Visa has partnered with USSC Money Services (UMSI), the Department of Tourism, and local governments to roll out digital payment services across Siargao, just in time for the island’s first World Surf League Championship Tour.
Ahead of the competition, 100 local tourism businesses — from homestays and cafes to surf guides and shops — now accept secure contactless payments through the uGrow app. Powered by Visa’s U Accept solution, merchants simply use their smartphones, no special card terminal needed. The platform also offers digital receipts, transaction tracking, and faster settlements.
This initiative supports a wider push to modernize Philippine tourism and help small businesses keep pace with visitor expectations. “Empowering our MSMEs with digital payments means they can serve tourists better and grow alongside our rising destinations,” said Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay. Visa Philippines Country Manager Jeffrey Navarro noted the shift helps local enterprises capture more business, while UMSI CEO Jose Xavier Gonzales emphasized making digital tools accessible to businesses of every size.
Nationwide, over 1,500 merchants now use the platform. Visa’s data shows 83% of Filipino small businesses saw higher sales once they accepted cards, proving the upgrade delivers real commercial value across communities.
