MANILA, Philippines, Feb. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Fuse Financing Inc., the lending arm of GCash, are set to spur the growth of the Philippine micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) sector with a $30-million landmark loan program, a first-of-its-kind partnership in the Asean fintech landscape.
"This fintech partnership is the first-of-its kind for ADB in the Asean region and marks a significant step in advancing financial inclusion in the Philippines," said Isabel Chatterton, Director General, Private Sector Operations Department of Asian Development Bank.
There are 1.24 million registered business establishments as of 2024, over 99 percent of which are MSMEs. Yet, access to financing remains a key barrier. According to an ADB study, access to credit and capital ranks as the second most significant challenge for MSMEs, after access to markets. With the lack of access to reliable funding, some small businesses are forced to shut down operations in less than 12 months[1].
"This investment enables us to accelerate our support for women entrepreneurs and small businesses in underserved areas, sectors with immense potential to drive the country's long-term growth," Fuse Financing Inc. President and CEO Tony Isidro said.
"Our partnership with ADB strengthens our company's foundation for sustainable and inclusive growth. This underscores our commitment to supporting MSMEs' impact and scale," Mynt President and CEO Martha Sazon said.
The Mastercard Impact Fund, administered by the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth also extended funding to support Fuse in effectively reaching and serving the priority MSME segments.
This milestone partnership was witnessed by over 250 MSMEs at an event in Taguig City. 10 MSMEs nominated by the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) were awarded capitalization support to help advance their business operations. "More than the scale of financing, what makes this partnership meaningful is its intent: to ensure that capital reaches entrepreneurs who are ready to grow but have long been underserved by traditional systems. By aligning public-sector priorities with private-sector innovation, this collaboration helps widen the path to formal, fair, and sustainable access to finance for MSMEs." DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said.
For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.
[1] Philippine Institute for Development Studies. Evaluation of the Sustainable Livelihood Program's Seed Capital Fund for Microenterprise Development. https://www.pids.gov.ph/publication/research-paper-series/evaluation-of-the-sustainable-livelihood-program-s-seed-capital-fund-for-microenterprise-development
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
ADB grants PH fintech leader GCash with $30-M credit facility to expand loan access to MSMEs, women entrepreneurs, especially in high poverty areas
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Feb. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- From 6–8 February 2026, Samurai Paint successfully hosted Asia's Biggest Automotive Aerosol Spraying Event, a landmark three-day challenge that redefined conventional automotive spray painting. Over the course of the event, 30 full car bodies were resprayed using aerosol cans within a single organised challenge, earning official recognition from Asia Records and ASEAN Records for achieving the Highest Number of Full-Body Car Spray Paints Using Aerosol in a Single Event.
The achievement marks a significant milestone in an industry traditionally dominated by professional workshops reliant on compressor systems and spray guns.
Samurai Paint Chief Executive Officer Ian Ong Yoke En said the initiative was designed to challenge this long-standing norm by introducing an alternative driven by aerosol innovation. Years of research and product development, he explained, have enabled the brand to demonstrate that aerosol spray paint can deliver results comparable to traditional methods, while remaining more accessible to everyday users.
"The challenge provided clear, large-scale proof that full car body respraying no longer needs to be confined to professional workshop environments," Ong said.
A Challenge Designed for the DIY Community
A defining feature of the event was its participant selection. Rather than engaging professional painters, Samurai Paint invited DIY enthusiasts to take part, reflecting the brand's commitment to empowering individuals to take control of their own automotive projects.
Careful planning ensured that selected vehicles and participants could complete the full spray process within three days while adhering to structured procedures. Participants were guided through proper surface preparation and application techniques to ensure consistent, high-quality results.
The successful completion of all 30 vehicles demonstrated that, with correct technique and systematic workflows, aerosol-based car painting can achieve professional-level outcomes beyond traditional workshop settings.
Challenging Industry Perceptions
Recognition from Asia Records and ASEAN Records represented more than a numerical milestone. It directly challenged the long-standing perception that aerosol spray paint is unsuitable for full vehicle body applications.
By integrating Samurai's 2K aerosol spray paint, the patented Aero Gun and Tintatek colour-matching technology, the company demonstrated a new level of precision and performance in aerosol-based automotive finishing. Engineered to deliver professional results straight from the can, Samurai 2K features a built-in two-component system that allows paint and hardener to mix internally, producing durable, bodyshop-quality finishes without specialised equipment.
With proper surface preparation and adequate ventilation, automotive enthusiasts can achieve high-quality, long-lasting results independently. Executed publicly and at scale, the record attempt strengthened confidence in aerosol technology and positioned Samurai Paint as a credible alternative to conventional spray systems.
Sustainability and Long-Term Vision
In conjunction with the event, Samurai Paint reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability through a tree plantation programme at Sireh Park, Iskandar Puteri. Thirty trees were planted to symbolise the 30 vehicles resprayed, underscoring the belief that innovation and environmental responsibility must progress hand in hand.
Education remained central to the Samrai Paint's strategy, with participants gaining hands-on insights into spray techniques and standard operating procedures. Although held exclusively in Malaysia, Ong described the challenge as the foundation of a long-term initiative, with plans to establish it as an annual event.
With official recognition from Asia Records and ASEAN Records, Samurai Paint has set a new benchmark for aerosol-based automotive painting — reshaping perceptions and expanding the possibilities of modern automotive finishing.
https://samurai2kaerosol.com/#30cars3days
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Redefining Automotive Painting: Samurai Paint Completed Asia's Biggest Aerosol Spraying Challenge
