President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. expressed pride in the government’s economic achievements last year, emphasizing the need to improve communication about these efforts to ordinary Filipinos.
Speaking during the 24th NEDA Board Meeting held at Malacañang, Marcos said, “I’m quite satisfied. I’m even proud of the things that we have achieved.” However, he acknowledged a gap in conveying these accomplishments effectively to the public. “We have to make it known to people in a way that makes sense to Juan dela Cruz.”
Marcos highlighted the government’s implementation of structural reforms and long-term projects, such as the Bataan-Cavite Bridge, which he said would alleviate Metro Manila traffic and boost connectivity in Central Luzon and Calabarzon. While some initiatives are completed, he stressed the importance of explaining why others remain in progress and their long-term benefits.
He also called for a comprehensive report on the government’s food security efforts to better inform Filipinos about how these initiatives will impact their lives.
During a video presentation, NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan warned against complacency and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to making economic growth inclusive. The government has set ambitious targets for 2025, including a GDP growth rate of 6.0-8.0 percent, inflation within 2.0-4.0 percent, and poverty reduction to below 13.2 percent this year and 9.0 percent by 2028.
Balisacan pledged to push for socioeconomic transformation by developing new growth drivers, adopting innovative technologies, enhancing productivity, and fostering partnerships with stakeholders.
