The local government unit of Catigbian launched the Paleng-QR Ph Plus Program and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) PISO Caravan on Sept. 23, 2026 at the Catigbian Sports & Activity Center, bringing together local and national government officials, financial service providers, market vendors, tricycle operators and drivers, and other community stakeholders to promote financial awareness, digital literacy and more accessible ways of conducting everyday transactions.
The event was led by Catigbian Municipal Mayor Benjie Oliva.
Attendees included Conrado Ragay, area director of the BSP Visayas Regional Office; Johnjoan Mende, provincial director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Bohol; Rhea Caballero, a business counselor and representative of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI); and Victor Magallanes, provincial officer of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in Bohol.
Also present was Municipal Treasurer Flor Mae Gahi, a certified public accountant and certified treasury technician, along with department and office heads of the Catigbian LGU and other participating stakeholders.
Paleng-QR Ph Plus
The Paleng-QR Ph Plus Program promotes the use of QR-based payment services among market vendors, tricycle operators and drivers, micro-entrepreneurs and consumers, giving them an additional option for everyday transactions while building familiarity with digital payment systems.
Highlights of the morning session included the signing of a Pledge of Commitment, a presentation of the program, a demonstration for market stakeholders, and sessions on digital financial literacy and “Know Your Money,” which gave participants practical information on how digital financial services work, how to use them responsibly and how to protect their personal and financial information.
In the afternoon, the program moved from orientation to application, as market vendors, tricycle operators and drivers, and other stakeholders received hands-on guidance in accessing and using digital payment services, gaining firsthand experience with QR-based transactions they could incorporate into their business, transportation and livelihood activities.
eLGU: another step toward more accessible public service
The event also featured the municipality’s integrated eLGU system, which organizers said highlights the role of technology in making government services more accessible, convenient and responsive to community needs.
Julie Sampilo, a DICT-Bohol representative, led a live walkthrough of the system, demonstrating its features and showing participants how it could simplify transactions between residents and the local government.
Oliva, Magallanes and Mende then led the ceremonial launch of eLGU, an event organizers said strengthened the partnership between local and national governments in pursuing digital solutions for public service delivery.
BSP PISO Caravan: currency services within reach
The BSP PISO Caravan gave residents a local avenue for currency-related services and information. The Office of the Municipal Treasurer now accepts unfit, mutilated or old Philippine banknotes for exchange, giving residents a way to replace damaged currency with usable cash while promoting awareness of the proper care, handling and preservation of Philippine currency.
Organizers said the initiative brings currency-related services closer to the grassroots level, supports smoother local transactions and reinforces public awareness of the importance of preserving the integrity of the country’s legal tender.
ACESS AND PARTICIPATION
Local officials said the event showed how partnerships can translate government programs and digital initiatives into services people can understand, access and use in daily life.
The Catigbian LGU thanked the BSP, DILG, DTI, DICT, financial service providers, the Municipal Treasury Office, market vendors, tricycle operators and drivers, department and office heads, and all participating stakeholders for their support and participation.
Officials described the event as more than a ceremonial launch, saying it created an avenue for residents to learn, participate and experience services responsive to changes in commerce, finance and public service. They added that digital and financial inclusion, for the municipality, means not simply introducing new systems but giving people practical knowledge, useful tools and meaningful opportunities to engage with services that can become part of everyday life.