Subic firm signs in another bank for RFID transactions

SUBIC BAY FREE PORT—WOWCard Inc., which pioneered cashless-transaction systems in this free port, has signed an agreement with Union Bank of the Philippines (UBP) to enlarge its network of affiliated establishments.

Officials of WOWCard Inc. and Union Bank of the Philippines sign an agreement for a cashless-transaction system in the Subic Bay Free Port. (Henry Empeño)

WOWCard director Jay Son said the hassle-free system that uses radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology has been incorporated in the firm’s WOW Mangga Card, a prepaid stored value card that can be used for bills payment in accredited business establishments here.

The agreement was signed recently by Son and WOWCard president Victorino Quiton, along with UBP executive vice president Herminio Pugeda, executive vice president for retail banking Edwin Bautista, and vice president and head of sales Ma. Josefina Jalandoni.

“What’s good about this card is that you can have fast and accurate payments, and you don’t have to bring coins with you,” Son said. “This is a boon to Subic Free Port visitors who bring their families to the theme parks.” 

Son said the Mangga Card can be used in the hop-on, hop-off transportation facility that brings visitors to the various tourist destinations in Subic.

Under the agreement, WOWCard would also be able to use UBP Cash Card for the payroll-outsourcing services that the latter offers to the Subic Free Port business locators and other establishments in the area.

Son said a unified RFID issued by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority will be used as identification and access card, as well as a login-logout card and cash card to draw payroll from UBP automated teller machines.

The RFID system project with Union Bank was the second for WOWCard. In September last year, the firm launched its cashless-transaction system here by teaming up with the Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC).

The direct result of this co-branding agreement was the RCBC MyWallet-WOW Mangga Card that integrated features of an ATM card and a credit card.

WOWCard officials said that aside from the convenience of cashless transactions, the RFID cards also allow family vacationers to plan ahead for their trips to the Subic Bay Free Port with the “Pack Your Own Package” scheme that also provides discounts. Written by Henry Empeño / Correspondent businessmirror.com.ph