PULILAN, Bulacan — First in this province, and first in the town of Pulilan, to secure, quick and precise transactions, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), led the launching of Paleng-QR Ph Plus and Market Modernization Program of Pulilan Public in Barangay Cutcot on Monday (June 24).
Aiming to implement cashless transactions between merchants and consumers in a program “Let’s Digital”, Mayor Maria Rosario Ochoa-Montejo said on her speech that Pulilan is the first municipality in the province to implement the program with the assistance of BSP and financial service providers (FSPs).
She added taking part in the QR Ph initiative in opening a transaction account that utilizes unique QR codes to make digital payments, thus, increasing convenience and halting the spread of counterfeit money in public markets, public transportation and other businesses.
In the message of Atty. Anthony C. Nuyda, CESO III, DILG. He is grateful to the town of Pulilan, under the leadership of Mayor Ochoa-Montejo, for the promotion of modern innovations to strengthen the town’s economy to further increase the standard of living of every Pulilenyo. Atty. Nuyda was also encouraged other local chief executives in other towns and cities throughout the province the implementation of Paleng-QR.
On the other hand, Atty. Noel Neil Q. Malimban, Regional Director of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas-North Luzon Regional Office, said that onboarded users can also use their transaction account to access other financial services such as loans, insurance, and investments.
“Sa local government units, ang advantage po nito ay madali na po ang pag distribute ng ayuda. Kasi kung kayo po lahat ay onboarded na, hindi na po kayo kailangan pumila at pumunta sa munispyo para tanggapin ang inyong ayuda dahil nandiyan na ang digital wallet ninyo,” he said.
Atty. Malimba also assured that through Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1, Series of 2022 from the BSP and DILG, local government units who will adopt the program will receive comprehensive guidance, digital payments, and financial literacy on implementing the Paleng-QR Ph initiative, from onboarding to the actual use of the technology.
Governor R. Daniel R. Fernando also expressed his support to the BSP and DILG for this initiative and encourage Pulileños to take full advantage of this program, confident that other cities and municipalities in the province will soon follow the innovation.
“In a world that is rapidly evolving, it is crucial that we adapt and embrace technologies that can improve our everyday lives. Kaya sana sa hinaharap ay i-adopt din ito hindi lamang ng mga bayan at lungsod sa ating lalawigan, kundi sa buong Pilipinas,” the governor said.
Meanwhile, Mayor Montejo attended the account opening day along with a few guests including Regional Director Atty. Anthony C. Nuyda of the DILG; Engr. Nerve De Guzman, Assistant Provincial Head of the Department of Information and Communication Technology; and Dir. Edna D. Dizon, OIC Assistant Regional Director of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), to support the initiative.
Among those who gave messages were various agencies and offices such as the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Pulilan Public Market Vendors Association.
Currently, cashless transactions are now available at the Pulilan Public Market. (UnliNews Online)
