BoB pushes banks as forex reserves tighten
Friday, January 10, 2025 | 730 Views |
Taking action: Masalila PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO
According to the last official figures, the country’s foreign reserves managed by the BoB declined to P56.1 billion in October 2024 from P64.9 billion in October 2023, due mainly to the decline in rough diamond sales.
The prolonged decline in diamond receipts, coupled with steady imports and the lack of other strong foreign currency earners, has meant a slide in the reserves over the months, triggering the BoB’s latest actions.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...