Aguinaldo, a gift given during Christmastime or on any other occasion such as birthdays, is a welcome treat especially if it comes in crisp, new, fresh-smelling banknotes. Everybody, especially the kids, looks forward to receiving these newly-minted bills and coins.
But times have changed. Most may no longer receive and count the ‘physical’ peso-bills as they will go directly to their respective banks or mobile wallets. The days of receiving holiday fat envelopes full of new bills (while excitedly counting them one by one) are slowly going, going gone.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas or BSP is encouraging the public to make giving money-gifts digital during this season of giving. The BSP says that aside from giving the physical money, givers may also use electronic (e-cash) as gifts. The BSP explains that the demand for new paper bills and coins increases during this time of the year.
Giving new, crisp, clean paper bills and coins during Christmastime has become a tradition in the country. But, says the BSP: “Sending cash gifts electronically is convenient and efficient, and it promotes a more digital and inclusive Philippine economy.”
On the other hand, if you still prefer giving the physical paper bills and coins, the BSP reminds the public that they can get the freshly-minted money from their depository banks. Better to do it early though as the demand is high during this season. The BSP, however, assures the public that it will produce new banknotes and coins to meet the demand this holiday season.
Abundant Christmas blessings y’all!
