NEDA notes increased optimism in RP economy
by ES Subong
Iloilo City (31 October) -- National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) VI Chief Economic Development Specialist Atty. Raul Anlocotan said that there is increased optimism in the country's economy in the next few months, as higher growth rates and lower inflation are seen.
In an interview during the cable television program of the Philippine Information Agency, Atty Anlocotan said that this optimism is the result of the economic and fiscal reforms which the government had vigorously undertaken, even if these moves were met with strong opposition before.
He added that with a stronger peso, which he hopes would keep stable and economic growth targets achievable, the country can continue to make a strong take off in the months ahead, barring big calamities and political instability.
Anlocotan was optimistic that even with indications of instability, the country's strong economy can thwart adverse effects.
The NEDA Economic Specialist also said that President Arroyo is bent on her intent that the ripple effects of the steady economic gains should benefit the poor especially.
He cited the technology which the Statistical Coordination Board had devised, to really determine the poor areas in a particular region, where programs and projects for the poor are supposed to be delivered. The indicators for these deprived areas were validated by a non-government organization.
Anlocotan, likewise, said that with this technology, the local government units can best identify and plan where projects should go and where programs are to be implemented so that the people will really feel that they are sharing in the economic gains the country is experiencing.
The Arroyo administration has allocated 29 billion pesos to Western Visayas for the development of the region, as a ripple effect of the economic growth of the country, as the government's way of appreciating the people for their resilience amidst critical economic reforms.(PIA 6) [top]
