DAGUPAN CITY – As part of its efforts to drive financial inclusion and modernize local economies, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is advocating for the wider adoption of the Paleng-QR Ph Program across local government units (LGUs) in Pangasinan.
In a virtual press conference hosted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Pangasinan on January 15, Jim Ian Bautista, senior research specialist of the BSP North Luzon Regional Office, emphasized the program’s role as a safe, convenient and efficient alternative for making and receiving payments for goods and services.
Launched under the BSP’s National Strategy for Financial Inclusion (NSFI) 2022-2028, the Paleng-QR Ph Plus initiative seeks to introduce Quick Response (QR)-based payment systems in public markets and local transportation.
Bautista said that this step aims to promote cashless transactions, making daily payments more efficient and secure for Filipinos.
“With QRPH, there’s no need to present multiple QR codes from different e-wallets or banks. One code is enough, and payments are received seamlessly,” Bautista said.
He highlighted the program’s alignment with the BSP’s mission to improve financial inclusion, ensuring that more Filipinos—especially market vendors and public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers—have access to secure digital payment systems.
“When implemented across Pangasinan’s cities and municipalities, the program will highlight the importance of digital payments even more,” Bautista added.
The province of Pangasinan has taken initial steps toward adopting the program. Alaminos City launched Paleng-QR Ph at the SUKI Market in 2023, making it the first LGU in the province to implement the initiative.
Dagupan City followed by passing Ordinance No. 2277-2023, which encourages local businesses and public transportation to embrace digital payments. However, the city has yet to formally roll out the program.
“Hopefully, more LGUs in Pangasinan will follow the lead of Alaminos and Dagupan City by issuing policy directives to roll out the program,” Bautista added.
Expanding adoption and benefits
The program offers several key advantages, including:
- Eliminating the need for small change in transactions,
- Preventing counterfeit currency circulation and the spread of diseases,
- Enhancing access to financial services such as loans, insurance, and investments, and
- Reducing queues and enabling efficient financial aid distribution.
Additionally, digital payment systems provide greater transparency for both buyers and sellers. Vendors can easily verify payments by reviewing transaction histories in their e-wallet or online banking apps.
Jenny Abrio, a sari-sari store owner at Malimgas Public Market in Dagupan City, expressed support for the program.
“It’s convenient because if a customer runs out of cash, they have an alternative payment option using the Paleng-QR code,” she said.
By December 31, 2024, 161 LGUs had adopted or supported the program through policy initiatives. This includes 118 LGUs from Luzon, three from the National Capital Region, 27 from Visayas, and 13 from Mindanao.
The BSP aims to see more Pangasinan LGUs adopt the program in the coming year, further solidifying the province’s role in driving the country’s shift toward a cashless economy.
