Pangasinan: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) are encouraging micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs and local government units (LGUs) in Pangasinan to adopt the implementation of the Paleng-QR Ph program.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Paleng-QR Ph program, jointly developed by the BSP and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), aims to build the digital payments ecosystem in the country by promoting cashless payments in public markets and local transportation. It directs LGUs to encourage the use of digital payments among market vendors, community shopkeepers, and tricycle operators and drivers in all cities and municipalities nationwide.

"The use of QR prevents problems with change, as the amount to be paid will be exact. We are left behind in technology, and instead of circulating unclean bills, through it, buyers need not carry physical money," DTI 1 (Ilocos Region) Assistant Director Natalia Dalaten said in an interview. She highlighted that this initiative could also help prevent theft or robbery among vendors, as they no longer need to handle cash.

Dalaten urged the Pangasinenses to embrace new technology, which would benefit both sellers and buyers, while acknowledging that public acceptance remains a challenge. In Pangasinan, Alaminos City is currently implementing the program, and Calasiao town will soon launch it.

BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat emphasized the need to further promote the program among LGUs. "There are those who use digital payments, but I have to admit, we have to do more. We need to partner with different LGUs, because by partnering with them, the use of cashless payments will be pushed," she said. Promoting cashless payments is part of the BSP's financial education program. As of September, about 222 LGUs in the country have launched the program or issued policies.