15 MINDANAO LGUS ROLL OUT PALENG-QR PH PROJECT
Fifteen local government units (LGUs) in Mindanao have started implementing the Paleng-QR Ph program, a government initiative that promotes digital payments in public markets and transportation hubs. The rollout was confirmed in recent announcements by national and local officials, based on preliminary reports from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). Under the scheme, market vendors, tricycle drivers, and small business owners are encouraged to accept payments via QR codes using licensed e-wallets and banking apps. Authorities describe this as part of a broader push to expand cashless transactions across the country. Initial data indicate that the participating Mindanao LGUs represent a mix of urban centers and smaller municipalities.
The Paleng-QR Ph program aims to make everyday transactions more convenient and traceable, according to official program briefings. By allowing customers to pay through QR codes, the system seeks to reduce the need for cash handling and small change, which can be a common issue in busy public markets. Government agencies also highlight that digital payments can help micro and small enterprises build transaction histories, which may later support access to formal financial services. Based on initial government statements, the focus in Mindanao is on training vendors and drivers to use QR codes correctly and securely. Public information campaigns are being conducted to explain how the system works to both merchants and consumers.
At this stage, authorities have reported early adoption but have not yet released comprehensive statistics on usage rates in the 15 LGUs. According to initial data shared in briefings, some markets have begun onboarding vendors in phases, starting with stalls that already use smartphones or have existing e-wallet accounts. Other areas are still in the orientation stage, where local officials and partner financial service providers demonstrate how to scan and display QR codes. Officials note that connectivity and device availability are practical considerations that can affect how quickly the program scales. Based on preliminary reports, local governments are coordinating with telcos and financial institutions to address these operational issues.
Government agencies are currently monitoring several aspects of the rollout to verify how effectively the program is being implemented. They are tracking the number of registered merchants and drivers, the volume of QR-based transactions
