Palace flattered by Filipinos’ very high optimism about economy

Palace flattered by Filipinos’ very high optimism about economy
By Jelly F. Musico

MANILA (Philippines News Agency) – Malacanang welcomed on Friday a survey showing the “very high optimism” of the Filipinos about the Philippine economy and over their quality of life in the year ahead.

The Social Weather Stations (SWS) Third Quarter Survey conducted on Sept. 24-27 showed the “very high” (+43) net personal optimism of the Filipino people and their “very high” (+44) net optimism about the economy.

The survey, conducted via face-to-face interviews with 1,200 respondents nationwide, also showed “very high net gainers” (+19) or those who believed that their personal quality of life had changed compared to 12 months ago. This was a record-high from the previous +11 in March 1987.

”These encouraging numbers are consistent with the findings, also from SWS, that showed a decline in the number of families rating themselves as poor/mahirap,” Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said in a press statement.

Andanar said the survey affirmed that the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte is on the right track in its fight against illegal drugs and criminality while pursuing a 10-point socioeconomic program.

”The survey results likewise inspire us in the government to roll up our sleeves and double our efforts in improving the lives of the disadvantaged and marginalized,” Andanar said.

”As the President said, ‘For what good will progress be if its benefits do not trickle down to the poorest of the poor?,” he added.

Andanar said the Duterte administration is pushing for big-ticket infrastructure projects that would provide employment and progress, particularly in the rural areas.

”Once implemented and completed, these projects will help attain our medium-and long-term development goals, such as making our agriculture competitive, improving transport and mobility by making it safe and efficient, and improving health and other social services,” he said. (PNA)