Pangasinan Town Now Accepts Digital Payments in Markets and Transport

Alcala, Pangasinan officially adopted the Paleng-QR Ph Plus digital payment platform on Thursday, 18 December 2025. The programme integrates scan-to-pay technology into the local public market and public transport system, allowing residents to settle transactions using e-wallets or banking applications such as Landbank and Palawan Express.

Mayor Manuel Collado confirmed that while the rollout is still in its early stages, a substantial number of vendors are expected to be fully onboarded by February 2026. The initiative aims to streamline the local economy by offering a more convenient alternative to cash transactions.

Safe and efficient transactions

Image credit: Alcala, Pangasinan Public Market via Mayor Jojo B. Callejo | Facebook

Alcala is the second town in Pangasinan to implement the system, following Calasiao, as it joins a growing nationwide movement. The Paleng-QR Ph programme has already been launched in over 180 local government units (LGUs) across the Philippines. This shift is spreading rapidly. Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay, for instance, rolled out its own implementation on 11 December 2025.

Image credit: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas | Facebook

While the programme is being introduced nationwide, implementation is led by individual LGUs in collaboration with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). By adopting this technology, Alcala is keeping pace with a digital standard that is fast becoming the norm for Filipino commuters and shoppers from Luzon to Mindanao.

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Improving local security and hygiene

Image credit: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas | Facebook

Moving away from cash can help reduce the risk of theft and robbery for stall owners, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Ilocos Region. There is also a health benefit, as both consumers and sellers can avoid handling potentially unhygienic banknotes.

To support the launch, Alcala held an account opening day featuring financial service providers such as Landbank of the Philippines and Palawan Express. Financial literacy sessions were also conducted to help tricycle drivers and market vendors manage their digital finances responsibly.

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Part of a nationwide digital shift

Image credit: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas | Facebook

As of late 2025, the Paleng-QR Ph programme has been implemented in over 750 Local Government Units (LGUs) across the country, encouraging the wider use of digital payments in public markets and local transport systems.

The initiative aims to build a nationwide digital payments ecosystem using the QR Ph standard. While the programme is rolled out at the national level, implementation is carried out by LGUs in partnership with the BSP, DILG, and financial institutions such as GCash, Maya, and Landbank. By bringing this technology to Pangasinan, Alcala is aligning with a digital standard that is rapidly becoming part of everyday life for Filipino commuters and shoppers.

The adoption of Paleng-QR Ph Plus marks a significant shift in how residents handle daily expenses. For those living in or visiting Alcala, having an active e-wallet is now becoming a practical necessity for both market purchases and commuting.

Featured image credit: PIA Pangasinan | Facebook