As digital payments become an increasingly important part of everyday transactions, Partido State University (ParSU) and the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) formalized their shared commitment to advancing digital financial inclusion through the official launch of LANDBANK's Cash-Lite Campus initiative on October 26, 2026, at the ParSU Auditorium.ย
The initiative promotes the use of digital financial services within the University while introducing students to practical ways to manage money, make electronic payments, and protect their accounts. The partnership seeks to help students build financial habits and digital skills relevant to an economy in which cashless transactions are becoming more common.
In his message, ParSU President Dr. Arnel B. Zarcedo emphasized the initiative's potential to save time, simplify transactions, and provide students, employees, and small businesses with more opportunities to participate in the digital economy. He stressed that technological advancement must benefit people across the University community, saying, "Technology is truly progress only when it serves people."
LANDBANK Bicol Branches Group Head Reynaldo Michael R. Bien highlighted the bank's commitment to making banking services more accessible to clients and communities and addressing their financial needs. Complementing this goal of expanding access to financial services, Rhoel A. Guarin, CPA, Area Director of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' Naga City area office, emphasized the importance of digital financial security, reminding students to keep their passwords and one-time passwords confidential and verify the legitimacy of their transactions to avoid scams.
The afternoon program also featured an audiovisual presentation on the ParSU cash-lite economy and a financial literacy education session on digital banking and responsible financial management. Interactive games further encouraged student participation and made financial learning more engaging. Raffle prizes included limited-edition CashLite jackets and cash prizes for students who completed the missions and attended the event.
Notably, the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between ParSU and LANDBANK, established cooperation in financial literacy education and expanded access to banking and digital financial services within the University. The agreement also provides for information sessions on savings, investments, loans, and other financial products, the promotion of QR-based payments across the campus, and collaboration on student internships, career development, and employment opportunities.
Earlier that morning, students participated in activities designed to introduce them to LANDBANK's digital banking features and encourage the practical use of cashless financial services, completing five missions: opening a digital account, setting up account protection, activating a QR code, making a QR-based merchant payment, and following LANDBANK's social media accounts, allowing them to experience the services firsthand.
The activity also introduced LANDBANK Piso Plus, a digital savings account accessible through the LANDBANK Mobile Banking App (MBA). With no initial deposit or maintaining balance required, the account offers students a more accessible entry point into the formal banking system and an opportunity to become familiar with digital savings services.
The launch was attended by Hon. Ganit Atole, representing Goa Municipal Mayor Raquel S. Lim; Mr. Emmanuel R. Villamor, Lead Regional Director of CHED-UniFAST; Mr. Ronald Aquino, LANDBANK Goa Branch Head; LANDBANK managers from various municipalities; ParSU officials; and students.ย
Through the Cash-Lite Campus initiative, ParSU and LANDBANK seek to make digital transactions more accessible while strengthening financial education and the responsible use of technology. Beyond payment convenience, the partnership aims to equip members of the University community with the knowledge and practical skills to navigate digital financial services safely and confidently.
