STA. RITA, Pampanga—The local government of Sta. Rita has formally launched the Paleng-QR Ph Plus Program with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), becoming the 8th LGU in Pampanga to integrate QR code-based digital payments into its public markets and transport sector.
The program is expected to widen access to digital financial services, improve transparency in local revenue collection, and strengthen the competitiveness of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
BSP Assistant Governor Rosebel Guerrero said the central bank continues to push for digital transformation across communities through interoperable QR code payments.
“Nagpapasalamat po kami na tulungan ninyo kami para maingganyo ang ating mga vendors na gumamit ng QR Code,” Guerrero said, noting that cashless transactions are not only safer but also more efficient for both consumers and merchants.
Former President and Pampanga 2nd District Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo likewise emphasized that adopting e-wallets benefits the local economy by reducing inefficiencies in handling cash.
“Natutuwa po tayo sa BSP at sa lokal na pamahalaan ng Sta. Rita na sumasabay na sila sa moderno pamamaraan gaya ng e-wallet. Lalo nitong pinapabilis ang kalakalan dahil hindi na kailangang magdala ng pera at magsuklian,” Arroyo said.
For Sta. Rita Mayor Reynan Calo, Paleng-QR Ph Plus is more than just a payment innovation—it is a stepping stone for modernizing commerce in the town.
“Lahat ay may cellphone, lahat ay konektado na sa internet. Maging ako at ang aking pamilya ay tinatangkilik na din ang online shopping. Dahil diyan, ating niyayakap dito sa Santa Rita, Pampanga, ang Paleng-QR kung saan ang ating mamimili at mga kabaleng ay mayengganyong gumamit ng QR upang makapagbayad,” Calo said.
He added that the initiative will pave the way for stronger local business activity and improved tax collection efficiency. “Ito ay eksakto, mas mabilis, at mas efisyente para sa nagtitinda at sa bumibili. Bilang bagong alkalde ng Santa Rita, marami tayong plano para sa ating palengke at mga ambulant vendors. Kasama sa ating mga programa ang mas palakasin ang kalakalan upang lumago ang ating ekonomiya. Sa bagong Santa Rita, kami po ay open for business,” he said.
Calo also assured that Paleng-QR is just the start of a broader modernization plan, including a new market facility and improved Friday Bargain operations.
The program’s rollout in Sta. Rita is expected to encourage digital adoption among MSMEs, expand consumer choice, and provide LGUs with better tools for monitoring economic activity. BSP said it aims to replicate the model nationwide to accelerate the country’s shift toward a cash-lite, inclusive economy.