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| (Image Source: GMA News Online) |
Western Union, a leader in cross-border and cross-currency money movement and payments, and Cebuana Lhuillier, the largest and long-tenured micro-financial services provider in the Philippines, have formally launched digital money transfer services that enable customers to send and receive money transfers via the eCebuana (eCeb) mobile app with an embedded micro-savings account.
Receivers in the Philippines have a chance to direct a Western Union international money transfer into the eCebuana app (available for Android and iOS) 24/7 as an alternative to retail pick-up. The opportunity to send money locally or globally will roll out early next year. This service expansion follows the recent launch of Western Union services enabling its customers to send and receive money at over 2,500 Cebuana Lhuillier branches nationwide. Cebuana Lhuillier Senior Executive Vice President Philippe Andre Lhuillier shared, “Cebuana Lhuillier has always been committed to providing the best and most convenient option to our clients. With this latest development, made possible with the support of Western Union, Cebuana Lhuillier micro savings account holders will now have the option to receive their remittance directly to their eCebuana app at the safety and comfort of their own homes; and use them towards their other financial transactions available within the app."
Cebuana Lhuillier President and Chief Executive Officer John Henri Lhuillier added, “This thrust towards mobility and accessibility remains part of the company’s push towards digital transformation, as Cebuana Lhuillier continues to maintain our stride as a “tech-brick” company and the leader in its industry—both in network reach and through our many tech innovations. This is just one of the many innovations being developed by the company, still in line with our commitment of bringing financial inclusion to every Filipino." “Facilitating convenient access for customers is of utmost importance for Western Union. Through this partnership, we are bringing new and innovative ways to receive and send money across the Philippines. We are excited to expand our suite of services with Cebuana Lhuillier, offering exceptional coverage and proximity, serving both online and offline while giving customers peace of mind with reliable and regulated access to money transfer services," said Western Union Head of Network for the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Indochina Jeffrey Navarro.
Recipients can now opt to receive their remittances through the eCebuana app in three easy steps. eCebuana app users simply need to select receive money service, choose Western Union and input the MTCN. After submitting the required information and successfully inputting the OTP provided via SMS, Western Union remittances will automatically be credited to their microsavings account. With a Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings account, customers can pay cashless using their 24K Debit Card at any of the accredited retail stores or withdraw funds from 21,000 ATMs nationwide. They can also opt to use the funds for various in-app services including bills payment, load purchases and direct remittances to other Micro Savings accounts, to a Cebuana Lhuiller branch or to any bank account.
