Last April 12, the City of Antipolo in Rizal introduced the Paleng-QR Ph Plus program to promote digital payments in its public markets, public transportation, and business establishments.
The launching ceremony, held at the City Mall of Antipolo, was led by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat and former Antipolo City Mayor Andrea “Andeng” B. Ynares, representing Mayor Casimiro “Jun” A. Ynares III. Rizal Governor Nina Ricci A. Ynares also graced the event.
Photo shows Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat (right) and former Antipolo City Mayor Andrea “Andeng” B. Ynares (2nd from left), and Rizal Governor Nina Ricci A. Ynares, together with market vendor Keith Serranillo during the launch of Paleng-QR Ph Plus in Antipolo City.
Encouraging the use of QR Ph
Paleng-QR Ph Plus is a collaborative effort between the BSP and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) which aims to encourage the use of Quick Response (QR) Ph, the national standard for QR code technology.
This technology offers a secure, convenient, and efficient payment method for both merchants and customers.
In a recorded message, BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. emphasized the potential of QR Ph codes to expand the digital financial footprint of businesses and customers, providing access to a wider range of financial services such as credit, savings, insurance, and investments.
Former Mayor Andeng Ynares highlighted the city’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic by promoting cashless and digital transactions, expressing joy and honor in welcoming the Paleng-QR Ph Plus program.
For her part, Rizal Governor Ynares expressed support for the program, noting its significance as the first launch of Paleng-QR Ph in Rizal, signalling economic progress and growth for Antipolo and the entire province.
The City Government of Antipolo mandated all business establishments to adopt alternative payment modes in 2020, later amending the resolution in 2022 to include Paleng-QR as one of the options.
Promoting financial inclusion in PH
In line with the BSP’s efforts to promote financial inclusion, BSP Deputy Governor Romulo-Puyat also encouraged Antipoleños to open a Basic Deposit Account (BDA) with minimal requirements and fees.
During the launch, personnel from the BSP, financial service providers, and the city government facilitated account onboarding, QR Ph code generation, and financial literacy sessions.
The program aims to onboard market vendors as well as tricycle drivers and operators (TODA) association members.
The Paleng-QR Ph Plus program aligns with the BSP’s goal of enabling digital payments for community markets and local transportation, a key initiative under the National Strategy for Financial Inclusion (NSFI) 2022-2028.
Additionally, the BSP conducted the “Piso Caravan” to exchange unfit banknotes and coins for fresh currency or digital cash, supporting the BSP’s Clean Note and Coin Policy and Coin Recirculation Program.
For more information on the Paleng-QR Ph Plus program, visit https://bit.ly/PQPP_FAQs_E. Contact the BSP South Luzon Regional Office at bsp-slro@bsp.gov.ph for details on the Piso Caravan and other public information campaigns in Southern Luzon.