In a significant move towards modernization, digital transformation, and financial inclusion, the municipality of Guagua in Pampanga has officially joined the Paleng-QR Ph Plus program.
Photo shows former President and now Pampanga 2nd District Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as she scans a QR code to pay for purchased goods during the launch of Paleng-QR Ph Plus in Guagua, Pampanga, which aims to aid in the municipality’s digital transformation. With her are (from left) Guagua Mayor Anthony Joseph S. Torres, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas North Luzon Regional Office Director Noel Neil Q. Malimban, Cooperative Development Authority Region III Assistant Regional Director Carolina M. Miguel, and Sto. Niño Barangay Kagawad Vicky M. Sarmiento.
Led by former president and now Pampanga 2nd District Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the launch of the Paleng QR PH Plus initiative in Guagua is designed to facilitate convenient and safer cashless transactions across public markets, public utility vehicles, and various business establishments in the municipality.
Joining Cong. Macapagal-Arroyo at the launch event, which was held at the Guagua National College, were Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) North Luzon Regional Office Director Noel Neil Q. Malimban and Guagua Mayor Anthony Joseph S. Torres.
Earlier this month, the city of San Fernando in Pampanga also joined the Pelang-QR Ph Plus program of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
Commitment to Digital Transformation
Former President Macapagal-Arroyo expressed her steadfast support for the Paleng-QR Ph Plus program. “Sisikapin natin na mapalaganap ito sa iba’t-ibang transaksyon at sa iba’t-ibang bayan. Dalhin natin ang ating mga maliliit na negosyo sa age of digitalization,” she remarked in a speech delivered during the event.
Her statement underscores the commitment to integrating small businesses into the digital economy, ensuring they are able to join the municipality’s ongoing digital transformation efforts and do not lag in the country’s ongoing technological advancements.
Benefits of QR Ph Implementation in Digital Transformation
BSP Director Malimban highlighted the numerous advantages of using QR Ph codes. By eliminating the need for loose change, the program helps prevent currency counterfeiting and reduces the risk of virus transmission, a concern amplified by recent global health crises.
He further assured that the BSP would back the municipality of Guagua with robust financial literacy programs to ensure the populace is well-informed and capable of using the new system effectively.
Call for Community Participation
Mayor Torres emphasized the importance of widespread adoption of the program. “Ako po’y lumalapit sa ating mga market vendors, mga kapitan at barangay officials, let us encourage establishments, kahit sari-sari stores to participate in Paleng-QR Ph Plus,” he urged. His appeal to local leaders and business owners highlights the collective effort needed to make the transition to cashless transactions successful.
About Paleng-QR Ph Plus
The Paleng-QR Ph Plus program is a joint initiative by the BSP and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). It aims to promote electronic payments through the use of QR Ph, the national standard for quick response (QR) codes.
This program is a key component of the National Strategy for Financial Inclusion 2022-2028, which seeks to broaden access to financial services and improve the quality of life for Filipinos.
Financial Literacy and Currency Exchange
Complementing the launch of Paleng-QR Ph Plus, the BSP, in partnership with Guagua Rural Bank, Inc., also conducted the “Piso Caravan.” This initiative allowed residents to exchange unfit banknotes and coins for fit currency, supporting the BSP’s Clean Note Policy and Coin Recirculation Program.
These efforts are part of a broader campaign to ensure that the public has access to clean and usable currency, further enhancing the overall financial ecosystem.
For more information on the Piso Caravan and other public information campaigns, interested parties can email [email protected].
To learn more about the Paleng-QR Ph Plus program, visit Paleng-QR Ph Plus.
