ILOILO CITY — The island province of Guimaras will soon adopt the national government’s digitalization program through PalengQR PH Plus.
The program aims to promote cashless transactions in public markets, public utility vehicles (PUVs), including tricycles and local businesses.
According to the press statement of the Guimaras provincial government, the program also seeks to empower small vendors by providing a convenient and secure platform to participate in the digital economy, ultimately aiming for universal account ownership in the province.
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) officials headed by Area Director Joanne Marie Castelo met with Provincial Economic Development Officer (PEDO) Francis Gentoral to discuss the details of the digitalization program.
Some of the concerns identified were reliable internet or data connectivity in public markets, availability of cash-in and cash-out outlets and access to smartphones.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has also committed to provide internet connectivity in public places in Guimaras.
Data from BSP showed that as of June 30, 2024, a total of 100 local government units in the country have conducted launch activities or have issued policies in support of the Paleng-QR Ph program which was jointly developed by the BSP and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). (AAL/LMLE-PIA)
