The provincial government of Iloilo on Monday, Sept. 22, officially embraced digital payments through the Paleng-QR Ph Plus Program, marking a major step toward efficiency, transparency, and financial innovation in local business transactions.
The payment system, jointly developed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), encourages cashless payments in public markets, community stores, and local transportation.
The ceremonial launch was led by BSP Monetary Board Member Benjamin Diokno, BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, DILG Iloilo Provincial Director Carmelo Orbista, Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Dennis Ventilacion, Vice Governor Lee Ann Debuque, and Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions (LEDIP) Center chief Aulynn Yue Sin, along with finance sector representatives and other stakeholders.
Through Executive Order No. 83, Series of 2025, Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. directed Iloilo’s 42 municipalities and Passi City to adopt QR Ph digital payment systems to strengthen local commerce and modernize the transport sector.
“This program supports our MoRProGRes Iloilo agenda by embedding digitalization into governance and economic activities,” said Atty. Ventilacion in his welcome message. “Digitalization is essential in strengthening competitiveness and preparing our people for the opportunities of the modern economy.”IMT
