[As Prepared]

[Greetings]

It is my honor to be here with all of you this afternoon for this important event in my role as the new Deputy Mission Director for the United States Agency for International Development, or USAID, Philippines.

USAID is the lead U.S. government agency for international development and disaster assistance. We have been partnering with the Filipino people to advance development in your beautiful country for over 50 years.

I am pleased to join everyone here today at the formal launch of the Online Payments Service for Business Permits in Tagbilaran City.

I would like to congratulate Mayor Yap and the Tagbilaran City government for this important milestone that will make financial transactions more convenient, transparent and efficient.

I also congratulate our partners from the Development Bank of the Philippines, Land Bank of the Philippines and Rameses Systems Incorporated for their commitment to expand e‐payment adoptions in this city.

USAID, through our E-PESO project, partners with the Philippine government and private sector to support the development of economic infrastructure that will enable Filipinos to access digital payment products.

Shifting to electronic payments can improve the lives of both consumers and business owners, and carries numerous benefits for the city government.

A move to electronic payments will make doing business easier and more efficient, thereby boosting the city’s competitiveness. E-payments will make starting businesses faster and easier.

For the city government, e-payments will make collections more efficient, bolstering revenues that can be used toward citizens’ needs.

Adopting E-payments will also streamline workflows, improve transparency, and reduce the government’s vulnerability to corruption. This will further promote investments and attract businesses to Tagbilaran City.

Second, and perhaps more importantly, e-payment options can improve lives.

Tagbilaran City, through e-payment options, will be more responsive to the needs of its constituents.

E-payments will mean less time spent by people to pay business permits, taxes and other government fees, enabling citizens maximize their time in work or with their families.

For the country as a whole, expanding channels for electronic payment in both the public and private spheres will improve transparency in the government’s financial transactions.

And the adoption of e-payment services will further improve the ease of doing business in the Philippines, opening pathways for more sustainable economic growth.

This means more investments into the Philippines that can advance growth for the country, raising the overall quality of life of the Filipino people.

USAID continues to be a proud friend, partner and ally of the Philippines as we advance inclusive and resilient economic growth in the country.

The U.S. government is pleased to work alongside you as we pursue our shared vision of a more prosperous and stable Philippines.

As I close, again, I congratulate everyone who worked hard to reach this milestone for your city today.

In my years to come working here in the Philippines, I look forward to seeing how this important development will lift lives of the Filipinos not only here in Tagbilaran, but around the country.

Maraming salamat po! Thank you!