To further strengthen their efforts to promote digital transactions in the Philippines, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) have rolled out the Paleng-QR PH initiative in Carmona, Cavite, in cooperation with GCash, the country’s leading mobile wallet.

Under the Paleng-QR PH, vendors, and sellers in Carmona Public Market are encouraged to transact using digital payment platforms such as GCash using QR Codes. To encourage more people to use digital platforms, Carmona Mayor Dahlia Loyola herself used GCash to pay for food items at the Carmona Public market.

“Thanks to BSP, DILG, GCash, and the hard work of our local government unit, the citizens of Carmona City can now enjoy the many benefits of cashless payments. We are honored to welcome the expansion of Paleng-QR PH in the city as we are on track to make Carmona a digital-ready and financially inclusive city,” Loyola said.

Carmona is the first municipality in the CALABARZON region to adopt cashless payments in its public markets. The launch of PalengQR is part of Carmona LGU’s thrust toward digitization in order to provide its constituents with a safer, and more convenient transaction.

GCash president and CEO Martha Sazon believes that the PalengQR rollout in Carmona is a significant move as Cavite is part of the largest region in the Philippines.

“The Southern Tagalog can already be considered as an extension of Metro Manila. In just a short span of time, it has become a highly urbanized region and is now home to those working in the capital. Which is why we at GCash would like to extend our safe, fast and convenient digital payment solutions to the CALABARZON region. This of course is inline with our vision of a more financially inclusive society and it starts here in Carmona,” Sazon said.

In addition, more vendors in the city can now be onboarded as a GCash Pera Outlet (PO) partner. This feature on the app allows small merchants to earn extra income and grow their businesses by offering customers in the community convenient access to various GCash services such as Cash-in, Cash-out, Pay Bills, and Send Money. Caviteños can also access the GCash GTreat booths at the Public Market for a safer and more convenient cashless experience.

Referring to the city’s goal to improve the lives of residents through digitization, vice mayor Cesar Ines Jr. also said, “We believe that this is the way to move forward and make Carmona a ‘digital smart’ city. We are in full support of BSP, DILG, and GCash on this initiative.”

City treasurer Edwina Ledesma also noted that, “On our part as LGU, it will be easier to provide assistance and other financial benefits directly to our constituents. We are grateful to BSP, DILG, and GCash for this partnership as it is our priority to give residents easier and safer transactions for their everyday needs.”

Driven by its shared vision of “Finance for All”, GCash, BSP, and DILG have on-boarded thousands of vendors and tricycle drivers for the PalengQR initiative in various public markets nationwide including the Baguio City Public Market, Bangkerohan Public Market in Davao City, Dao Public Market in Tagbilaran City, Pasig City Mega Market, Antipolo Market, Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (AMTODA), Camiling Public Market in Tarlac, Naga Public Market, Lapu-Lapu Public Market, all of which now accepts GCash cashless payments using QR codes.

With the rapid adoption of mobile wallets, GCash also continues to remind its users to be extra vigilant when making transactions on the app and reminds users to never share their MPIN or OTP, as well as to never click links outside the GCash app, especially from unknown senders or websites.

To report scams and fraudulent activities, visit the official GCash Help Center at help.gcash.com/hc/en-us or message Gigi on the website and type, “I want to report a scam.” GCash will never send private messages to ask for personal information, especially the MPIN and One-Time Pin (OTP). Customers can also reach out to the official GCash hotline 2882 for queries and other concerns.

Together with its partners, GCash continues to work for a future where financial services are accessible to every Filipino, especially the unbanked sector to make their lives better everyday.