The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has identified fear and lack of information as the primary barriers preventing some businesses and traditional markets in Pampanga from fully adopting cashless payment systems. The agency is now strengthening its information campaigns and training programs on digital transactions to address these issues.
DTI Official Cites Fear and Lack of Knowledge
“Most of the time, it is fear and lack of knowledge that keep some businesses from going cashless. Some fear losing their money, which is, of course, not true,” said DTI Pampanga Acting Provincial Director Ma. Cristina Evangelista. She emphasized that the agency is intensifying its training programs and information campaigns to encourage more businesses to offer cashless payment options.
Lost Sales Opportunities in Digital Age
Evangelista noted that relying solely on cash payments in today’s rapidly evolving digital age results in lost sales opportunities. The DTI is actively encouraging micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Pampanga to adopt cashless payment options to improve consumer convenience and business efficiency.
Partnerships to Boost Digital Payments
The DTI has partnered with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on initiatives such as Paleng-QR Ph to expand digital payments in local markets. Additionally, the agency collaborated with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to promote e-commerce and digitalization.
Progress and Challenges
Evangelista acknowledged that while many businesses in Pampanga now offer cashless payment options, a significant number have yet to fully embrace digital transactions. The DTI continues to work on overcoming these challenges through education and support programs.
