In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to promote inclusive and sustainable development at the grassroots level, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced on Friday that 180 local government units (LGUs) have officially adopted the Paleng-QR PH Program. This initiative, a collaboration between the DILG and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), aims to facilitate cashless, safer, and more inclusive local transactions.
The Paleng-QR PH Program is part of the government’s National Strategy for Financial Inclusion 2022 to 2028, as outlined in the DILG-BSP Joint Memorandum Circular 01, series of 2022. Among the 180 participating LGUs, five are located in the National Capital Region, 127 in Luzon, 33 in Visayas, and 15 in Mindanao. These LGUs have either launched or issued policies to support the full implementation of the program in their areas.
Paleng-QR PH empowers LGUs to spearhead the transition to digital payments in public markets and local transportation. The program encourages market vendors, sari-sari store owners, tricycle drivers, and daily commuters to utilize QR Ph as a fast, safe, and convenient payment method through mobile devices.
To further promote the initiative, the DILG is providing technical assistance on account onboarding, digital payment systems, and financial literacy in close coordination with the BSP. This initiative not only modernizes local transactions but also enhances access to better financing options for microentrepreneurs and reduces health risks associated with cash handling. Paleng-QR PH exemplifies financial inclusion in action.