A trip to the market used to involve cash. How much cash to bring. How much change you would receive—Barya barya ba? Maraming coins? Marumi? Basa?
But these days, more markets are going digital, which is great for shoppers—and for vendors too. They are not just going digital—paying e-wallet to e-wallet—but going QR Ph, with even more benefits. For example, without QR codes, you could type a wrong account number to pay. With QR codes, the account number is automatic.
For market regulars like Cheeryline Gay from Victorias City, Negros Occidental, QR payments make everyday transactions safer and simpler.
“Mas convenient siya dahil hindi ko na kailangang magdala ng pera. Mas safe din siya gamitin dahil hindi ko na kailangang i-type yung account number ng tindera dahil ii-scan ko na lang yung code. Eksaktong bayad din ang matatanggap nila,” she shared.
QR—or “quick response”—technology spread fast when it was first launched in 2019. It emerged as one of the most expedient means of making payments since it only entails the use of smartphones to scan QR codes to make payments in a fast, convenient, and safe way compared to using cash or even ATM or credit cards.
But they hardly reached public markets. Busy vendors needed help.
The Paleng-QR Ph, a program jointly developed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), brought the QR technology closer to the public. The program aims to maximize the use of digital payments—payments using digital devices such as cellphone apps—in markets and tricycle hubs through the QR Ph initiative.
In Baguio City, street vendor Benedict Tapaoan describes how digital payments have transformed his business.
“Napapabilis yung pagtitinda. Hindi na ako magsusukli at hindi ko na kailangang bilangin yung cash. Pag-scan, bayad na. Titingnan ko na lang yung cellphone ko kung pumasok yung tamang amount,” he said.
Down south in Davao City, fruit stall owner Marilou Dinampo shares a similar story. “Noong una, ayaw ko kasi akala ko sagabal siya sa negosyo ko. Hindi pala. I-scan lang nila ang aking QR Ph code, pumapasok na kaagad ang bayad nila. Dati kasi mahirap. Magpapa-change pa ako, maghihintay pa sila. Ngayon, hindi na sila maghihintay sa akin,” she recalled.
Paleng-QR Ph Plus aims to integrate more micro-entrepreneurs like market vendors and public transport operator-drivers into the formal financial system. This means more sales, easier handling of money, and many other benefits. One important benefit: no need to go to the bank to deposit the day’s earnings.
But the benefits extend beyond convenience.
To use QR Ph, vendor or owner-driver needs an e-wallet or a bank account. Once they have an account, they gain access to financial services like savings, credit, insurance, and investment tools essential for long-term financial health.
As of May 2025, 178 LGUs across the country are now Paleng-QR Ph Plus ready, marking a significant milestone in the BSP’s digitalization and financial inclusion efforts.
“Through the program, we go beyond creating policies and help deliver the last mile to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. We are now harnessing digital technology to ensure that everyone is included in this journey,” said BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. during one of the program’s launches in Apalit, Pampanga last year.
“Para magawa natin ito, kailangang magtulungan ang bawat indibidwal, manininda, at mamimili. Hinihikayat namin ang lahat na gumamit ng digital payments,” the BSP Governor said.
