The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is intensifying its focus on attracting high-value investments and generating quality employment to drive a “gradual and sustained” economic rebound starting this year.
In a press briefing held on Wednesday at Malacañang, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro outlined the President’s directives to the national economic team. The strategy centers on a multi-pronged approach to elevate the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) while ensuring the benefits reach the most vulnerable sectors.
Quoting Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, Secretary Frederick D. Go, Castro emphasized that the President’s vision is rooted in creating a cycle of growth that directly impacts poverty levels.
“The President’s goal is to increase investments to create more quality jobs and higher employment, which will ultimately reduce poverty,” Castro stated. She further noted that while inflation is currently well-controlled, the President has issued strict reminders for the government to remain vigilant in keeping the costs of goods and services low for the Filipino people.
The administration attributes its optimistic outlook for the coming period to several key factors:
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Budgetary Reforms: Enhanced processes initiated last year to ensure efficient government spending.
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Project Monitoring: Improved oversight to prevent delays in critical infrastructure.
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Sound Fundamentals: Solid macroeconomic foundations that provide resilience against global volatility.
Addressing the challenges of the previous year, Castro acknowledged that geopolitical tensions and issues surrounding flood control infrastructure had an impact on GDP. However, she underscored that President Marcos Jr. viewed the investigation into anomalous infrastructure projects not as a setback, but as a mandatory step toward long-term stability.
“We must clean our country of corruption and hold those involved accountable,” Castro stressed. “If not now, when? If not President Marcos Jr., who?”
The Palace maintains that by eliminating systemic leaks and ensuring transparency in public works, the administration is building a more attractive environment for international investors and securing a more prosperous future for all Filipinos.
