Iloilo launches Paleng-QR Ph Plus for digital payments

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

Iloilo Province officially launched the “Paleng-QR Ph Plus” program on September 22, 2025, to expand the use of digital payments in public markets, public utility vehicles, and local businesses.

The launch was held at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol, led by Iloilo Vice Governor Nathalie Ann F. Debuque, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Monetary Board Member Benjamin E. Diokno, and BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

According to Vice Governor Debuque, “The Paleng-QR Ph Plus program marks an important step in bringing digital financial services closer to every household and every negosyo in Iloilo.”

She added, “We recognize how crucial local legislation and policy support are in sustaining this transformation. And for that, we are ready to craft and adopt ordinances that will encourage the QR Ph adoption in the Province of Iloilo to protect the interests of both small entrepreneurs and consumers. Together with our provincial government and city and municipal councils, we aim to ensure that no barangay is left behind in the shift to a more cash-lite and financially inclusive Iloilo.”

Deputy Governor Romulo-Puyat highlighted the benefits of QR-based payments, saying, “Ngayon, mas gagaan pa ang buhay sa palengke at terminal dahil sa Paleng-QR Ph Plus. Hindi na kailangan magdala ng cash. Scan lang, pay the exact amount, and go. Wala nang sukli-sukli, wala nang abala. Mas ligtas din. Diretso ang bayad sa inyong account. At dahil may account na kayo, mas madali nang mag-ipon. Mas madali ring umutang para sa negosyo. Mas may proteksyon para sa pamilya.”

To support implementation, the Iloilo provincial government issued an executive order directing municipalities to promote the use of QR Ph.

As of September 19, 2025, Paleng-QR Ph Plus has already been adopted by 207 local government units nationwide.

The program is a joint initiative of the BSP and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and is part of the National Strategy for Financial Inclusion 2022–2028.

For more information, the BSP directs the public to visit https://bit.ly/PalengQRph and www.financialinclusion.gov.ph.