THE DEPARTMENT of Finance (DOF) said that they are looking at issuing a new set of retail treasury bond (RTB) as part of government efforts which will raiseP2.46-trillion in total as a financing requirement for this year.

The Finance department noted that the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) is looking to issue their 30th tranche for their RTB for the first quarter of 2024.

"The RTBs encourage ordinary Filipinos to start investing in safe and stable sources of passive income, while promoting financial inclusion. To further this agenda, the BTr is looking to engage more digital finance platforms, allowing the BTr to reach a wider investor base," the DOF said.

It was learned that the issuance of the RTB was included in the topics at a meetingthat was done on Jan. 17 at the BTr office in Intramuros, Manila.

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto was there to discuss the country's 2024 financing program.

"This prudent debt management strategy will allow the country to effectively mitigate foreign exchange risks, take advantage of the abundant liquidity in the country’s financial system, and support the development of the local debt and capital markets," the DOF added.

To further develop the country’s local debt and capital markets, the BTr will spearhead several capital market development initiatives such as improving the Government Securities 

Repurchase Agreement (Repo) Program and inclusion in an emerging market bond index.

To fulfill its 2024 external financing program, the BTr is looking at various global bond markets, consistent with its objective of diversifying funding sources.