The City of Laoag launched the Paleng-QR Ph Plus program to promote the use of digital transactions in public markets, public transportation, and business establishments recently.
Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew J. Marcos Manotoc, Laoag City Mayor Michael Marcos Keon, and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat led the ceremony at the Laoag City Public Market.
BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr., in a recorded message, said, “By using the QR Ph codes in daily payment transactions, business owners and their customers can expand their digital financial footprint. This will give them access to a wider range of financial services, such as credit, savings, insurance, and investment.”
BSP Deputy Governor Romulo-Puyat noted that the program makes Laoag City more digitalized and financially inclusive. She said “QR Ph technology is a game changer. It makes life easier for everyone.”
Paleng-QR Ph Plus is a joint program of the BSP and the Department of the Interior and Local Government. The program, one of the priority initiatives under the National Strategy for Financial Inclusion 2022-2028, encourages cashless transactions using QR PH, the national standard for quick response or QR codes.
In his message, Governor Manotoc underscored intersectoral cooperation on QR PH and said, “Sa ating mga kasama sa BSP and the private sector, we are one with you in ensuring that the payment options are available, secure, and most importantly, easy for our people.”
For his part, Mayor Keon said the launch of the Paleng-QR Ph Plus in Laoag City signifies a commitment to progress, inclusivity, and economic empowerment. “By embracing this digital revolution, we are fostering a more vibrant marketplace,” he pointed out.
In 2023, the City Government of Laoag passed an ordinance encouraging all business establishments and local transportation in the city to adopt digital payments in line with the Paleng-QR Ph Plus program.
Also present at the launch were Laoag City Vice Mayor Rey Carlos M. Fariñas, Batac City Mayor Albert D. Chua, and Mayors Nicomedes C. dela Cruz, Jr., Romulo L. Acdal, Edward T. Quilala, and Angel Miguel L. Hernando of the municipalities of Bacarra, Paoay, Currimao, and San Nicolas, respectively.
In partnership with local banks and e-money issuers, the BSP also conducted its “Piso Caravan” to enable Ilocanos to replace their unfit banknotes and coins with fit currency or electronic money. This initiative is part of the BSP’s broader efforts to maintain the integrity of the Philippine currency.
