Iloilo City has just launched “Paleng-QR Ph Plus,” a program that promotes digital payments in public markets and local transportation, during a ceremony held last November 23 at the Iloilo Terminal Market.
The event was led by City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Visayas Regional Office (VRO) Director Anna Clara M. Oville, and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region VI Assistant Regional Director Maria Calpiza J. Sardua.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas (4th from right) together with executives from the BSP and DILG Region VI
In a recorded message, BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. described the launch as a step toward further digitalizing financial transactions. He added that the Paleng-QR Ph program empowers the community and eventually, the nation, as it widens opportunities for Filipinos to access financial services.
BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said in her recorded message that the launch marks a significant milestone in Iloilo City’s journey to becoming more digitalized and financially inclusive.
“More Ilonggos can now enjoy the many benefits of cashless payments,” the Deputy BSP Governor said.
Encouraging the use of QR Ph for payments in public markets, establishments
A joint program spearheaded by the BSP and DILG, the Paleng-QR Ph Plus encourages the use of QR Ph as a convenient, safe, and efficient way of making payments in public markets, local transportation, and other establishments.
Iloilo City is the 15th local government unit to launch Paleng-QR Ph Plus following Baguio, Davao, Tagbilaran, Naga, Lapu-Lapu, Pasig, Bacolod, Camiling, Carmona, Victorias, Mandaue, Ozamiz, Cotabato, and Calamba.
Financial service providers supported the launch by providing assistance booths for account onboarding, printing of QR codes, and addressing customer service concerns.
Paleng-QR Ph Plus is among the priority initiatives under the National Strategy for Financial Inclusion 2022-2028, which serves as a blueprint for accelerating inclusive finance in the country.
Ilonggos also had their unfit and mutilated banknotes and coins exchanged with fit currency or electronic money at the BSP’s “Piso Caravan” on the sides of the launch.
The Piso Caravan is part of the BSP’s “Clean Note and Coin Policy” and “Coin Recirculation Program,” which aim to maintain the Philippine currency’s integrity and to strengthen coin recirculation in the country.
For more information on this initiative and other public information campaigns in the Visayas, the public may contact the Regional Economic Affairs Staff of the BSP VRO at telephone no. (032) 254-9368 or email address AOville@bsp.gov.ph.