CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan (PIA)- Public markets in 20 towns and four cities of Bulacan are set to have a seamless internet connection following the launching of the Market Next Project of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in partnership with the Department of Information and Technology (DICT).
DTI Region III Regional Director Edna Dizon said that the Market Next Project is the first of its kind in Central Luzon, which will complement existing projects such as the DTI’s Market Modernization program and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) Paleng-QR Ph.
She explained that although the digital mode of payments is widely welcomed by consumers, a fast internet connection remains a challenge. Since 2022, the BSP has been accelerating its campaign to push more public markets to be on board with Paleng QR to promote digital payments.
Paleng QR is now already installed in the public markets of Pulilan, Angat, Bustos, Plaridel, San Rafael, Santa Maria, San Ildefonso and in the city of Baliwag.
The BSP along with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), jointly developed the Paleng QR Ph that aims to create digital payments ecosystem to promote cashless payments in public markets and even in tricycle local transport system.
On the part of the DTI-Bulacan officer-in-charge Cristina Valenzuela, she said that its Market Modernization program has installed Smart Televisions in the public market to serve as a digital price board. It helped consumers to watch or check the latest suggested retail prices (SRPs), without the confusion of being ripped off.
DICT also signed a memorandum of understanding with the DTI along with the Bulacan Consumer Affairs Council (BCAC), and Bulacan Market Administrators League Inc. (BUMALI), on the installation of a fast internet connection in all public markets across the province.
Meanwhile, BCAC has formally included the proper implementation of Paleng QR Ph and the Market Modernization Program on the lists of criteria for the upcoming Huwarang Palengke 2025.
