President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. affirmed his satisfaction with the government’s economic accomplishments for 2024, stressing the need to highlight how these achievements benefit ordinary Filipinos.
“I’m quite satisfied. I’m even proud. I would go as far as saying I’m proud of the things that we have achieved,” Marcos said during the 24th NEDA Board Meeting in Malacañang on Thursday.
“But we have to make it known to people that this is what we are doing. So, it has to be in a language that is easily digestible and in a language that makes sense to Juan dela Cruz. We’re falling behind in making the connection between what we are doing to the lives of ordinary Filipinos,” he added.
Furthermore, Marcos recognized that the government is undertaking significant structural reforms and projects that may require years to fully complete.
He also pointed out that, while certain projects have been finished, the government should clarify why others are still underway and emphasize their long-term impact.
Marcos emphasized the importance of opening the Bataan-Cavite Bridge, noting that it would ease traffic congestion in Metro Manila and improve access to Central Luzon and Calabarzon.
Meanwhile, Marcos urged for a comprehensive report on the government’s efforts to ensure food security, stressing that the report should outline how these initiatives benefit Filipino families, their importance for the future, and their impact on improving the overall quality of life.
In a video presentation during the meeting, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan emphasized the need for the government to avoid complacency.
Moreover, he reiterated his commitment to making economic growth more inclusive.
This year, the country aims to maintain a higher growth trajectory, with a gross domestic product (GDP) growth target of 6.0-8.0 percent, up from last year's target of 6.0-6.5 percent.
The headline inflation rate is projected to stay within 2.0-4.0 percent, and poverty incidence is expected to remain below 13.2 percent this year, with a goal of reaching 9.0 percent by 2028.
Balisacan stated that NEDA will continue on driving socio-economic transformation by fostering new growth drivers, promoting the adoption of innovative technologies, boosting economic productivity, and building strong collaborations with various stakeholders.
