The Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) contributions surged by 45.3% in the first half of 2026, totaling ₱757.554 million. This marks a significant increase from ₱521.363 million during the same period last year, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
Diverse Contributor Growth
The number of PERA contributors also experienced remarkable growth, skyrocketing by 385.31% to 30,055 from 6,193 in the previous year. Employee contributions made up 59.33% of the total, totaling ₱449.45 million, a 24.08% increase year-on-year.
Self-employed individuals represented the largest segment of enrollees during this period, totaling 23,529 contributors.
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
- Self-employed contributions rose by 179.85% to ₱207.901 million.
- Funds from overseas Filipinos increased by 18.12% to ₱100.203 million.
The number of employees enrolled in PERA increased by 22.63% to 5,441, while overseas participants grew by 33.29% to 1,085.
Innovations in Digital Finance
To streamline access, the BSP launched the Open Finance for PERA Pilot, allowing users to open accounts via various digital platforms. This initiative includes partnerships with several banks and fintech companies.
Participating institutions include Land Bank of the Philippines, Maya Philippines, and Union Bank of the Philippines, among others. Investments are managed by PERA administrators such as ATRAM Trust Corp. and BDO Unibank.
Encouraging Corporate Sponsorship
The BSP is actively working with employers to enhance corporate-sponsored PERA accounts. For instance, East West Banking Corp. recently launched a voluntary PERA contribution program for its employees.
The Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act enables private employers to claim a tax deduction of up to 150% if they match or exceed their employees' contributions, promoting greater participation.
BSP Deputy Governor Lyn I. Javier noted the ongoing collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration to boost account registrations among overseas workers.