The Paleng-QR Ph program, aimed to build a digital payment ecosystem by promoting cashless QR payments in public markets and local transportation, was launched in Tagbilaran City in partnership with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and GCash in January 2023.
The rollout of the program immediately saw the deployment of cashless QR payments in over 280 public markets and local transportation in Tagbilaran City. Transactions were coursed through about 138 active GCash Pera outlets where GCash users can cash in and cash out. This development empowered the merchants at the Dao Public Market to practice mobile payments, boosting the digital transactions of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Bohol capital.
Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Censoria Cajes-Yap indicated that this is “an important breakthrough in the city’s financial inclusion efforts.”
“We welcome this milestone partnership with GCash, especially since we, at the City Government, have been supporting the City’s efforts towards digitalization. This is an important step to achieving that goal. With this collaboration, we are optimistic about the economic benefits that it will bring especially to our Boholano vendors,” Yap said.
The Mayor’s office reported that mobile payments are now being utilized by 1,187 market vendors in Cogon, Manga, and Central public markets, and 624 TODAs. In addition, there are 275 active GCash Pera Outlets.
Introduced in 2022, the Paleng-QR Ph program aims to build the digital payments ecosystem in the country by promoting cashless QR payments in public markets and local transportation. Developed by the BSP and the DILG, the program “aims to maximize the use of digital payments—payments using digital devices such as cellphone apps—in markets and tricycle hubs through the QR Ph initiative.”
To facilitate the program’s implementation, the local government units are “expected to issue an ordinance promoting cashless payments by mandating and/or incentivizing the use of QR Ph digital payments by market vendors, TODA, and other business establishments.”
In December 2023, the Gcash Digital Excellence Awards honored Tagbilaran City with two accolades: the National Recognition for Excellence in Digital Innovation for its exceptional efforts in utilizing digital technology to improve public services and community engagement; and the Excellence in Digital Empowerment Award for outstanding efforts in incorporating digital solutions to empower local markets and businesses.
“This recognition is a celebration of the collective dedication, ingenuity, and the relentless pursuit of digital excellence of the City Government of Tagbilaran. This award holds special significance for Tagbilaran City because it is a testament to our city’s strong commitment to digital transformation, extending beyond governmental functions to champion cashless transactions. In doing so, we can streamline services, promote efficiency, and cultivate a business-friendly environment.
In Tagbilaran City, we see this award as not just an accolade but as a symbol of our city’s growing prominence in the digital landscape,” added Yap.
The annual GCash Digital Excellence Awards recognizes top government agency partners who have utilized digital financial technology to improve the lives of their constituents. This year’s award event was co-presented by the BSP, the DILG, and the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA).
Tagbilaran City is one of Manila Bulletin’s Newsmakers of the Year. The MB Newsmakers of the Year Awards is co-presented by International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), Gcash, SM Development Corporation, and The Medical City. This event is also supported by major partner SM Supermalls.