The adoption of digital payments across the country is currently making significant strides with the recent consecutive launches of the Paleng-QR Ph Plus initiatives in Cebu, Palawan, and Tarlac.
A project of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), this initiative is also revolutionizing the way Filipinos transact by turning public markets into thriving hubs of digital payment innovation and integrating into local transportation hubs and other business establishments the idea of transacting via digital payments. It also promotes the use of QR Ph, the national standard for quick response codes.
Pinamungajan, Cebu embraces digital payments revolution
Photo shows Pinamungajan, Cebu Mayor Ana Jessica A. Baricuatro (middle) and BSP Regional Director Anna Clara M. Oville (left) while leading the municipality’s launch of the Paleng-QR Ph Plus at the Pinamungajan Municipal Auditorium
In Cebu, the municipality of Pinamungajan joined the digital payments revolution by launching Paleng-QR Ph Plus on November 26, 2024. The ceremony, held at the Pinamungajan Municipal Auditorium, was led by Mayor Ana Jessica A. Baricuatro and BSP Regional Director Anna Clara M. Oville. Cebu 3rd District Congressman Pablo John F. Garcia was also in attendance.
Alongside the program launch, the BSP partnered with Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) to host a Piso Caravan, where residents could exchange dirty or mutilated banknotes and coins for fit currency or e-wallet credits. Financial service providers were present to assist attendees in opening transaction accounts, enabling them to make QR code-based payments seamlessly.
The introduction of Paleng-QR Ph Plus in Pinamungajan marks a significant step towards modernizing digital payments in Cebu, empowering residents to embrace cashless solutions for daily transactions.
Narra and Brooke’s Point, Palawan join digital payments effort
Photos courtesy of BSP South Luzon Regional Office and LGUs of Narra and Brooke’s Point in Palawan.
On November 27 and 28, 2024, the towns of Narra and Brooke’s Point in Palawan officially rolled out the Paleng-QR Ph Plus program. The launch in Narra took place at the Tabuan Area and was led by Officer-in-Charge Felipe L. Argueza and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Regional Director Tomas J. Cariño, Jr.
Meanwhile, in Brooke’s Point, Vice Mayor Mary Jean D. Feliciano and Regional Director Cariño spearheaded the launch of the digital payments program at the Brooke’s Point Convention Center. Representatives from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) also attended the events.
The program in Palawan underscores the importance of digital transformation in the province, offering residents and business owners a more efficient and secure way to conduct transactions. By adopting digital payments using QR Ph, users benefit from faster payments and reduced reliance on cash, aligning with the country’s broader goals of financial inclusion.
Moncada, Tarlac joins the cashless society movement
Moncada Mayor Estelita M. Aquino and BSP Regional Director Noel Neil Q. Malimban (second and third from right) lead the town’s launch of Paleng-QR Ph Plus at the Moncada Public Market in Tarlac
The town of Moncada in Tarlac became the latest municipality to adopt Paleng-QR Ph Plus, with its launch last December 3, 2024, at the Moncada Public Market. Mayor Estelita M. Aquino and BSP Regional Director Noel Neil Q. Malimban led the event, which highlighted the program’s potential to transform the way business is conducted in the area through enhanced digital payments.
As part of the launch, GRBank facilitated the BSP’s Piso Caravan, allowing residents to exchange unfit and mutilated money for new banknotes. Financial service providers were also on-site to help attendees open bank accounts or e-wallets, ensuring easy access to QR Ph-enabled transactions.
The initiative in Moncada reflects the growing momentum of cashless payment systems across the country, with local government units taking active roles in promoting digital financial literacy and inclusion.
A unified vision for a cashless Philippines
The Paleng-QR Ph Plus program is a joint effort by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the Department of the Interior and Local Government. By integrating QR Ph into everyday digital payments transactions, the initiative aims to foster financial inclusion, improve economic efficiency, and reduce the risks associated with handling cash.
As more municipalities and provinces adopt the program, the Philippines moves closer to realizing a cashless economy. The recent launches in Narra, Brooke’s Point, Pinamungajan, and Moncada showcase the program’s growing reach and its potential to revolutionize the way Filipinos conduct transactions.
With the continued support of local government units, financial institutions, and technology partners, Paleng-QR Ph Plus is poised to become a cornerstone of the nation’s digital transformation. Residents and business owners across the country are encouraged to embrace this innovative solution, paving the way for a more connected and inclusive future.