Manila: As part of the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to advance inclusive and sustainable development at the grassroots, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Friday that 180 local government units (LGUs) have officially adopted the Paleng-QR PH Program, a joint initiative of the agency and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to push for cashless, safer, and more inclusive local transactions.

According to Philippines News Agency, the program is part of the government's National Strategy for Financial Inclusion 2022 to 2028, as outlined in the DILG-BSP Joint Memorandum Circular 01, series of 2022. Of the 180 participating LGUs, five are in the National Capital Region, 127 in Luzon, 33 in Visayas, and 15 in Mindanao. These LGUs have either launched or issued policies to support the full rollout of Paleng-QR Ph in their localities.

Paleng-QR Ph empowers LGUs to lead the shift to digital payments in public markets and local transportation. From market vendors and sari-sari store owners to tricycle drivers and daily commuters, the program promotes the use of QR Ph as a fast, safe, and convenient payment option through mobile devices.

To encourage more LGUs to follow suit, the DILG continues to deliver technical assistance on account onboarding, digital payment systems, and financial literacy in close coordination with the BSP. This initiative not only modernizes local transactions but also opens doors for microentrepreneurs to access better financing options and reduces health risks linked to handling cash. Paleng-QR Ph is financial inclusion in action.