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Fifteen local government units in Mindanao have rolled out the Paleng-QR Ph project, with Upi, Maguindanao del Norte being the latest to implement it, according to data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
The Paleng-QR Ph is a joint initiative by the BSP and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) aimed at fostering a digital payments ecosystem by promoting cashless transactions in public markets and local transportation, particularly tricycles.
Upi launched the program on December 12, 2025, targeting 500 market vendors and 100 tricycle drivers to adopt the digital payment system. It is the third LGU in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to implement the project, following Parang and Cotabato City.
Jonathan Mantikayan, executive director of the Bangsamoro Information and Communication Technology Office (BICTO), stated that the BARMM government supports the Paleng-QR Ph initiative, ensuring that even remote communities benefit from digital advancements.
Upi Mayor Ma. Rona Cristina Piang-Flores emphasized the program’s role in improving public service and boosting economic activity, calling it a step toward ease of doing business.
Dr. Gregorio Baccay III, BSP Cotabato Branch acting area director, described the system as a cost-effective and secure solution, requiring only QR codes for transactions.
Tricycle driver Israfil Pasawiran welcomed the initiative, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to adapt to modern payment methods.
Other Mindanao LGUs that have adopted Paleng-QR Ph include Butuan, Valencia, Malaybalay, Kidapawan, Iligan, Ozamis, General Santos, Zamboanga, Manolo Fortich, Opol, and Ipil.
The BSP highlighted that the program addresses everyday payment needs, making digital transactions accessible to vendors and drivers. Inspired by a 2021 student policy competition, the project expanded in 2022 under the Paleng-QR Ph Plus branding.
As of now, 858 LGUs nationwide have implemented or supported the program. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)
