Marcos ‘satisfied’ with PH economic achievements

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday said he is satisfied with the government’s economic achievements last year.

“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. 

“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. 

Marcos further acknowledged the government’s implementation of major structural reforms and projects, which may take years to be finished. 

While some projects are finished, Marcos took note that the government should explain why others are still ongoing and highlight their long-term benefits. 

Marcos mentioned the need to highlight the importance of opening the Bataan-Cavite Bridge which, according to him, would ease traffic congestion in Metro Manila and open up all other places in Central Luzon and Calabarzon.

Meanwhile, Marcos also called for a thorough and consolidated report about the government's efforts to ensure food security. 

He said these reports would explain how these initiatives will benefit Filipino families in the future. 

In a video presentation during the meeting, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan stressed that the government should avoid complacency.

Balisacan then reaffirmed NEDA’s commitment to making economic growth even more inclusive. 

For this year, the Philippines aims to sustain a higher growth trajectory—a gross domestic product (GDP) growth target of 6.0-8.0 percent compared to last year’s 6.0 -6.5 percent target; headline inflation rate within 2.0 -4.0 percent; and poverty incidence below 13.2 percent this year and 9.0 percent in 2028.

Balisacan made a commitment that NEDA would continue to drive social economic transformation by diversifying and developing new growth drivers, enabling the adoption of new technologies, raising economic productivity and establishing meaningful collaborations with various stakeholders. — BM, GMA Integrated News