For thousands of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the Kingdom of Bahrain, the ability to send support back home is more than a routine transaction—it’s a lifeline. Every peso sent, every digital voucher purchased, is a way of showing care across borders. Recognizing this, PLDT Global Corporation (PLDT Global)—the international arm of the Philippines’ largest telco, PLDT Inc.—has strengthened its partnership with the stc Group through its fintech subsidiary stc Pay Bahrain, one of the Middle East’s emerging mobile wallets. Together, they are making it easier, safer, and more seamless for Filipinos in Bahrain to stay connected with their families, no matter the distance.
Through this leveled up collaboration, Filipinos can now cash-in their Philippine e-wallets directly via the stc Pay app. They can also purchase and send e-gift vouchers with just a few taps, making it easier to support their loved ones back home. These services are powered by Vortex, PLDT Global’s robust digital distribution platform that ensures secure, seamless and reliable transactions.
“This partnership brings digital convenience to our fellow Filipinos abroad and positions PLDT Global as a trusted partner of fintech leaders like stc Pay Bahrain,” said Albert V. Villa-Real, President and CEO at PLDT Global. “We’re committed to delivering borderless solutions that empower and care for Filipinos wherever they are.”
In the coming months, more services will be rolled out on the stc Pay Bahrain app, including Philippine mobile load purchases, content subscriptions via Pilipinas Live, and access to the Smart Virtual Number (SVN)—a SIM-less Philippine mobile number for overseas use. SVNs allow users to receive one-time passwords (OTPs) for online transactions in the Philippines, and to make free calls to the Department of Migrant Workers-Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (DMW-OWWA) Hotline 1348 and the 1343 Actionline Against Human Trafficking.
Metin Zavrak, CEO of stc Pay Bahrain, emphasized the strategic value of the partnership. “With PLDT Global’s support, we’re expanding our subscriber base by connecting more deeply with the Filipino community in Bahrain. This is a key step in our journey to become a leading digital lifestyle enabler in the region.”
A growing alliance
Earlier this year, PLDT Global and stc Pay Bahrain launched their partnership to streamline remittance and payment services for Filipinos in the Middle East. The integration of Philippine financial services into the stc Pay app marked a significant milestone in cross-border digital inclusion.
As PLDT Global continues to expand its international footprint through strategic alliances, this partnership with stc Pay Bahrain underscores a shared commitment to serving overseas Filipinos with innovative, tech-driven solutions, enabling them to show their care for their families back home.
