Philippines DTI and Mastercard partner to digitize MSMEs

The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through its E-Commerce Bureau, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Mastercard to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in adopting digital tools and electronic payment solutions.

The initiative aims to enhance local e-commerce capabilities and build merchant confidence in using digital platforms securely. The partnership will focus on expanding access to digital technology and providing training programs to help small businesses navigate online marketplaces and reach broader consumer bases.

This collaboration follows data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showing a significant shift toward digital commerce. In 2025, digital transactions accounted for 64.69% of all retail payments in the Philippines, an increase from 57.45% in 2024. Merchant payments, including those involving MSMEs, represented 74.31% of all digital transactions.