Paleng-QR Ph Plus coverage doubles to 922 LGUs in 2025

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February 3, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is ramping up the rollout of its Paleng-QR Ph Plus program, with the number of participating local government units more than doubling to 922 in 2025 from 408 a year earlier.

BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the expanded coverage now includes public markets, mall stores and transport hubs across the country, reflecting growing acceptance of QR-based payments under the QRPh framework.

“From 408 local government units in 2024, we now have 922 LGUs that have adopted the program,” Puyat said, underscoring the central bank’s push to deepen digital payments usage and financial inclusion nationwide.

She stressed, however, that connectivity remains a major bottleneck, particularly in remote areas. Thus, the partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) remains crucial in addressing the issue.

“We need the help of the DICT. Even if we launch in an area, if there is no connectivity, it falls short,” Puyat said.

“DICT Secretary (Henry) Aguda told us to list the markets that do not have internet connectivity and he said they will provide Starlink satellite connectivity. That will help us significantly with PalengQR PH Plus,” she added.

The BSP is also working closely with other government agencies to bring more Filipinos into the formal financial system. She cited the agriculture sector as a priority, noting that access to financial services among farmers remains limited.

The BSP is likewise coordinating with the National Youth Commission to reach young Filipinos and with the Department of Social Welfare and Development to deliver financial assistance digitally.

Looking ahead, Puyat said the central bank aims to eventually cover all 1,700 LGUs nationwide, even as it acknowledges the scale of the task.

“I would love to say that we are already at 100 percent coverage, but you have to understand that we are not just counting provinces, cities and municipalities,” she said.

A joint initiative of the BSP and the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the program encourages the use of QRPh, the national standard for quick response code technology that provides a safe, convenient and efficient way of making and receiving payments for merchants and customers.

The Paleng-QR Ph Plus program supports the BSP’s efforts of boosting digital payments for all community markets and local transportation. This is one of the priority initiatives under the National Strategy for Financial Inclusion 2022 to 2028.