OPENING REMARKS
ADORACION M. NAVARRO
Undersecretary for Regional Development
#AskNEDA Media Briefing
May 30, 2019 | 10:15 – 10:35 PM
NEDA Board Room, NEDA Central Office
Ortigas, Pasig City
Friends from the media,
Co-workers in NEDA,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning.
On behalf of Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia, I am pleased to welcome you all to our fifth #AskNEDA media briefing for 2019.
We always look forward to these monthly briefings for these provide a space for us in communicating results, discussing key socioeconomic issues, and pointing out gaps and challenges that stakeholders need to act on.
For one, our economy took a hit with the delayed passage of the budget during the first three months of this year. But we are optimistic that the Philippine economy will remain resilient, so we expect stronger performance over the medium term especially as we catch up on public spending.
Sustaining the momentum of economic growth remains a key objective, but we at NEDA, alongside the rest of government, acknowledge that the real measure of growth is the extent by which Filipinos’ lives have improved.
Let me quote former NEDA Director-General Cielito Habito in his opinion article published on the Inquirer last Tuesday: “Unlike sectoral departments with focused constituencies, NEDA has the entire Filipino citizenry to serve in equal measure.”
This only means that inclusive growth is about economic growth that provides equal opportunities for individuals to reach their full potential. Laging sentro ang tao sa ating mga plano.
Today, we will be providing you with recent updates on the economic performance of all our seventeen regions.
I will be presenting the country’s regional performance in detail – for example, in terms of GRDP growth rates, sectoral shares in GRDP, and growth drivers. I will also be sharing our observations on regional disparities and recommendations to address them.
Let me also take this opportunity to share that we will be embarking on the midterm update of the Philippine Development Plan, as well as the annual updating of the Public Investment Program.
During this midterm update, we will review and assess our strategies, policies, targets, programs, and projects to ensure that the goals of the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 are achieved.
As Secretary Pernia said, “achieving the PDP 2017-2022 targets is key for continuity through succeeding medium-term plans towards Ambisyon Natin 2040.”
Thus, I urge everyone to continue supporting the government in pursuing policies and reforms that will lay down the foundation for sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
Let us elevate our discussion on ways to go forward and reaffirm our commitment to enable every Filipino to attain his and her AmBisyon for a matatag, maginhawa at panatag na buhay.
Thank you very much and good morning once again.