Bitget Wallet and Buhayin Collaborate to Promote Financial and Digital Inclusion in Siargao

Buhayin, an advocacy group for island hubs, partnered with Bitget Wallet and crypto platform Bitget to promote financial and digital inclusion in Siargao.

Buhayin, an advocacy group for island hubs, has partnered with crypto platform Bitget to promote financial and digital inclusion in Siargao, a renowned surfing paradise in the Philippines.

The collaboration will be unveiled during Kapit-Isla Siargao, taking place from March 12-16. The partnership aims to introduce blockchain-based financial tools and digital literacy programs to local businesses and residents.

“Financial and digital inclusion is key to empowering island destinations like Siargao. By providing access to digital tools and education, we foster economic growth, resilience, and sustainability,” said Justin Wee, Founder of Buhayin.

The partnership will integrate Bitget Wallet’s PayFi blockchain payment system into Siargao’s ecosystem.

Kapit-Isla Week

The partnership marks a turning point in technological integration within community-driven initiatives. Kapit-Isla Week, Buhayin’s flagship event, is a celebration of culture, sustainability, and community spirit.

Each year, Kapit-Isla travels to a different island hub, highlighting unique traditions and pressing issues. This year’s event at Siargao will feature:

After Siargao, Buhayin plans to expand Kapit-Isla to Dumaguete in July.

Bitget Wallet supports this vision by democratizing financial access with its cryptocurrency wallet, offering a secure and user-friendly solution for making and receiving payments in various cryptocurrencies and stablecoins.

What is PayFi?

A key initiative of the partnership is PayFi, Bitget Wallet’s new blockchain-based payment system that allows local businesses to accept stablecoins and digital assets for instant transactions.

PayFi integrates blockchain and decentralized finance (DeFi) to enable fast, low-cost, and transparent payments without intermediaries. This feature enhances payment options for tourists, digital nomads, and crypto users, fostering a digitally empowered, sustainable island economy.

“We’re excited to partner with Buhayin in supporting Siargao’s financial and digital inclusion journey. At Bitget Wallet, we believe blockchain technology can bridge economic gaps, and this partnership brings that vision closer to reality. With Bitget Wallet, we enable safe and effective digital financial adoption for long-term benefits,” said Alvin Kan, COO of Bitget Wallet.

The partnership aims to introduce new financial possibilities to the island, aligning with Buhayin’s vision for a brighter future for Siargao and other island hubs in the Philippines.

As PayFi is integrated into Kapit-Isla Siargao, the event will provide a unique setting for local businesses and residents to experience the benefits firsthand.

The partnership also includes plans for joint initiatives to promote digital literacy and financial education among younger generations in Siargao, further solidifying the partnership’s goal of fostering a technologically capable and economically included society.

Recently, Bitget was ranked 8th on Forbes’ list of the “World’s Most Trustworthy Crypto Exchanges’ in February.

In the same month, Bitget Wallet enhanced its security with an upgraded authorization detection feature in version V8.29, allowing users to assess and revoke risky permissions while leveraging MPC technology, industry partnerships, and a $625 million Protection Fund for a safer web3 experience.

Recently, Bitget released its February 2025 Proof of Reserves report confirming a reserve ratio increase to 186%, with Bitcoin reserves at 322%, Ethereum at 173%, and stablecoins exceeding 100%, reinforcing its financial stability, transparency, and commitment to safeguarding user assets.