Title: FACTORS INFLUENCING THE ADOPTION OF DIGITAL FINANCIAL SERVICES AND ITS SECURITY FEATURES IN PASACAO, CAMARINES SUR
Author:
Ma. Carmela M. Soliven-Offemaria
Abstract:
This study examined factors influencing the adoption and perceived security of digital financial services among micro businesses in Pasacao, Camarines Sur, and developed a strategic framework financial inclusion. A quantitative descriptive-correlational design was employed. Data were collected from March to May 2026 from 100 owners, managers, cashiers, and other personnel involved in business-related digital financial transactions. A researcher-developed 37-item questionnaire measured perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, social influence, trust in service providers, risk perception, and technical reliability. Frequency, percentage, weighted mean, ranking, and chi-square tests at the 0.05 significance level were applied. Respondents were predominantly aged 26–35 years, female, business owners, retail operators, and users of digital services for receiving customer payments. Adoption was characterized by very high ratings for convenience (M = 4.61), user-friendly transactions (M = 4.60), and customer-driven influence (M = 4.51). However, respondents reported moderate trust in providers and high vulnerability to fraud and scams (M = 4.46), while technical reliability was favorably assessed. Age was significantly associated with perceived ease of use and social influence (both p < .001), trust in providers (p = .001), and risk perception (p < .001). Business type (p = .009) and years of operation (p = .021) were associated with perceived ease of use, while position or designation was associated with trust (p = .029). Perceived usefulness and technical reliability did not significantly differ across profiles. The S.A.F.E. Framework integrated secure use, accessible adoption, financial literacy, and efficient support to promote inclusive, sustainable digital financial participation among micro businesses.
Keywords: Digital financial services, micro businesses, perceived security, technology adoption.
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