Local government officials in this city, with assistance from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), have started promoting cashless transactions among vendors and tricycle drivers using QR Ph, the national standard for quick response or QR codes.

With the program, market vendors here may now receive cashless payments via QR codes displayed on their stalls.

During Tuesday’s launch of the Paleng-QR Ph program at the Batac Public Market, Mayor Mark Christian Chua said adopting cashless transactions in public markets and local transportation opens more doors of opportunities for people.

“Through this initiative, we’re empowering our market vendors and customers with cashless convenience and promoting a more digital, financially inclusive Batac City,” he said.

Led by the BSP in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the activity aims to encourage the public to use digital payments for safer and more convenient transactions.

“Digital payments offer a lot of benefits. It makes work faster and easier,” Batac City resident Irene Ringor said.

Meanwhile, the BSP, in partnership with local banks and e-money issuers, also conducted Piso Caravan, encouraging the public to exchange unfit and mutilated currency for new banknotes and electronic money.

Unfit notes include soiled, limp, stained or has faded print, obvious writings, or markings. Unfit coins, on the other hand, are those with corrosion or markings.

The Piso Caravan is part of BSP’s efforts to maintain the integrity of Philippine currency. (PNA)