By Kenneth Marcos 
Inside the Department of Tourism building in Makati City, officials gathered with a clear goal in mind: make government services easier, faster, and more accessible for Filipinos. With more people relying on cashless payments, the government is pushing to modernize how citizens pay for public services.
On January 13, 2026, LANDBANK of the Philippines and the Department of Tourism (DOT) signed a Memorandum of Agreement to strengthen digital payment solutions for government transactions. The agreement supports the wider use of the Link.BizPortal Facility and the Government Purchase Card, two platforms designed to simplify payments for both government offices and the public.
The agreement was signed by LANDBANK President and Chief Executive Officer Lynette V. Ortiz and Tourism Secretary Ma. Esperanza Christina C. Frasco. Several officials from both agencies witnessed the signing, highlighting the importance of the partnership in improving public service delivery.
Under the agreement, the DOT will expand its use of Link.BizPortal, a unified online payment platform that allows citizens and businesses to pay government fees digitally. This includes payments for tourism-related permits, licenses, and other services handled by the department. The Government Purchase Card, meanwhile, will help streamline official payments for authorized government expenses.
For ordinary Filipinos, especially those outside major cities, this move means fewer long lines, less paperwork, and reduced need to travel just to complete simple transactions. Digital payments can save time and money, particularly for small tourism businesses, tour operators, and local entrepreneurs who regularly deal with government offices.
Tourism Secretary Frasco said the agreement supports the government’s push to improve efficiency and transparency. She noted that easier payment systems can encourage more compliance and make it simpler for businesses to operate legally. This is especially important as the tourism sector continues to recover and grow, providing jobs and income in many rural and coastal communities.
LANDBANK President Ortiz said the partnership reflects the bank’s commitment to supporting government agencies through secure and reliable digital solutions. She added that digital platforms like Link.BizPortal help promote financial inclusion by encouraging more Filipinos to use formal banking services.
LANDBANK, a government-owned bank, plays a key role in financing agriculture, tourism, infrastructure, and small businesses across the country. In recent years, it has expanded its digital services to reach more clients, including farmers, fisherfolk, and micro-entrepreneurs who may have limited access to traditional banking.
The use of digital payments in government has grown steadily, especially after the pandemic highlighted the need for contactless transactions. By reducing cash handling, agencies can lower risks, improve record-keeping, and speed up processing times.
For the tourism industry, efficient government services are critical. From accreditation of tourism enterprises to payment of fees and permits, smoother transactions can help businesses focus more on serving customers and creating jobs.
Officials from both LANDBANK and DOT said they expect the partnership to serve as a model for other government agencies. The long-term goal is to create a more connected and citizen-friendly public service system, where transactions can be done securely and conveniently, even from remote areas.
As the government continues to invest in digital solutions, partnerships like this signal a shift toward more inclusive and efficient service delivery. For many Filipinos, especially those balancing work, family, and small businesses, these changes could make daily transactions with government offices less stressful and more accessible.
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