GCash <a href="http://www.gcash.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">website</a>. </p><div style="line-height:1"><br/></div>

<p>SEC in partnership with GCash lending arm Fuse rolls out a nationwide campaign to promote safe, responsible digital borrowing.</p>

SEC in partnership with GCash lending arm Fuse rolls out a nationwide campaign to promote safe, responsible digital borrowing.

Promoting safe, responsible borrowing

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Promoting safe, responsible borrowing

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Published July 08, 2026 12:53 PM PHT

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