IBA, Zambales — The municipal government of San Marcelino launch the Paleng-QR Ph Plus, the first in the province of Zambales.
Jointly developed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), it aims to build the digital payments ecosystem in the country by promoting cashless payments in different cities and municipalities.
BSP San Fernando (Pampanga) Branch Deputy Director Mark Jason Cagalingan said the use of QR code is more secure and faster.
“With the use of digital payments, we can avoid receiving counterfeit money and the spreading of diseases. We can also use the account to access other financial services such as banking, insurance and investment,” he added.
BSP and DILG, in partnership with the municipal government, has provided technical assistance and conducted digital financial literacy sessions to market vendors and consumers to ensure the success of the implementation of the program.
“It is very important to have digital financial literacy and in order for us not to be left behind, it’s good that we learn and be competitive as vendors,” Cagalingan pressed.
For his part, Mayor Elmer Soria encouraged all of his constituents to take full advantage of the program.
“Paleng-QR Ph Plus makes life easier for everyone and it will make the transaction faster and more secure,” he said.
Meanwhile, the municipal government likewise partnered with other institutions to make the project more productive.
These include the Department of Trade and Industry, Landbank, GCash, Maya, GoTyme, USSC, and the Olongapo-Subic Bay Bankers Association. (CLJD/RGP, PIA Region 3-Zambales)