COURTESY: SAYU/PIA-10In recent years, the global shift towards digital transactions has gained momentum, driven by the need for efficiency, security, and inclusivity. In the Philippines, the municipality of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, stands at the forefront of this transformative movement. Partnering with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Cagayan de Oro Branch, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the local government has launched the Paleng-QRPh Plus program. This initiative marks a significant milestone, making Manolo Fortich the first municipality in Mindanao to adopt this cutting-edge digital payment system. In this blog post, we will explore the multifaceted benefits and implications of this program, emphasizing its impact on local businesses, public health, and community development.
The Genesis of Paleng-QRPh Plus
The Paleng-QRPh Plus initiative was officially launched on January 31 at the Tankulan Public Market, a bustling hub of commerce and community interaction in Manolo Fortich. Spearheaded by the local government and supported by key stakeholders such as the BSP and DILG, this program aims to revolutionize the way transactions are conducted in the public market and local transportation sectors.
Olegario Magahin, Jr., BSP area director, expressed pride in Manolo Fortich's pioneering role in adopting the Paleng-QRPh Plus program. He highlighted that this initiative provides market vendors, sari-sari store owners, and tricab driversโwho traditionally lack access to formal banking servicesโwith the tools to engage in digital transactions. By creating banking-like accounts, these individuals can now deposit, receive, and send money seamlessly. This transition not only promotes financial inclusion but also empowers small business owners to thrive in an increasingly digital economy.
The program's implementation was facilitated by the passage of Ordinance No. 2024-2121, authored by Municipal Councilor Christy Leparto-Salabe and supported by Councilors Elzevir Dagunlay and Raquel Abales-Bayacag. This legislative effort underscores the municipality's commitment to fostering digital payments and underscores the belief that cashless transactions will significantly benefit local business owners.
Transforming Local Commerce and Public Health
The adoption of the Paleng-QRPh Plus program is poised to transform commerce in Manolo Fortich by promoting cashless transactions. By eliminating the need for physical cash, the program reduces the risk of scams and counterfeit money, ensuring that business owners receive the correct and exact payment for their goods and services. This newfound security provides peace of mind to vendors like fruit seller Nellyn Malayan, who expressed gratitude for the convenience and protection offered by the program.
Moreover, the transition to cashless transactions has significant implications for public health. In the wake of global health challenges, minimizing physical contact through digital payments can help limit the spread of infectious diseases and viruses. The local government recognizes this potential and believes that promoting cashless transactions contributes to the overall well-being of the community.
To support seamless digital transactions, the LGU has collaborated with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to provide a robust public wifi system within the municipal hall premises. Additionally, the local government unit (LGU) ensures that the public market area is equipped with reliable internet connectivity, facilitating smooth and efficient transactions.
Advancing Economic Growth and Financial Inclusion
The Paleng-QRPh Plus program aligns with Manolo Fortich's broader vision of adapting to the digital age and fostering economic growth. Vice Mayor Reynaldo Bagayas, Jr., representing Mayor Rogelio Quiรฑo, emphasized the municipality's commitment to enhancing business efficiency and ensuring that stakeholders receive value for their transactions. The program's emphasis on exact payments and secure digital transactions positions Manolo Fortich as a leader in digital transformation.
The municipality's efforts have not gone unnoticed on the national stage. Manolo Fortich's ranking among the Most Business-Friendly Municipalities in 2024 and its consecutive awards of the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) highlight its dedication to creating a conducive environment for business and development. By embracing digital payments, the municipality sets a precedent for other regions to follow, showcasing the potential for technology to drive economic progress.
Furthermore, the Paleng-QRPh Plus initiative promotes financial inclusion by offering individuals who are excluded from the formal banking system the opportunity to participate in the digital economy. Tricycle drivers, market vendors, and sari-sari store owners can now access banking-like services, enhancing their economic opportunities and improving their quality of life.
A Vision for the Future
As Manolo Fortich continues to embrace the digital age, the municipality's leaders envision a future where cashless transactions become the norm, laying the foundation for a more inclusive and prosperous community. The Paleng-QRPh Plus program serves as a testament to the power of collaboration between local government units, national agencies, and private sector partners in driving meaningful change.
BSP Area Director Magahin expressed gratitude for the LGU's support in sharing the vision of revolutionizing the way Filipinos conduct transactions. He emphasized that this initiative represents a significant step towards a cash-supplied Philippines, enhancing financial inclusion and promoting economic growth.
Looking ahead, the success of the Paleng-QRPh Plus program in Manolo Fortich serves as a model for other municipalities seeking to embrace digital payments. By leveraging technology to empower local businesses and enhance public health, Manolo Fortich demonstrates the transformative potential of cashless transactions. As the community continues to thrive in the digital era, the Paleng-QRPh Plus program stands as a beacon of progress, inspiring others to embark on their own journeys towards a cashless future.
The launch of the Paleng-QRPh Plus program in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, marks a significant milestone in the municipality's journey towards digital transformation. Through strategic partnerships, forward-thinking legislation, and a commitment to financial inclusion, Manolo Fortich sets a precedent for other regions to follow. By embracing cashless transactions, the municipality not only enhances economic opportunities but also safeguards public health, paving the way for a brighter and more resilient future.
