DICT and Maya Push Boundaries in Digital Government Transformation

DICT and Maya Push Boundaries in Digital Government Transformation

Building the Backbone of Digital Government

At the Singapore FinTech Festival 2025, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and Maya announced a deeper collaboration aimed at modernizing e-government services in the Philippines. This partnership is not just about payments—it’s about building the backbone of a digital-first government. DICT and Maya Push Boundaries in Digital Government Transformation

The initiative supports DICT’s E-Government Masterplan and the Philippine Development Plan (PDP), aligning with the national goal of accelerating digital inclusion. By embedding financial services such as payments, savings, credit, and rewards into government platforms, the collaboration ensures that citizens can access essential services more efficiently.

I’ve always believed that government technology should be invisible yet indispensable. For readers, this means smoother transactions, less time wasted in queues, and more confidence in digital systems. And yes, it also means you can finally renew your permits without feeling like you’re starring in a bureaucratic drama.

A More Seamless eGovPH–Maya Experience

The eGovPH App is at the center of this collaboration. By integrating Maya’s ecosystem, DICT is enabling faster, more reliable digital payments for government services.

Key areas of collaboration include:

• Seamless digital payments across eGovPH and Maya platforms.
• Access to savings, credit, and insurance tools.
• Personalized rewards and incentives to encourage adoption.
• Financial inclusion initiatives powered by open finance, AI, and secure digital identity.

This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about trust. Citizens want assurance that their transactions are secure, their data is protected, and their experience is consistent.

I’ve always said that adoption hinges on trust. For readers, this means you’ll be more willing to use digital platforms when they feel reliable. And yes, it also means you can finally stop carrying a folder of receipts “just in case.” DICT and Maya Push Boundaries in Digital Government Transformation

Technology That Simplifies Public Service

DICT Secretary Henry Aguda emphasized that the collaboration strengthens the backbone of the eGov ecosystem. By embedding financial tools directly into the app, government transactions become simple, secure, and accessible.

Shailesh Baidwan, Group President of Maya, highlighted the importance of integrating financial services into public platforms. Maya’s role is to deliver the financial layer—from digital payments to AI-driven tools—that supports DICT’s architecture for a modern digital government. DICT and Maya Push Boundaries in Digital Government Transformation

Orlando Vea, Founder and CEO of Maya, underscored that digital government works best when built around real needs. Whether paying for permits, running a small business, or supporting families, the technology must be simple, secure, and genuinely helpful.

I’ve always argued that technology should serve people, not the other way around. For readers, this means government apps that feel intuitive, not intimidating. And yes, it also means you can finally stop asking your tech-savvy nephew to help you pay online.

Supporting PEMEDES: Digitizing the Delivery Sector

The collaboration also extends to PEMEDES (Private Express and Messengerial Delivery Services), the national framework overseeing licensed delivery operators and riders.

In August 2025, PEMEDES launched its AI-enabled, fully digital registration and licensing portal, replacing manual, paper-based processes. This upgrade introduced faster onboarding, automated compliance, and stronger identity verification.

Through the DICT–Maya partnership, PEMEDES operators and riders gain access to:

• Secure digital payments for licensing and payouts.
• Micro-savings, credit, and insurance tools tailored for delivery workers.
• Rewards and incentives for safe and compliant operations.
• More traceable and secure transactions across delivery ecosystems.

I’ve always believed that technology should empower workers at every level. For readers, this means delivery riders—who are the lifeblood of e-commerce—get financial stability and protection. And yes, it also means your favorite food delivery app might finally stop asking riders to juggle cash and coins at midnight.

AI, Open Finance, and Secure Identity

The collaboration leverages AI, open finance, and secure digital identity to drive inclusion. AI enables smarter compliance and fraud detection. Open finance ensures interoperability across platforms. Secure digital identity guarantees that users can transact with confidence.

This triad of technologies is critical. Without AI, systems remain reactive. Without open finance, platforms stay siloed. Without secure identity, trust collapses. Together, they create a foundation for scalable, citizen-centered services.

I’ve always said that the best innovations are the ones you don’t notice—they just work. For readers, this means government apps that feel seamless, financial tools that feel personalized, and transactions that feel safe. And yes, it also means you can finally stop worrying about whether your online payment “went through.”

Philippine Leadership at SFF 2025

The formalization of the DICT–Maya collaboration at Singapore FinTech Festival (SFF) underscores the Philippines’ growing role in digital transformation.

Maya co-presented the Philippine Pavilion, organized by FintechAlliance.ph, showcasing strengths in digital finance, open government, and citizen-focused innovation. The presence of DICT, Maya, and industry groups reflects a shared commitment to building scalable, real-world solutions.

This isn’t just about local progress—it’s about regional leadership. By demonstrating practical innovation, the Philippines positions itself as an active contributor to the digital economy of Southeast Asia.

I’ve always believed that visibility matters. For readers, this means the Philippines isn’t just catching up—it’s leading conversations on digital inclusion. And yes, it also means you can finally brag that our fintech scene is making waves in Singapore.

My Take: Why This Collaboration Matters

I’ve covered fintech partnerships for years, and the DICT–Maya collaboration stands out because it’s practical. It’s not about flashy apps or buzzwords—it’s about embedding financial tools into everyday government transactions.

What I like most is the scope. From eGovPH to PEMEDES, from AI-driven compliance to open finance, the collaboration touches multiple layers of society. It empowers citizens, supports workers, and strengthens institutions.

For readers, the benefit is clear: you’re getting a government ecosystem that feels modern, accessible, and secure. And yes, it also means you can finally stop dreading the phrase “government transaction.”

Technology That Serves Citizens

At its core, this collaboration is about technology serving citizens. It’s about reducing friction, increasing trust, and expanding access.

For readers, this means you’re part of a digital transformation that makes life easier, safer, and more inclusive. And yes, it also means you can finally say that paying for permits online is less painful than waiting in line.