Cotabato City’s Ongoing Push for Cashless Payments via GCash Simplifies Tax, Fee Payments

Paying government fees in Cotabato City has become faster, safer, and more convenient as the local government unit (LGU) officially rolled out cashless payment options with GCash, the Philippines’ leading finance superapp and largest cashless ecosystem.

 

Since the partnership launch in May 2024, the initiative has introduced Scan to Pay and Bills Pay features that allow citizens to settle local taxes and fees directly from their mobile phones using the GCash app. This effort eliminates long lines at city offices and reduces the risks that come with manual cash transactions.

 

The move addresses long-standing challenges in an LGU’s collection system: prolonged queues, cash-handling inefficiencies, limited payment channels, and the lack of digital infrastructure. These issues have affected operations, LGU employees, and constituents.

 

Through the Scan to Pay feature, users can simply scan a QR code displayed in city offices to pay instantly. The Bills Pay feature, on the other hand, allows them to settle fees remotely anytime, removing the need to line up in person. Together, these features offer flexibility and accessibility for Cotabateños, while helping the local government reduce congestion and improve transparency in its financial processes.

The cashless system also enhances safety by minimizing physical cash handling and potential errors in manual recording. This ensures more accurate reconciliation and efficient fund management.

 

“The integration of GCash in Cotabato City is a testament to the powerful impact of digital transformation on local governance. By replacing cash with a secure, efficient, and transparent payment system, we are actively supporting the city in streamlining its administrative services and fostering a better experience for every constituent,” said Cleo Santos, Vice President and Head for Public Sector at GCash.

 

The partnership between Cotabato City and GCash forms part of a broader effort to digitize government payments in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), reinforcing the region’s ongoing digital transformation. In his State of the City Address, Mayor Bruce Matabalao said, “Over 1,200 market vendors and tricycle operators are now enrolled in PalengQR Ph Plus, and daily transactions have increased by 30 percent within the first year of implementation—reflecting strong local acceptance of cashless commerce.”

 

The program holds strong relevance for BARMM as the region continues to strengthen its economic foundations and expand its digital capacity amid ongoing development efforts. In Cotabato City, one of BARMM’s primary urban hubs, the initiative plays a key role in advancing financial inclusion by enabling residents to more conveniently and securely access essential services and government assistance through digital platforms.

 

By embracing this cashless ecosystem, Cotabato City is addressing operational bottlenecks commonly faced by LGUs while taking a crucial step toward inclusive digital adoption—empowering citizens to transact securely and confidently using technology they already have in their hands.

 

This collaboration reflects the growing role of digital finance in improving local governance, with GCash continuing to support local government units nationwide in building more efficient, transparent, and citizen-friendly systems.

 

For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.

TIEZA and GCash Partner to Streamline Online Travel Tax Refunds for Filipino Travelers

 

The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) has formally partnered with G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI), the mobile wallet operator behind GCash, to significantly enhance the speed, security, and convenience of online travel tax refunds for Filipino travelers.

 

Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in Makati City, TIEZA will now adopt the GCash Funds Disbursement Service (FDS) to facilitate the real-time crediting of approved travel tax refunds directly into the GCash wallets of eligible passengers.

 

This modernization initiative aligns with Executive Order No. 170, which mandates the adoption of digital payment systems across government, and Republic Act No. 9593 (Tourism Act of 2009), which empowers TIEZA to institute systems and partnerships that ensure the efficient administration of travel tax collection and refund services.

 

Making digital refunds seamless for Filipino travelers

 

Through the integration of the secure disbursement technology of GCash, passengers approved for refunds will now receive their travel tax reimbursements instantly and seamlessly, eliminating the need for on-site claims or manual bank processing. Notably, the service is offered at no cost to both TIEZA and its clients.

 

“This partnership underscores our commitment to building tourism together by elevating the quality and efficiency of every touchpoint in the Filipino travel experience,” said TIEZA chief operating officer Mark Lapid. “By integrating sophisticated digital solutions like GCash, we are not simply streamlining the refund process—we are advancing transparency, reinforcing institutional accountability, and setting a higher benchmark for how government and industry can collaborate to meet the expectations of today’s discerning travelers.”

 

A collaboration for seamless, digital-first government services

 

Under the partnership, G-Xchange, Inc. will provide the secure digital infrastructure that enables real-time disbursement, supported by robust prefunding and reconciliation mechanisms to safeguard the integrity of public funds.

 

Cleo Celeste C. Santos, vice president and head of GCash public sector, emphasized the value of accessible and efficient financial services and the partnership’s impact on public sector digital transformation. “We are proud to support TIEZA in digitizing one of the most important touchpoints for travelers. Real-time refunds through GCash deliver unmatched convenience, speed, and reliability—empowering passengers with a truly modern and frictionless experience.”

 

“This collaboration reinforces the mission of GCash to make digital financial services easily accessible for every Filipino. By embedding secure, seamless payouts into TIEZA’s processes, we are helping advance a more inclusive, responsive, and future-ready government service ecosystem,” Santos added.

