Govt to expand policies to make sure public feels economic growth

The government will "promote and expand policies" to ensure that the economy will sustain the highest growth rate posted by the Aquino administration during the first quarter of 2013, a Malacañang official said Thursday.

In a statement, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the government is determined to make sure that "no one is left behind" with the economic growth the country is experiencing.

"More than economic growth, the Aquino administration is focused on fostering inclusive growth. Since our administration took office, we have worked to drastically expand social safety nets to help the most vulnerable in our country," Valte said.

She cited the administration's flagship anti-poverty program, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, as an example of how the government is committed to help more Filipino households.

Earlier in the day, the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) reported that the Philippine economy grew by 7.8 percent during the first three months of 2013—the highest in Asia.

Valte said the first quarter economic growth shows that "the confidence of both investors and consumers" in the Philippine economy "remains strong."

Despite the economic growth posted by the Philippines during the first quarter of the year, pollster Social Weather Stations (SWS) said the number of Filipinos who experienced hunger in March grew to 3.9 million.

The NSCB also revealed that poverty incidence in the country during the first half of 2012 was at 27.9 percent, which was almost the same rate six years ago. — Andreo Calonzo/KBK, GMA News