PLDT, business franchise group partner for cashless payments

PLDT Small and Medium Business Group (PLDT SME Nation) has partnered with the Association of Filipino Franchisor’s Inc. (AFFI) in adopting cashless transactions via PayMaya’s QR code facility.

“With the PayMaya QR code facility, business owners may receive payments for items that cost as little as P20, without having to use any other payment hardware,” PayMaya chief operating officer and managing director Paolo Azzola said.

“This allows the business to reach a wider range of customers and reduces the risks associated with handling and managing cash,” Azzola said.

PayMaya is part of PLDT Inc.’s digital financial arm Voyager Group. QR codes or quick response code are barcodes which can be scanned using smartphones.

PLDT said PayMaya's QR code facility is not telco-specific.

AFFI president John Chung said the partnership with PLDT is vital in moving towards digitally supported and empowered businesses.

“AFFI was founded on the belief that every Filipino entrepreneur deserves the opportunity to grow and realize the full potential of their businesses through all means possible—financial, educational, and technological,” Chung said.

AFFI is a non-profit organization that supports the growth of franchise businesses in the country providing education, research and development assistance to micro, small and medium enterprises nationwide.

“PLDT has always been an avid supporter of AFFI’s efforts in empowering more Filipino businesses. Through the years, we have worked hand-in-hand with AFFI to support Filipino business owners reach their goals," PLDT SME Nation head Mitch Locsin said. — VDS, GMA News