CABANGAN, Zambales — This municipality has stepped up into the fast-growing world of online shopping and e-commerce with the unveiling here on October 22 of the Paleng-QR digital payment system.

Mayor Ronaldo F. Apostol, along with representatives from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), as well as banks and e-wallet providers, formally launched the system with the first GCash transaction under the program.

Paleng-QR Ph Plus, which is a joint initiative by the BSP and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and is a priority program under the National Strategy for Financial Inclusion, promotes digital payments using the national QR Ph standard. This means a single QR code can be used with various e-wallet and mobile banking apps for seamless transactions.

This program aims to encourage cashless transactions for convenience, safety, and financial inclusion across the Philippines by making it easier for more people to use their e-wallets and mobile banking apps for daily purchases. 

By encouraging more people to use digital payments, the program helps build financial resilience and provides easier access to financial services like savings and credit for small businesses.

The program initially focused on “palengkes” (public markets) and tricycle operators (TODA), but was later expanded to include other businesses and local transport providers, hence the “Plus” in the title.

The launching of Cabangan Paleng-QR was also witnessed by Vice Mayor Leo Bringas; Dr. Eli Remolona Jr., chairman of the Monetary Board and BSP Governor; DTI-Zambales Acting Division Chief Niel John Fabay; Acting BSP San Fernando, Pampanga Area Director James Terrence B. Villanueva; and Market Administrator Ricky Agdipa.

The Cabangan launch marked the second time that a municipality in Zambales adopted the Paleng-QR system. The local government unit of San Marcelino piloted the program in Zambales in July 2024. 