Manila: Tourists visiting the Philippines will soon have the convenience of withdrawing cash using international cards through Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation's (RCBC) mobile automated teller machines (ATMs). This development aims to expand financial access across the country, particularly in remote areas.

According to Philippines News Agency, RCBC's innovative 'ATM Go' system facilitates manual cash withdrawals, deposits, and transfers through a network of merchant partners, primarily sari-sari (retail) stores located in areas where traditional ATMs are scarce. These mobile point-of-sale (POS) terminals enable merchants to assist tourists with cash transactions, with withdrawal amounts dependent on the store's capacity.

The initiative was formalized on Tuesday with a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by RCBC deputy CEO Reginaldo Anthony Cariaso, executive vice president and chief innovation and inclusion officer Lito Villanueva, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco, and Undersecretary Shahlimar Tamano. This collaboration is set to enhance financial services at more tourist sites.

Currently, the ATM Go system caters to Philippine-issued debit and prepaid cards. However, starting in July, it will support foreign-issued MasterCard and Visa cards, as announced by Villanueva. The goal is to install an additional 3,000 terminals by the end of the year, focusing on key travel destinations with a high concentration of foreign tourists and limited banking facilities.

Villanueva emphasized the strategic deployment of these terminals, especially in island barangays (villages) lacking ATMs or banks, to ensure accessibility for travelers. The targeted locations for new terminals include popular destinations such as Palawan, Siargao in Surigao del Norte, and Cebu, as well as the DOT's Tourist Rest Areas.

Secretary Frasco highlighted the partnership's potential to provide tourists with easy access to banking services while empowering small tourism businesses and workers financially. She noted that many essential contributors to the tourism sector, such as sari-sari store owners, habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) drivers, and various operators and vendors, operate in areas with limited banking infrastructure.