The Effectiveness of E-Wallet as Payment System Amidst Pandemic Crisis in Iloilo City

During the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus, the economy of Iloilo City experienced a setback wherein the Ilonggo e-wallet users’ utilized the e-wallet as payment system since its services showed convenience in continuing their financial transactions at the comfort of their home which resulted in higher demands to its effectiveness. In conformity, this study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of e-wallet as payment system among Ilonggo E-wallet users during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study is established on two theories namely, Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and the Theory of Effectiveness Measurement, wherein five influential factors were recognized i.e. Convenience, Security, Reliability, Responsiveness, and Accessibility. Qualitative Research Design was implemented, and Purposive Sampling Technique was used to choose the 300 participants and gather data by distributing survey questionnaires through online platforms. The data was analyzed using statistical tools namely the mean, frequency, percentage, standard deviation, Mann Whitney U Test, and the Kruskall Wallis H Test. The results presented that 94% of the participants were between 18 to 28 years old, majority were female (76.7%), and their primary source of internet connection is PLDT. Furthermore, it is extremely effective to use the e-wallet as payment system during pandemic regardless of the influential factors applied despite some differences noted in terms of age gaps and variances in their source of internet connection. Moreover, the e-wallet users preferred Gcash to complete transactions i.e. fund transfer to wallets/banks, bills payment, cash in/cash out funds, and mobile e-loading.