Angeles City in Pampanga has joined the growing list of local government units (LGUs) adopting the Paleng-QR Ph Plus initiative, a program designed to promote digital payments in public markets, public utility vehicles, and business establishments.
Photo shows BSP Managing Director Rosabel B. Guerrero (second from left) together with Angeles City Vice Mayor Ma. Vicenta L. Vega-Cabigting (third from left), BSP Area Director Mark Jason A. Cagalingan, and a vendor who accepts digital payments during the Paleng-QR Ph Plus launch in Angeles City.
The official launch of the program took place last June 3 at the Angeles City Library and Information Center. The launch ceremony was led by Vice Mayor Ma. Vicenta L. Vega-Cabigting and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Managing Director Rosabel B. Guerrero.
In a recorded message, BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. highlighted the benefits of the program, noting that it not only facilitates fast, convenient, and safe payments but also opens up opportunities for users to access a broader range of financial services such as credit, savings, insurance, and investment.
In her message, Mayor Caluag encouraged Fernandinos to use QR PH codes for their daily financial transactions. “Para may magamit na tayo kapag sumasakay tayo sa tricycle o kahit bumibili tayo sa palengke, puwede na tayo makapagbayad nang hindi na nangangailangan magdala ng cash,” she said.
Vice Mayor Vega-Cabigting, for her part, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “Ang Paleng-QR Ph Plus ay kontra fake. With Paleng-QR Ph, we are assured that we will receive the right amount of money. That’s why we are happy that we’re doing this in Angeles City today.”
BSP Managing Director Guerrero, meanwhile, emphasized the program’s role in promoting financial inclusion and improving financial health. “Hinihikayat ko lahat ng wala pang transaction account na magbukas ng basic deposit account o BDA. Madali lang ‘yan with a minimum initial deposit of PHP100 or less, ito ang iyong unang hakbang patungo sa financial empowerment,” she said.
Paleng-QR PH Plus: A Collaborative Effort
According to a press release posted on the BSP’s website, the Paleng-QR Ph Plus is a collaborative effort between the central bank and the Department of the Interior and Local Government that encourages the use of QR Ph, the country’s interoperable standard quick response (QR) code, for digital payments.
It encourages cashless transactions using QR Ph, the national standard for Quick Response or QR codes, a priority initiative under the National Strategy for Financial Inclusion (NSFI) 2022-2028, which serves as a blueprint to achieve the vision of driving financial inclusion toward inclusive growth and financial resilience.
To support this digital transformation, the LGU of Angeles passed an ordinance in February 2023 urging all business establishments and local transportation groups in the city to adopt QR Ph payments.
In conjunction with the program launch, the BSP also conducted the “Piso Caravan” in partnership with the Metro Angeles Bankers Association. This initiative allowed residents to exchange their unfit banknotes and coins for fit currency or electronic money, aligning with BSP’s efforts to maintain the integrity of the Philippine currency.
For more information on the Piso Caravan and other public information campaigns in North Luzon, email reas-nlro@bsp.gov.ph.
To learn more about the Paleng-QR Ph Plus program, visit Paleng QR Ph Plus.