The municipal government of Calasiao, Pangasinan has adopted the implementation of the Paleng-QR Ph Plus program, moving towards payment digitalization in its public market and public transportation.
Municipal administrator Felipe De Vera, in his speech during the launch of the program on Friday, said this is a milestone for the town as it would benefit both the vendors and drivers, as well as the customers and commuters.
The Paleng-QR Ph Plus program was developed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), aiming to build the digital payments ecosystem in the country by promoting cashless payments in public markets and local transportation.
BSP North Luzon Director Noel Neil Malimban, in his speech, said it seeks to direct local government units to promote the adoption of digital payments among market vendors, community shopkeepers, and tricycle operators and drivers in all cities and municipalities across the country.
He said it reduces the use of physical cash, which could be a carrier of diseases, and offers an alternative mode of payment.
A financial literacy lecture was held before the launch of the program, where other advantages of the use of QR codes were discussed, and commonly asked questions about digital payments were answered.
“The use of QR prevents problems with change, as the amount to be paid will be exact. We are left behind in technology, and instead of circulating unclean bills, through it, buyers need not carry physical money,” Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 1 (Ilocos Region) Assistant Director Natalia Dalaten said in a recent interview.
She said this would also help prevent theft or robbery among vendors, as they no longer need to carry cash.
Dalaten urged the Pangasinenses to “take the extra mile” in embracing new technology, which would benefit both sellers and buyers, while acknowledging that public acceptance remains a challenge.
In Pangasinan, Alaminos City is currently implementing the program. Calasiao town was the next to launch the program.
Dagupan City, Sta Barbara and Dasol Rosales towns, and the provincial government of Pangasinan have passed a policy ordinance for the program.
“We are grateful for the program because it will be a huge help for fast, safe, and disease-preventive transactions. We fully support this,” said Danilo Soria, one of the vendors. (PNA)