ALCALA, Pangasinan – The municipal government here has officially rolled out the Paleng-QR Ph Plus digital payment system in the public market and public transportation.
Mayor Manuel Collado said the platform offers convenience to both consumers and vendors, noting that shoppers can transact even if they are not physically present at the market. He added that while not all vendors may be covered initially, a substantial number are expected to join by February, with support from market vendors’ associations and tricycle drivers’ groups.
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Dagupan Branch area director Ofelia Viray said the program, implemented by the BSP and the Department of the Interior and Local Government, promotes the use of QR Ph, the country’s national QR code standard. She said QR Ph enables safe, convenient, and cashless transactions using bank apps or e-wallets, benefiting vendors, transport operators, consumers, and local governments.
"Through QR Ph, payments become safe, convenient, and interoperable, allowing consumers to pay using either bank applications or e-wallets – without the need for cash or exact change. This program brings concrete benefits to the community. Market vendors and micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs gain faster and safer transactions, with payments credited directly (to) their accounts. Tricycle drivers and operators benefit from secure fare collection. Consumers enjoy convenience and transparency, while the local government strengthens revenue collection and improves public service delivery," she said.
Market Vendor Association president Gervacio Cacapit expressed support for the initiative, calling digital payments the current trend in business based on his own experience.
The launch also featured an account opening day with financial service providers, including the BSP, Palawan Express, and Landbank of the Philippines, as well as a financial literacy session for vendors and drivers.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 1 Assistant Director Natalia Dalaten said QR payments ensure exact amounts, reduce the need to carry cash, and help prevent theft and the circulation of dirty bills.
Alcala is the second town in Pangasinan to adopt the Paleng-QR Ph Plus program, following Calasiao.
