Consumers in Antipolo, Bacoor, and General Santos City can now enjoy the convenience of cashless payments as the Paleng-QR Ph Plus Program expands its reach, empowering small businesses and local transport hubs to go digital.
Paleng-QR Ph Plus is a strategic initiative by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) aimed at revolutionizing the digital payments ecosystem in the Philippines. By integrating cashless payments into public markets, local transportation — particularly tricycles — and various business establishments, the program seeks to embed digital transactions into the daily lives of Filipinos.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to promote financial inclusion and digital transformation in the country.
The Paleng-QR Ph Plus Program incentivizes local government units (LGUs) to implement cashless payment systems in marketplaces, tricycles, and other small businesses. Through a strategic partnership with GCash, the country’s leading e-wallet, the program has made it easier for consumers to pay using QR codes, helping to modernize financial transactions across these cities.
A Nationwide Push for Cashless Payments
Antipolo City was among the pioneers in adopting cashless transactions, starting as early as 2021. Now, with the full implementation of the Paleng-QR Ph Plus Program, vendors at the City Mall of Antipolo have integrated GCash QR payments, offering customers a seamless and secure way to complete their purchases.
Tricycle operators in the city have also embraced this technology, allowing passengers to pay their fares digitally.
Following Antipolo’s success, Bacoor and General Santos City have joined the cashless revolution. Market vendors and tricycle drivers in these cities were recently onboarded to the program, further extending the reach of digital payments. In General Santos City, sari-sari stores — small, neighbourhood convenience shops — have since been transformed into GCash Pera Outlets, where customers can cash in, cash out, and access other services provided by GCash.
GCash’s Role in Financial Inclusion
GCash President and CEO Ren-Ren Reyes highlighted the importance of the Paleng-QR Ph Plus Program as part of GCash’s broader mission of “Finance for All.” He emphasized that the initiative not only modernizes payment systems but also plays a crucial role in providing financial services to the unbanked population.
“This program is a critical step in ensuring that even the smallest businesses and transport operators can participate in the digital economy,” Reyes said in a press statement.
As part of the program’s rollout, GCash is also offering financial literacy sessions for market vendors and local transport drivers. These sessions are designed to educate participants on the benefits of digital payments and how to effectively use GCash’s services to grow their businesses.
This educational component is essential for fostering trust and ensuring the long-term success of the program.
Rapid Adoption Across the Country
Since the launch of the Paleng-QR Ph Plus Program in 2022, there has been significant uptake across the country. According to the BSP, as of July 31, 2024, a total of 120 LGUs have introduced the program to their local communities.
This includes 92 LGUs from Luzon, 19 from Visayas, and 9 from Mindanao, reflecting a nationwide commitment to embracing cashless transactions.
The rapid adoption of the program underscores the growing demand for digital financial services in the Philippines. With more consumers and businesses recognizing the convenience, security, and efficiency of cashless payments, the BSP and DILG’s initiative is poised to transform the way financial transactions are conducted in the country.
A Step Toward a Cashless Future
As the Paleng-QR Ph Plus Program continues to expand, the vision of a cashless Philippines is becoming increasingly tangible. The program’s success in cities like Antipolo, Bacoor, and General Santos City serves as a model for other LGUs to follow, demonstrating that even small businesses and local transport operators can thrive in a digital economy.
Looking ahead, the BSP and DILG are expected to continue their push for wider adoption of cashless payments, with GCash playing a central role in this digital transformation. As more LGUs come on board, the benefits of digital financial services will reach more Filipinos, making financial inclusion a reality for millions across the nation.
With the Paleng-QR Ph Plus Program leading the charge, the Philippines is well on its way to becoming a cashless society, where financial transactions are easier, faster, and more secure for everyone.
