Iloilo launches Paleng-QR Ph to boost digital payments

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Iloilo provincial government on Sept. 22 officially launched the Paleng-QR Ph Plus program to promote cashless transactions in public markets, community stores, and local transportation.

The program is part of a nationwide initiative jointly developed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to make digital payments more accessible to ordinary Filipinos.

Vice Governor Nathalie Ann Debuque said the adoption of QR code payments is a step toward bridging the digital gap in the province.

“Today’s launch marks an important step in bringing digital financial services closer to every household and every negosyo [business] in Iloilo,” she said.

“There is a big digital divide, but we must do what we can because that is the way of the future,” she added, noting that the provincial board is ready to pass ordinances supporting the program “to protect the interests of both small entrepreneurs and consumers.”

BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the QR Ph system would benefit both buyers and sellers, noting that consumers no longer need to carry cash since they can simply scan and enter the amount.

She added that it also provides greater security for vendors as payments go directly to their accounts.

During the launch, bank staff and financial service providers assisted market vendors, drivers, and residents in opening accounts.

A financial literacy session was also conducted to teach participants about budgeting, avoiding scams, and managing income.

The rollout was attended by BSP Monetary Board Member Benjamin Diokno, Provincial Legal Officer Dennis Ventilacion, DILG-Iloilo Director Carmelo Orbista, and Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Center officer Aulynn Yue Sin, along with other representatives from the finance sector and key stakeholders.

Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. had earlier issued Executive Order No. 83, Series of 2025, directing all 42 municipalities and the component city of Passi to adopt QR Ph in line with his Movement for a Robust, Progressive, Globally Competitive, and Resilient (MoRProGRes) Iloilo development agenda.