MANILA – Filipino athletes below 18 years old may now open and manage their own Visa Debit Card bank accounts under a new partnership between the Land Bank of the Philippines and the Philippine Sports Commission, expanding financial access for young national athletes.

The initiative was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement signed on May 11, 2026, allowing minor athletes listed under the PSC roster to access payroll services through LANDBANK’s banking system, with safeguards requiring parental or guardian consent.

LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz said the agreement aims to provide athletes with secure financial tools for both local and international use.

“On our end in LANDBANK, we are here to partner and provide the services and products we have to ensure that our athletes are properly enabled. Through this agreement, we will provide them with a secure and widely accepted debit account suitable for both local and international use with the proper safeguards in place,” Ortiz said.

Under the arrangement, the bank will facilitate the opening of Visa Debit Card accounts for minor athletes, subject to authorization from parents or guardians.

With the new system, young athletes will be able to receive allowances and incentives more quickly and transparently, while gaining easier access to their funds for both local and overseas use.

PSC Chair John Patrick C. Gregorio said the partnership is part of broader efforts to support athletes and strengthen collaboration with government and corporate partners.

“We try to really find deals like this… We want to reach out to partners, corporate partners, [and] government agencies, just to make sure that they realize that supporting the Philippine Sports Commission is supporting the youth, the dreams of the community, the wellness, the well-being of the community. It’s got to be a win-win collaboration,” Gregorio said.

Under the policy, young athletes may open accounts at any LANDBANK branch nationwide by presenting a valid ID and PSC certification, along with signed terms and conditions from a parent or guardian.

Once approved, they will be issued Visa Debit Cards for secure transactions locally and abroad.

LANDBANK also pledged to support the PSC’s digitalization efforts and assist in addressing its infrastructure financing needs through its banking services.