In a significant move to accelerate the Philippines' digital transformation, global payments leader Visa has entered into a strategic agreement with the Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank). This partnership is set to dramatically expand digital payment acceptance across crucial government service channels, aligning with the national vision for a cash-lite and financially inclusive economy.
Expanding Digital Access to Government Services
The core of this collaboration focuses on enabling Landbank to facilitate card payments across a wide array of government platforms. A key beneficiary is the Link.BizPortal, an existing e-payment facility that allows citizens and businesses to pay for goods and services online from both government and private entities.
The agreement will also provide substantial support for the government's flagship eGov.ph portal. The goal is to further develop, centralize, and integrate this system to create a single, streamlined platform for all government services. By promoting digital payments over cash, this initiative aims to enhance the framework for government collections, improve transparency, and help curb potential revenue leaks.
Building on a Successful Pilot Program
This new partnership builds upon an existing collaborative effort between Visa and Landbank. On July 25, 2025, the two organizations participated in the pilot launch of the Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS) for the MRT-3.
That initiative, which also involved the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and GCash, allows commuters to pay fares simply by tapping their existing EMV-enabled debit, credit, or prepaid cards at upgraded turnstiles.
Leadership Perspectives and National Goals
Jeffrey Navarro, Country Manager for Visa Philippines, stated that this milestone partnership reinforces Visa's commitment to a digitally inclusive Philippines. He emphasized that working with Landbank will enhance the security and efficiency of government transactions, supporting the country's broader socioeconomic objectives.
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 collaboration with Visa strengthens their commitment to making financial services more secure, efficient, and accessible for all Filipinos, accelerating digital payment adoption.
The timing of this partnership is crucial. Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas shows that in 2024, the share of digital payments in total monthly retail transactions by volume increased to 57.4%, up from 52.8% the previous year. This growth was primarily driven by merchant payments, person-to-person transfers, and business-to-business payments. The national target is to digitize 60 to 70% of all retail payments by the year 2028.
