Butuan City launches digital payment to public market, tricycle hub
By Mariesh F. CeledeΓ±a
The city government of Butuan officially launched the Paleng-QR Ph Plus on May 31, at Mayor Salvador L. Calo Supermarket, Langihan Road, Butuan City.
Paleng-QR Ph is the standard QR code that can be used by the different financial institutions included in the Paleng-QR Ph.
The program was developed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) that promoted cashless payments to transactions in the public markets and for tricycle fare through mobile apps using digital devices.
Thirteen private and government financial institutions participated during the launching to assist market vendors, Tricycle Operators and Drivers’ Association (TODA), and other establishments in their account openings.
“Butuan City is the first city in Caraga Region and is fourth in the country to launch the Paleng-QR Ph Plus. We now have 252 vendors or 58 percent of the vendors in Taboan Public Market and 545 vendors or 64 percent of the vendors in Mayor Salvador L. Calo Supermarket who boarded in the Paleng-QR Ph Plus,” Judith G. Dolot, regional director of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Mindanao Regional Office said.
She also added that with Paleng-QR Ph, customers or business owners no longer need to issue cash or physical payments as the program will pave the way to increase the use of digital financial products and transactions.
“This initiative marks a significant step towards our goal of transforming the city of Butuan into a sustainable and smart eco-city by promoting cashless payments in our enterprises. The Sangguniaang Panglungsod passed a resolution expressing support to the Paleng-QR Ph which will reduce the circulation of counterfeit bank notes, simplify transaction and more.” said Ronnie Vicente C. Lagnada, local chief executive of the city of Butuan in his message delivered by City Councilor Cromwell P. Nortega.
Cherry May G. Busa, city councilor of Butuan, called the City Economic Development Department along with the other government agencies to help in creating a series of digital literacy training for the market vendors and transport groups to sustain their engagement in the program, improve their digital navigation skill and avoid potential threats like scam.
Jonathan Julius Roy Tizon, president of the Association of Fish Vendors in Langihan Public Market encouraged his fellow vendors to learn how the Paleng-QR Ph Plus works for convenience in payment and to prevent crimes such as theft and robbery since you will not be bringing cash.
Tizon also shared the good news that 70 percent of the fish vendors in the market already have their QR codes. (MFC/PIA-Caraga)
