State-run Land Bank of the Philippines signed an agreement with Visa Inc. to expand digital payment acceptance across government channels, the latest move by the lender to modernize the nation’s financial infrastructure.
In a statement, Landbank saidtThe partnership will allow the bank to facilitate card payments across transit systems, government agencies, and procurement systems.
The collaboration also covers the Link.BizPortal, an online platform used for government and private service payments.
Landbank said the shift is designed to centralize digital government services and streamline collections while reducing revenue leaks. The initiative follows a July 25 pilot of an automated fare collection system for the Metro Rail Transit Line 3, which enabled commuters to pay using contactless cards in a project involving the Department of Transportation and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
The deal comes as the Philippines sees a rapid shift in consumer behavior. Digital payments accounted for 57.4 percent of monthly retail transactions in 2024, up from 52.8 percent a year earlier. The volume was driven largely by merchant payments, which made up 66.4 percent of the total, followed by person-to-person transfers at 20.6 percent.
Landbank President and Chief Executive Officer Lynette V. Ortiz said the lender is advancing digital transformation to make financial services more accessible.
Visa Philippines Country Manager Jeffrey Navarro said the partnership will enhance the security and efficiency of transactions to support broader socioeconomic goals.
The government is targeting a digital retail payment share of 60 percent to 70 percent by 2028.