ILOILO — Iloilo Province rolled out the “Paleng-QR Ph Plus” to promote the use of digital payments in public markets, public utility vehicles, and other business establishments.

The launch, last September 22, at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol was led by Vice Governor Nathalie Ann F. Debuque, representing Governor Arthur R. Defensor, Jr., along with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Monetary Board Member Benjamin E. Diokno and BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

“The Paleng-QR Ph Plus program marks an important step in bringing digital financial services closer to every household and every negosyo in Iloilo. We recognize how crucial local legislation and policy support are in sustaining this transformation. And for that, we are ready to craft and adopt ordinances that will encourage the QR Ph adoption in the Province of Iloilo to protect the interests of both small entrepreneurs and consumers. Together with our provincial government and city and municipal councils, we aim to ensure that no barangay is left behind in the shift to a more cash-lite and financially inclusive Iloilo,” Vice Governor Debuque said.

Deputy Governor Romulo-Puyat added, “Ngayon, mas gagaan pa ang buhay sa palengke at terminal dahil sa Paleng-QR Ph Plus. Hindi na kailangan magdala ng cash. Scan lang, pay the exact amount, and go. Wala nang sukli-sukli, wala nang abala. Mas ligtas din. Diretso ang bayad sa inyong account. At dahil may account na kayo, mas madali nang mag-ipon. Mas madali ring umutang para sa negosyo. Mas may proteksyon para sa pamilya.”

To support the program, the provincial government issued an executive order requiring all municipalities in Iloilo to promote the use of QR Ph.

As of September 19, 2025, the program has already been adopted in 207 local government units nationwide.

Paleng-QR Ph Plus is a joint initiative of the BSP and the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and a priority program under the National Strategy for Financial Inclusion 2022-2028.

For more details, visit https://bit.ly/PalengQRph and www.financialinclusion.gov.ph.