Last April 23, 2024, the Province of Ilocos Sur and the City of Vigan inaugurated the Paleng-QR Ph Plus initiative in separate events. The aim was to promote the adoption of convenient digital payments across public markets, public transportation, and businesses.
Led by Ilocos Sur Governor Jeremias “Jerry” C. Singson and Vigan City Mayor Jose “Bonito” C. Singson Jr., with the presence of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, the provincial launch took place at the Provincial Farmers Livelihood Development Center while the city launch occurred at Calle Crisologo, both in Vigan City.
Photo shows BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat (seated inside the kalesa) with (from left:) Ilocos Sur Vice Governor Ryan Luis V. Singson, Vigan City Mayor Jose “Bonito” C. Singson, and Sofia Sison, a kutsera who accepts digital payments for kalesa rides, during the launch of Paleng-QR Ph Plus in Vigan City.
In a recorded message, BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. stated that the introduction of the Paleng-QR Ph Plus program in Ilocos signifies a significant stride toward nationwide digitalization, fostering financial inclusivity and resilience.
Expanding the digital financial landscape
According to the BSP governor, the use of QRPh codes in daily transactions facilitates the expansion of the digital financial landscape, granting access to various financial services such as credit, savings, insurance, and investment.
The Paleng-QR Ph Plus initiative, a collaborative effort between BSP and the Department of the Interior and Local Government, encourages cashless transactions using QR PH, the national standard for QR codes, aligning with the goals of the National Strategy for Financial Inclusion 2022-2028.
Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat stressed the pivotal role of local government units (LGUs) in enacting ordinances to promote Paleng-QR PH and ensure its successful implementation post-launch.
Meanwhile, Ilocos Sur Governor Singson highlighted that the Paleng-QR PH signifies the province’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive and efficient financial ecosystem for its residents.
Vice Governor Ryan Luis V. Singson echoed the same sentiment while describing the launch as a significant step in their journey toward establishing a robust digital payments ecosystem benefiting all Ilocosurians.
For his part, Mayor Singson expressed the city’s dedication to supporting its citizens in joining the cashless society, outlining plans to provide digital payment access to all Vigan residents through smartphone initiatives.
As of now, 68 LGUs have already been integrated into the nationwide Paleng-QR Ph Plus program, marking progress toward its broader adoption.
