By Nimfa L. Estrellado BSP officials meet with Lucena City Mayor Mark Alcala to discuss the rollout of the Paleng-QR Ph program aimed at exp...
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| BSP officials meet with Lucena City Mayor Mark Alcala to discuss the rollout of the Paleng-QR Ph program aimed at expanding cashless payments in local markets. (Lucena City PIO) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon - Efforts to expand digital payments in Lucena City are underway as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) pushes for the rollout of the Paleng-QR Ph program. Public markets and transport hubs are expected to be among the first to adopt the system, with vendors and transport operators beginning to use QR code payments.
In a meeting with Mayor Mark Alcala on April 7, BSP officials explained the main components of the program and its expected impact on local vendors and consumers. They also discussed possible timelines and coordination for its implementation across key public markets in the city.
“Makakatulong ito sa aming layunin na maisulong ang mas inklusibong digital payment ecosystem sa Lucena. Bukas ang pamahalaang lungsod sa mga inobasyon na magpapahusay sa episyensya at accessibility ng mga transaksyong pinansyal,” the mayor said.
He emphasized the possible benefits of the program for small businesses and everyday transactions in the city. He noted that using digital payments can improve both safety and convenience for local stakeholders.
“Malaki ang maitutulong nito sa ating mga maliliit na negosyante upang mas mapadali at maging ligtas ang kanilang mga transaksyong araw-araw. Isa rin itong hakbang upang mas mapalawak ang kanilang access sa mga serbisyong pinansyal,” he added.
The discussion was led by BSP Area Director Alvin Bermido, together with Danica Mae Llorin, Jeson Macapal, and Shanise Villanueva. The team presented the Paleng-QR Ph program as part of the central bank’s broader plan to expand digital payments.
The Paleng-QR Ph initiative was highlighted as a joint effort with the Department of the Interior and Local Government to promote QR code payments in public markets and transport hubs. It aims to bring vendors and small operators into the formal financial system while improving how transactions are done.
The program is based on QR Ph, the national standard that allows QR payments to work across banks and e-wallets. This allows faster, safer, and more convenient transactions for both consumers and merchants.
Officials said local government participation is important to the program’s success, especially in helping vendors sign up and in raising public awareness. They added that technical support and financial education efforts will be provided to ensure that the program is adopted at the community level.
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