Sudipen Launches Paleng-QR PH Plus Program at Public Market
Municipal officials in Sudipen, La Union, launched the Paleng-QR PH Plus Program at the Sudipen Public Market in Barangay Poblacion on October 29, introducing digital payment options to local vendors and shoppers.
Digital Payments Take Root at Sudipen Public Market
Shoppers at the municipal market can now settle purchases by scanning a quick response code using mobile banking and e-wallet applications. Vendors receive the funds directly into their accounts, reducing the physical handling of cash and the need to prepare exact change for daily transactions.
Madelyn Lerma Viernes, area director for the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) San Fernando Branch, explained that the initiative relies on QR Ph, the national standard for QR code payments. The system links participating banks and e-wallet providers to streamline retail exchanges.
This initiative is an important step toward promoting digital payments, improving business transactions, and making our public markets more modern, convenient, and accessible to both vendors and consumers,
said DTI La Union Acting Director Victoria Ordoño.
The program extends beyond market stalls to cover tricycle operators and other local establishments. She advised both vendors and buyers to remain vigilant against potential scams and fraudulent transactions when using digital payment platforms.
Banks Join Local Launch to Promote Digital Payments
Representatives from LandBank, GCash, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), and the Rural Bank of Sudipen attended the October launch to demonstrate their services and assist vendors and consumers.
Mayor Wendy Joy Dengayen urged residents to embrace cashless transactions to help modernize local business operations and stimulate municipal economic activity. The program aligns with broader national targets set by the BSP to convert at least 50% of the country’s total retail payments into digital transactions and expand the number of Filipino adults with transaction accounts.