Cashless transactions are no longer a luxury but a necessity in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape, and the Municipality of Apalit is stepping up to the challenge.
Joining nearly 150 local government units (LGUs) across the Philippines, the Municipality of Apalit in Pampanga has recently embraced the Paleng-QR Ph Plus program, an initiative spearheaded by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to onboard more Filipinos into the formal financial system.
The Paleng-QR Ph Plus is a government-driven initiative designed to bring the advantages of e-payments to everyday transactions, particularly in markets, public transportation, and small businesses.
By promoting standardized QR codes for payments in public markets, transportation, and businesses, the program aims to redefine everyday transactions, fostering a more inclusive and efficient economy for all.
Photo shows BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. (second from right), and former President and now Pampanga 2nd District Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (third from left) scanning a QR Ph code from a tricycle driver. Joining them are (from left:) Apalit Vice Mayor Pedro C. Nucom, Apalit Mayor Oscar D. Tetangco, Jr., and BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.
The program was officially launched in Apalit last November 15, in a ceremony led by BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. and Apalit Mayor Oscar D. Tetangco, Jr. Other key figures in attendance included BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, former BSP Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr., Pampanga 2nd District Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and Palengkeni Apalit Organized Markets Corporation Chairman Jose H. Borromeo.
Governor Remolona emphasized the BSP’s commitment to driving financial inclusion through digitalization. “The BSP spearheaded Paleng-QR Plus because we wanted to go beyond creating policies and deliver the last-mile solution to make a tangible difference in people’s lives,” he said. “To achieve this, we need collective effort from individuals, vendors, and consumers alike. We encourage everyone to embrace digital payments.”
Cashless Philippines: A unified push for financial inclusion
Apalit Mayor Oscar D. Tetangco, Jr (right) together with (from left:) BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr., and Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Mayor Tetangco expressed the local government’s full support for the program, highlighting the potential impact on Apalit’s economy.
“With the help of our partners and financial service providers, we will endeavour to promote QR Ph not only among market vendors but also to other business owners in Apalit,” he said.
Representative Macapagal-Arroyo commended the BSP and the Municipality of Apalit for their forward-looking approach. She noted that while the program in Pampanga has just started, it has the potential to pave the way for a cashless society in the province.
Transforming everyday payments into cashless transactions
The Paleng-QR Ph Plus initiative aligns with the National Strategy for Financial Inclusion 2022-2028, which prioritizes digitalization as a means of improving access to financial services.
At its core, the program seeks to make daily transactions seamless, secure, and cashless by utilizing QR Ph, the national standard for QR payments.
Deputy Governor Romulo-Puyat highlighted the transformative potential of digital payments for Apalit’s residents. “We’re excited to revolutionize daily payments here with the Paleng-QR Ph Plus program. QR Ph ensures convenience, security, and efficiency in transactions,” she said.
Market vendors, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and transport operators stand to benefit significantly from the initiative, as it removes the need for physical cash, reduces the risk of theft, and provides a formal record of transactions.
For consumers, the use of QR codes offers a faster and safer way to pay for goods and services.
Bridging the cashless divide
In conjunction with the launch, the BSP and its currency exchange partners — Guagua Rural Bank and BOF (A Rural Bank) — conducted a Piso Caravan at the Apalit Public Market.
This initiative allowed residents to exchange unfit or mutilated banknotes and coins for clean currency or e-wallet credits, further encouraging the transition to cashless transactions.
Such efforts reflect BSP’s broader vision of reducing barriers to financial access and ensuring that every Filipino can participate in the digital economy.
Apalit’s adoption of Paleng-QR Ph Plus is a significant milestone in the Philippines’ journey toward a more inclusive and cashless society.
As more LGUs embrace the program, the BSP remains steadfast in its mission to make financial services accessible to all Filipinos through innovative and practical solutions.
For more information about Paleng-QR Ph Plus, visit bit.ly/PalengQRph or www.financialinclusion.gov.ph.