 

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A more convenient, future-ready refund system

 

As global and domestic travel continue to rise, the TIEZA–GCash partnership ensures that public-facing services evolve in step with traveler expectations—reflecting a shared commitment to innovation, efficiency, and good governance in the delivery of essential tourism services.

 

For more information, visit [https://tieza.gov.ph] and follow @TIEZAOfficial on Facebook and @tiezagovph on Instagram and X.

 

TIEZA’s 16-Year Legacy of Transforming the Travel Tax Into Tourism Development

18 November 2025, Pasay City, Philippines — Since its establishment in 2009, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) has emerged as a key driver of tourism-led growth, harnessing the power of the Philippine Travel Tax to fund sustainable infrastructure, attract private investments, and uplift local communities across the country.

Over the past 16 years, TIEZA has redefined how tourism development contributes to nation-building and how every traveler’s contribution can transform into lasting impact through projects that enhance accessibility, preserve heritage, and promote inclusive growth.

Building the Foundations of Tourism

Between 2021 and 2025, TIEZA implemented over 200 tourism infrastructure projects nationwide, improving access, safety, and sustainability in key and emerging destinations. Among its flagship accomplishments is the rollout of 34 Tourist Rest Areas (TRAs) across major travel corridors  — modern facilities designed to enhance traveler comfort through clean restrooms, tourism information centers, and spaces that promote local products. This initiative earned international recognition as the TRAs were named “Infrastructure Project of the Year (Tourism Category)” at the GovMedia Awards 2024 in Singapore.

TIEZA also spearheaded the rehabilitation of heritage and flagship tourism assets, including the Banaue Hotel and Youth Hostel in Ifugao, Mount Data Hotel in the Cordilleras, and the Gat Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-Tourism Park in Cavite. It likewise preserved historical landmarks such as the Malinta Tunnel in Corregidor and Escuela Pia in Batangas, supporting the growth of cultural and educational tourism.

“Our role as the builder of tourism infrastructure goes beyond construction, enhancement, and rehabilitation. It’s about connection. Every facility we build connects travelers to destinations and communities to new opportunities,” said TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Mark T. Lapid.

Driving Investments and Sustainability

TIEZA continues to strengthen the tourism economy by developing Tourism Enterprise Zones (TEZs)  — strategic areas that offer fiscal incentives to tourism-related enterprises. These incentives include Income Tax Holidays, Gross Income Tax in lieu of national taxes, and VAT and duty exemptions, which create a business-friendly environment that encourages both domestic and foreign investments.

Flagship TEZs in San Vicente (Palawan), Panglao Bay Premiere (Bohol), Rizal Park (Manila), and Corregidor Island (Cavite) are now emerging as sustainable, world-class tourism hubs designed to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility.

In 2024, TIEZA also signed a landmark Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with Premier Islands Management Corporation (PIMC) for the management of the Aquilino Q. Pimentel Jr. International Convention Center (APICC)  — a model of efficiency and innovation in government asset management.

That same year, TIEZA’s partnerships generated ₱104 million in revenue, marking a 14.29% year-on-year increase from ₱91 million in 2023. These earnings are reinvested into infrastructure development and community livelihood programs, ensuring that tourism growth remains inclusive and sustainable.

Tourism Assets That Thrive

TIEZA’s own tourism assets have shown exceptional growth, proving the agency’s effective management approach. In 2024, the Club Intramuros Golf Course in Manila generated ₱79.3 million in gross revenue, which marked a 2.98% increase from its ₱76.9 million revenue in 2023, a steady increase since the pandemic.

As one of the oldest golf courses in the country, it stands out as one of the most successful and enduring government assets under the management of TIEZA. Its status as a thriving tourism asset is deeply grounded not only in its operational strengths but also in its cultural value, accessibility, and its contribution to Manila’s tourism and economic growth.

Other flagship assets including the Zamboanga Golf Course and Beach Park in Zamboanga City and Mount Data Hotel in Bauko, Mountain Province have consistently seen significant performance improvements in recent years driven by upgraded facilities, sustainability measures, and stronger local partnerships.

Recognitions and Reforms in Public Service

TIEZA’s institutional reforms have been recognized nationally and internationally. In 2024, the agency received the Civil Service Commission’s Bronze Award (Level 2 PRIME-HRM) for organizational excellence and achieved ISO 9001:2015 recertification, reinforcing its culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.

That same year, TIEZA co-presented the Philippine Tourism and Hotel Investment Summit 2024, which convened over 200 business and industry leaders to strengthen the country’s tourism investment ecosystem through infrastructure innovation and policy alignment.

A Vision for the Next Decade

Looking ahead to its 20th year and the implementation of the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023–2028, TIEZA is set to expand its portfolio of sustainable tourism projects, modernize travel facilities, and deepen collaboration with the private sector.

“Our story is one of service and sustainability,” Lapid said. “The goal is not just to welcome more tourists, but to ensure that every destination we develop empowers the Filipino communities behind them.”

By turning the Philippine Travel Tax into a force for national development, TIEZA continues to deliver on its mission of Building Tourism Together.

For more information, visit https://tieza.gov.ph or follow @TIEZAOfficial on Facebook and @tiezagovph on Instagram and X for updates on TIEZA’s services and digital initiatives.