PayMaya Philippines Inc. on Thursday launched a program which aims to fully equip local government units (LGUs) with end-to-end cashless payment solutions for better public service. 

The LEAD program, which stands for LGUs Embracing and Accelerating Digitalization, will help local governments build cashless ecosystems within their respective localities, allowing them to adapt and respond to the needs of their constituents in the “new normal” and accelerate the digital transformation of government from the ground up.

This can be achieved by enabling citizens to transact with government through online and mobile channels, empowering businesses and merchants to accept contactless payments, and ensuring that citizens can receive aid and other benefits from government through their digital financial accounts. 

“Consumers and businesses around the country are increasingly opting for cashless payment methods for their day-to-day needs, and we’re seeing the government, especially LGUs, stepping up and adapting quickly in order to serve the requirements of their constituents,” Orlando Vea, founder and chief executive of PayMya said.

“ LGUs are at the forefront of delivering government service to citizens since they are at the grassroots. Ensuring that they are equipped with the right digital financial tools is therefore the primary goal of PayMaya’s LEAD program,” he added. 

According to Vea, LGUs must be able to provide their constituents with inclusive payment acceptance options – from credit, debit, and prepaid cards to emerging payment solutions such as QR. 

LGUs can also easily disburse financial aid and other benefits to their citizens through the PayMaya citizen ID, which acts as a payment and ID card in one, coupled with the PayMaya Payout disbursement solution. 

To date, PayMaya has worked with the local governments of Manila, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Caloocan, Valenzuela, and Quezon City, among others, in their efforts to accept payments online and disburse financial aid to constituents in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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