By Genesis Gabriel P. Baculbas | PTV DMIS intern
In a press briefing at Malacañang on Friday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro announced that a total of 180 local government units (LGUs) have successfully implemented the Paleng-QR Ph Program, a joint initiative between the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) that aims to promote safe, efficient, cashless, and inclusive local transactions nationwide.
Established under DILG-BSP Joint Memorandum Circular No. 01, series of 2022, this program is part of a comprehensive framework known as the National Strategy for Financial Inclusion 2022-2028. This is in response to the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on the importance of inclusive and sustainable grassroots development.
This program is designed to modernize local financial transactions, enhance access to financing options for microentrepreneurs, and minimize the health risks associated with cash handling.
“Dahil ang nais ni Pangulong Marcos Jr., gawing mas ligtas at mas madali ang pagbabayad ng bawat mamamayang Pilipino,” Castro said.
Paleng-QR Ph empowers LGUs to transition towards digital payments in public markets and local transportation systems. It encourages the use of QR Ph technology for swift and secure payments among market vendors, sari-sari store owners, tricycle drivers, and commuters.
According to the DILG, 180 LGUs have either initiated the Paleng-QR Ph or issued policies to facilitate its implementation. These LGUs include five in the National Capital Region, 127 in Luzon, 33 in Visayas, and 15 in Mindanao.
To further encourage and support additional LGUs in adopting this initiative, the agency provides technical assistance regarding account onboarding, digital payment systems, and financial literacy, in partnership with the BSP.
“Nagbibigay naman ng technical assistance sa DILG sa mga LGU na gustong sumali sa programa para i-promote ang cashless system sa bansa,” Castro added.
-bjlc /jpv
