TUGUEGARAO CITY: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Region 2 is bent on advancing the digitalization of payment transactions across public markets, public utility vehicles (PUVs) and business establishments in the Cagayan Valley region.

DTI regional information officer Manilyn Ponce said the effort is in partnership with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) which conducts a comprehensive orientation on the Paleng-QR (quick response) program that will ensure a safe and efficient payment method.

Ponce said the Paleng-QR program, which is the result of a partnership between the BSP and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), is designed to encourage the use of QR codes for quicker, safer and more convenient transactions.

"This development marks a significant move towards advancing and enhancing the efficiency of payment systems through digital means in public markets, PUVs and business establishments by providing an efficient and secure payment system," she said.

Ponce added that the DTI Region 2 sought to join BSP and DILG in advocating Paleng-QR in various cities and municipalities in the Cagayan Valley region in its bid to make micro, small and medium enterprises or MSMEs digital.

"We have started as an initial step by organizing an orientation for the regional and provincial consumer protection division personnel of the DTI Region 2 to have a thorough knowledge of the project to effectively engage stakeholders and ensure successful adoption and implementation," she said.