Angeles City has joined local government units (LGUs) that have adopted Paleng-QR Ph Plus to promote digital payments in public markets, public utility vehicles, and business establishments.
Angeles City Vice Mayor Ma. Vicenta L. Vega-Cabigting and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Managing Director Rosabel B. Guerrero led the program’s launch at the Angeles City Library and Information Center on 3 June 2024.
BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr., in a recorded message, said that aside from enabling fast, convenient, and safe payments, the program opens opportunities for its users to access a wider range of financial services such as credit, savings, insurance, and investment.
Vice Mayor Vega-Cabigting added, “Ang Paleng-QR Ph Plus ay kontra fake. With the Paleng-QR Ph, we are assured that we will receive the right amount of money. That’s why we are happy that today we’re doing this in Angeles City.”
Meanwhile, Managing Director Guerrero highlighted the program’s impact on financial inclusion and promoted efforts to boost financial health. She said, “Hinihikayat ko lahat ng wala pang transaction account na magbukas ng basic deposit account o BDA. Madali lang ‘yan with a minimum initial deposit of ₱100 or less, ito ang iyong unang hakbang patungo sa financial empowerment.”
Paleng-QR Ph Plus is a joint program spearheaded by the BSP and the Department of the Interior and Local Government that encourages digital payments through the use of QR Ph, the country’s interoperable standard quick response or QR code, a priority initiative supporting the National Strategy for Financial Inclusion 2022-2028.
In line with this, the LGU of Angeles passed an ordinance in February 2023 urging all business establishments and local transportation groups in the city to adopt QR Ph payments.
On the sidelines of the launch, the BSP also conducted the “Piso Caravan” in partnership with Metro Angeles Bankers Association. The caravan enabled Angeleños to replace their unfit banknotes and coins with fit currency or electronic money. The initiative is part of the BSP’s broader efforts to maintain the integrity of the Philippine currency.
For more information on the Piso Caravan and other public information campaigns in North Luzon, e-mail reas-nlro@bsp.gov.ph.
For more details on the Paleng-QR Ph Plus program, visit https://bit.ly/PalengQRph.
