In a significant move to accelerate the Philippines' shift towards a digital economy, global payments giant Visa has entered into a strategic partnership with the Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank). The agreement, signed in December 2025, aims to massively expand the acceptance of secure digital payments across key government service channels.
Expanding Digital Payment Channels for Citizens
The core of this partnership focuses on integrating Visa's payment technology into Landbank's existing and future platforms. A primary target is the Link.BizPortal, an e-payment facility that allows clients to pay for a wide array of government and private sector services online. This includes everything from transit fares and taxes to fees for various national agencies.
Furthermore, the collaboration will directly support the enhancement of the government's flagship eGov.ph portal. The goal is to develop, centralize, and integrate government services onto a single, streamlined platform. By promoting digital payments over cash for all government collections, the initiative seeks to increase transparency, reduce revenue leaks, and provide a more efficient framework for the state.
Building on a Successful Pilot Project
This new agreement builds upon an existing collaboration between Visa and Landbank. On July 25, 2025, the two entities, alongside other public and private partners, successfully piloted an Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS) for the MRT-3. This system allows commuters to simply tap their existing EMV-enabled debit, credit, or prepaid cards at upgraded turnstiles, eliminating the need for cash or separate transit cards.
Jeffrey Navarro, Country Manager for Visa Philippines, stated that this partnership cements Visa's commitment to a digitally inclusive Philippines. He emphasized the joint aim to enhance security and efficiency for government transactions, supporting the country's broader socioeconomic goals.
Driving Financial Inclusion and Digital Adoption
Lynette V. Ortiz, President and CEO of Landbank, highlighted the bank's steadfast mission to advance digital transformation in government transactions. She noted that the partnership with Visa reinforces their commitment to making financial services more secure, efficient, and accessible for all Filipinos.
The timing of this partnership is crucial. Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) shows that the share of digital payments in total monthly retail transactions by volume rose to 57.4% in 2024, up from 52.8% the previous year. This growth was led by merchant payments, person-to-person transfers, and business-to-business payments. The national goal is to digitize 60 to 70% of all retail payments by 2028, a target this Visa-Landbank alliance is strategically positioned to help achieve.
Ultimately, this partnership promises to make all financial interactions with the government—from paying taxes and fees to accessing public services—more efficient and secure for citizens, businesses, and government agencies alike, marking a major step forward in the nation's digital journey.
