The country's balance of payments (BOP) posted a surplus of USD609 million in 2024, a decline from the USD3.7 billion surplus in 2023, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). This, the BSP said, was driven by a widened current account deficit, which grew by 41.4 percent to USD17.5 billion for the year. The deficit stemmed from a larger trade deficit and reduced receipts in services, partially offset by increased income transfers.
Gold, as an asset, isn’t considered a favorable investment by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), as it typically leads to a negative carry due to custodial costs and price volatility.
Foreign direct investments (FDI) flowed inward on a net basis in December 2024, totaling USD110 million, representing a stark 85.2 percent decline from USD743 million from a year earlier. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) traced the drop primarily to increased debt repayments by resident corporations to foreign investors, which caused a shift in FDI composition.
The country's gross international reserves (GIR), an indicator of capacity to pay for trade and maturing debt, saw a significant rise in February, reaching USD106.7 billion, up from USD103.3 billion in January, according to the latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
The Board of Investments (BOI) has approved P977 billion worth of investment projects year to date, signaling robust investor confidence and reinforcing the Philippines’ push to become a regional hub for smart and sustainable investments.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has ordered the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to speed up the deployment of additional passenger ships at Lucena ports to uuuaddress the growing number of travelers heading to Romblon for Christmas.
The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Integrated Philippine Association of Optometrists, Inc. (IPAO) have launched the National Vision Screening Program (NVSP), which requires vision checks for all kindergarten learners nationwide.