BAGUIO CITY (PIA) - - The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas led the launching of the Paleng-QR Ph Program at the Malcolm Square here on Sunday (August 14), in line with the goal of building the digital payments eco -system in the country.

The BSP and Department of the Interior and Local Government - developed program is anchored on QR Ph – the national QR code standards that allows transfer between participating banks and e – wallets in the Philippines, which also recently included a P2M (Person to Market) option.

The Paleng – QR Ph   enjoins LGUs to push for the acceptance of digital payment pattern and promote cashless payments on public markets and local transportation including tricycles.

The BSP and DILG also issued   last June 2 a Joint Memorandum Circular that enjoins LGUs to implement the Paleng – QR Ph Program, and   outlines the implementation guidelines and the roles and responsibilities of the program participants which also include the LGUs and Financial Service Providers.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong, in behalf of the city officialdom, welcomes the piloting of the program in Baguio and expressed gratitude to the BSP and DILG for their initiatives.

“We, in the city, are in shared solidarity in expressing our profound gratitude and our overall sense of pride as we have been chosen as the pilot city for the launching of the Paleng – QR Program. This is very much in line with our programs to transform the city in a Smart and Sustainable City by 2025,” Magalong said.

BSP Governor Felipe Medalla, in his inspiration message, also lauded the city government of Baguio    as its digitalization programs and initiatives make the rollout of the Paleng – QR feasible.

“Baguio has not taken one step, it has already taken many steps (on digitalization), so we started Paleng-QR in the right city. We are hoping and praying that it will reach the sidewalk vendor, the tricycle driver, the jeepney driver,” Medalla said.

“We are looking forward to everyone’s support for the successful implementation of this program, not just in Baguio but everywhere in the Philippines,” he added.  

BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo - Puyat and DILG – CAR Regional Director Araceli San Jose,   also provided statement of support for the rollout of the Paleng – QR Ph in Baguio City. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)