Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Zamboanga Branch, led by Area Director Tatum Blaise Tan, paid a courtesy visit, July 2, to Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman to explore areas of collaboration in support of city’s economic development.
Joining the delegation was COD Manager Kimberly Sakaluran, Hermogenes Buenaflor Jr., Bank Officer IV from the BSP Mindanao Regional Office’s Regional Economic Staff, SO III Idris Dexter Loy Abdulla, SA II Jhovannie Garcia and Aldous Zandro Mozar.
Representing the City Government were LEDIPO Chief Jaime Juanito Rivera, Business Permits and Licensing Officer Albert Porticos, and City Treasurer Mary Jane Abenojar, who welcomed the initiative and expressed the city’s openness to programs that would enhance economic resilience and financial inclusion for its residents.
The visit aimed to initiate a partnership between BSP and the Local Government of Isabela City, particularly in the implementation of the Paleng-QR Ph Plus program. This flagship initiative seeks to modernize public market and transport sector transactions by promoting the use of digital payments via QR codes. Designed to provide accessible, secure, and efficient financial solutions, the program empowers local vendors and transport groups while boosting grassroots economic activity.
The BSP team expressed strong interest in expanding the program’s reach, noting that as of May 31, a total of 178 local government units nationwide have launched activities or passed enabling policies in support of the initiative. Mayor Turabin-Hataman welcomed the proposed collaboration as a step toward enhancing financial inclusion and digital transformation across communities in Isabela City and the wider province. (Words by SJ Asakil/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)
