CONCEPCION, Tarlac – A new chapter begins for Concepcion—one where paying for goods and rides is just a quick scan away.
The municipality of Concepcion has officially taken a major step toward digitalization with the successful launch of the Paleng-QR Ph Plus Program on August 5, 2026, held at Waltermart-Concepcion.
The event marked the full implementation of cashless payments in public markets, tricycle transport, and local businesses across the municipality.
The launching ceremony was attended by representatives from various government agencies, including the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Pampanga, Philippine National Police (PNP)-Concepcion, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Concepcion, and Concepcion Municipal Local Government Operations Officer Rowena Angeles, along with other stakeholders.
An orientation was previously held on May 12, 2026, at the Concepcion Municipal Government Center to prepare vendors and tricycle drivers for the program.
Mayor Noel Villanueva and Vice Mayor Evelyn Rivera delivered their messages of support for the success of the program. Also present were Sangguniang Bayan members, municipal department heads, and employees.
In her message, Vice Mayor Evelyn Rivera said: “Sa pamamagitan ng QR Ph, hindi na kailangang laging may dalang cash… upang maging bahagi ng digital economy.”
Atty. Ronaldo Bermudez, Area Director of BSP San Fernando, Pampanga, also expressed his support, stating: “Kasama ang LGU Concepcion na nangunguna sa paglalakbay tungo sa digitalisasyon at inklusibong pananalapi sa kanyang nasasakupan. Binabati po namin kayong lahat.”
Mayor Noel Villanueva, in his message, emphasized the importance of embracing modern technology for progress: “Naniniwala ako na ang isang maunlad na bayan ay marunong ding sumabay sa makabagong panahon.”
To demonstrate the convenience of the cashless system, Mayor Villanueva rode a tricycle and paid his fare through a QR Code scan on his phone—no cash needed.
The event was organized by the Municipal Treasury Office, headed by Engelberto Macalino, in coordination with the Business Processing and Licensing Office (BPLO).
The Paleng-QR PH Plus program is a joint initiative of the BSP and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). It promotes safe, fast, and convenient cashless transactions in public markets, local transport hubs such as tricycles, and small businesses using QR Ph, the national standard for quick response codes.
The program also supports the implementation of Municipal Ordinance No. 019-2024, also known as the “QR PH Digital Payment Ordinance of the Municipality of Concepcion, Tarlac.” The ordinance encourages the use of QR PH digital payments among market vendors, TODA, and other business establishments in the municipality.
The ordinance is in line with the PALENG-QR PH program of the BSP and the DILG. It was sponsored by former SB Member Calvin Sardia and approved and signed by Mayor Noel Villanueva on September 10, 2024.
With the launch, Concepcion joins other progressive municipalities in embracing digital finance, paving the way for a more modern and inclusive economy for all Concepcionense.
