Shoppers at Pasig City Mega Market can now conveniently purchase their fresh produce, meats, dry goods, and general merchandise using the Starpay app. No need to carry cash, buyers can simply scan the merchant’s QR code using their mobile phones to pay for their purchase.
Starpay was at the forefront of the ‘Paleng-QR Ph plus’ rollout in Pasig City Mega Market. Also known as the “pambansang pitaka ng bayan” the Starpay team assisted the vendors in setting up the convenient payment system for easy cashless purchases.
“Paleng-QR Ph Plus” is an initiative of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Paleng-QR code provides a quicker, more accurate, and safer” mode of payment for both customers and sellers. With the QR code payments are exact. Incidents involving counterfeit bills can be prevented as well as long lines for financial transactions can be reduced, and the minimum health protocols against Covid-19 can be followed.
Customers can scan the Paleng-QR code with their mobile phones using the application of their respective banks or e-money issuer. The payment for the services they availed will be transferred directly to the seller.
The use of the e-money accounts and digital wallets enables individuals to build a financial footprint wherein all their digital financial transactions are recorded.
Due to the program’s partnerships with various FSPs, the public will also have more convenient access to financial services such as savings, loans, insurance, investments, and monetary assistance from the government.
Local government units (LGUs) that want to implement the Paleng-QR must create their own ordinances in support of the program. The LGUs will organize an “Account Opening Day,” where FSPs will install customer assistance booths to help vendors and drivers create and open e-money accounts. They will also give QR code printouts for target users.
On the part of the vendors, electronic payment lessens the need for loose change. Storeowners often scramble for cash in the morning because shoppers often pay their purchases with large bills. Starpay simplifies the transaction because the electronic payment goes straight into their e-wallet, which can easily be transferred to their nominated bank account. They can also use the cash in their e-wallet to buy cellphone load and pay bills.
“Users like our platform because is so easy to use, “explained Starpay Director Ryan Uy. “It is now being used in the different public markets in the provinces. We are relatively new compared to the other players, and the response has been overwhelming. At Starpay we believe, an e-wallet must be very convenient and safe. Our interface is very friendly and fun to use, for both buyers and vendors.”
Aside from Pasig Mega Market, cashless payments using Starpay are accepted at Dao Public Market in Tagbilrana, Lapu Lapu City Public Market, Baguio City Public Market, Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City, and People’s Market in Naga City.
Leading the launch were BSP Governor Felipe Medalla and Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo Puyat, Pasig City Mayor Honorable Victor Ma. Regis Sotto, Honorable Vice Mayor Robert Vincent Jude Jaworski Jr., and members of the Pasig City council.
