The strong take-up on the government’s retail treasury bond (RTB) offerings may be partly attributed to the sustained financial literacy programs, with a central bank official underscoring the need to ensure the Filipinos' financial health.
RTBs are intended for retail investors, thus the PHP5,000 minimum placement, and multiples of PHP5,000 thereafter.
The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) started the offer period for the 31st tranche of RTB on Aug. 5, whch will run until the 15th of the month. The public may invest in this government-guaranteed debt paper through the BTr website and several banks and mobile apps tapped to sell the securities.
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, in a reply to questions from the Philippine News Agency on Thursday, said the number of tranches of the RTB offering “reflect growing public interest in saving and investing."
“At the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, we see this as a positive sign that more Filipinos are recognizing the importance of building their wealth and securing their future,” she said.
The BSP has yet to release the results of the 2023 Consumer Finance and Inclusion Survey but Puyat, citing the results of the 2021 Financial Inclusion Survey, said “the proportion of adult Filipinos who invest rose to 36 percent from 25 percent in 2019.”
“Being a data-driven central bank, results of our surveys help guide our policy, education, and program design,” she said.
While available data on Filipinos’ financial know-how show improvements, Puyat said “financial literacy and overall financial health remain ongoing goals," highlighting the need to teach more Filipinos about saving, budgeting, and investing to help them make better financial decisions.
“Beyond literacy, the BSP is committed to promoting financial health. This includes the ability to manage daily finances, prepare for financial shocks, and make informed long-term financial choices that build resilience as the country moves toward upper middle-income status,” she said.
She said they have partnered with other government agencies and schools, among others, for several initiatives, such as the BSP e-Learning Academy (BELA), and financial education roadshows.
“Together, these efforts reflect the BSP’s holistic approach that not only advances financial literacy but also prioritizes financial health, protection, and inclusive access to foster a more financially resilient and economically secure Filipino society,” she added.
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