Tagbilaran City in Bohol has just joined a growing roster of local government units (LGUs) that are now implementing “Paleng-QR Ph Plus,” a nationwide program of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) that aims to promote digital payments in public markets, tricycle hubs, and other establishments.
The city launched the program in its central public market in a simple ceremony led by Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane C. Yap, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, and Jerome G. Gonzales, Provincial Director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
In her remarks, Mayor Yap said: “Going digital is no longer optional. It is the only way forward and we want Tagbilaran to be at the front and center of this digital revolution. We are happy because Paleng-QR supports Tagbilaran’s goal to become a smart city by mainstreaming digital cashless payments — making day-to-day transactions like buying goods in the public market or riding our tricycles more convenient, easier and faster. Let us make public service digital.”
In a recorded speech, BSP Governor Felipe M. Medalla welcomed Tagbilaran City as a Paleng-QR Ph Plus program partner. In his message, he said that the program’s ultimate objective is to help more Filipinos maximize economic opportunities through their inclusion in the formal financial system.
For her part, BSP Deputy Governor Romulo-Puyat of the Regional Operations and Advocacy Sector said that through the Paleng-QR Ph Plus, more Filipinos will reap the benefits of having a transaction account as well as shifting to digital payments.
“This will support the growth of small businesses and improve the quality of life of Filipino families,” she remarked.
Also present at the program launch were Tagbilaran City Vice Mayor Adam Relson L. Jala, former City Mayor John Geesnell L. Yap II, and City Councilor and Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Industry Chairperson Nicanor S. Besas.
Paleng-QR Ph Plus promotes QR technology as a convenient, safe, and efficient payment solution.
Juvy Presas, a market vendor at the Tagbilaran City Central Public Market described Paleng-QR as useful for business. “Convenient siya sa mga negosyante kasi pwedeng ma-monitor ang mga transaction gamit ang mobile phone. Hindi na kailangang pumunta sa bangko,” she said.
Several partner implementors from the financial services sector participated in the program launch.
During the launch of the program in Tagbilaran City, Asia United Bank, First Consolidated Bank of Bohol, Landbank of the Philippines, Maya, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., Starpay, GCash, as well as UnionBank provided customer assistance booths, quick response code printouts, and information materials for the public.
Tagbilaran is the first LGU in the Visayas to launch Paleng-QR Ph Plus, which now covers other business establishments, merchants, business owners, and transport providers.
The cities of Baguio and Davao have also since launched the Paleng-QR Ph program in August and December of last year, respectively.