LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), officially ushered in a new era of digital payments in Ilocos Norte with the launch of the Paleng-QR PH Plus program on April 24 at the Laoag City Public Market.
 
This innovative initiative promotes the use of QR Ph, the Philippines' national standard for QR code technology, to streamline transactions between merchants and customers.
 
By simply scanning a QR code, consumers can now ditch cash and pay for their groceries and tricycle rides conveniently using their e-wallets.
 
BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat hailed the program as a "game-changer" that will benefit everyone involved.
 
“Through the Paleng-QR program, payments will be more convenient. Moreover, consumers can pay the exact amount due and not have to worry about not getting the right change,” Puyat explained.
 
Deputy Governor Puyat further emphasized the program's role in promoting financial security by reducing the use of counterfeit bills.
 
Importantly, she assured that the system is designed to be user-friendly and accessible to all residents of Ilocos Norte, ensuring everyone can reap the benefits of modern payment methods.
 
The Paleng-QR PH Plus program's implementation in Ilocos Norte is spearheaded by Provincial Resolution No. 114-2023, passed in March 2023.
 
This resolution encourages all towns within the province to enact ordinances requiring local businesses and transportation facilities to adopt QR Ph digital payments, aligning them with the national program's goals. (JCR/AMB/EJFG/PIA Ilocos Norte)