Vigan, Ilocos Sur Embraces Paleng-QR Program For Digital Payments

In a concerted effort to advance digital payments and financial inclusion, the Province of Ilocos Sur and the City of Vigan officially launched the Paleng-QR Ph Plus program.

The Paleng-QR Ph Plus program, a collaborative effort between the BSP and the Department of the Interior and Local Government, encourages cashless transactions using QR PH, the national standard for QR codes. I Image: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

This initiative, aimed at promoting the use of convenient digital payments, was celebrated through separate ceremonies held on April 23, 2024.

Led by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, the provincial launch, spearheaded by Ilocos Sur Governor Jeremias “Jerry” C. Singson, took place at the Provincial Farmers Livelihood Development Center.

Simultaneously, Vigan City Mayor Jose “Bonito” C. Singson Jr. led the city's launch at Calle Crisologo, a historical landmark.

In a recorded message, BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. expressed the significance of this program, stating that it is a crucial step towards nationwide digitalization, fostering financial inclusivity and resilience.

The utilization of QRPh codes in daily transactions enables businesses and customers to expand their digital financial footprint, granting access to a wide array of financial services such as credit, savings, insurance, and investment.

The Paleng-QR Ph Plus program, a collaborative effort between the BSP and the Department of the Interior and Local Government, encourages cashless transactions using QR PH, the national standard for QR codes, aligning with the National Strategy for Financial Inclusion 2022-2028.

Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat emphasized the pivotal role of local government units (LGUs) in driving the success of the program through the issuance of ordinances to promote Paleng-QR PH.

Governor Singson highlighted that the adoption of Paleng-QR PH signifies Ilocos Sur’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and efficient financial ecosystem for its residents.

To date, 68 LGUs have joined the nationwide Paleng-QR Ph Plus program, showcasing its growing momentum across the country.

Vice Governor Ryan Luis V. Singson echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the leap forward in building a robust digital payments ecosystem that benefits all Ilocosurians.

Mayor Singson reiterated the city's dedication to supporting its citizens in transitioning to a cashless society. The city plans to capacitate every resident of Vigan to have access to digital payments through smartphones.

In conjunction with the program launch, the BSP, in collaboration with local banks, conducted its “Piso Caravan" at Provincial Farmers Livelihood Development Center and Calle Crisologo.

This initiative enabled Ilocanos to exchange unfit banknotes and coins for fit currency or electronic money, contributing to the BSP’s efforts to maintain the integrity of the Philippine currency.