Philippines now a 'rising tiger' - World Bank official (President Aquino focusing on Challenges)

"...Philippines is no longer the “sick man of Asia” but the “rising tiger,” according to World Bank country director Motoo Konishi during the Philippines Development Forum (PDF) in Davao City. Konishi also highlighted the government’s “sound and improving” fiscal situation, its improved transparency and fight against corruption.

Moreover, Mr. Konishi enumerated the recommendations of stakeholders in five areas to further enhance the Philippine growth: economic development, human development and poverty reduction, justice and peace, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and governance and anti-corruption.

In economic development, the stakeholders stressed the need to ensure the creation of quality jobs especially in the area of agriculture and tourism; simplify business regulations; reduce barriers to entry in shipping; improve infrastructure and power especially in Mindanao; and pass measures such as the fiscal incentives bill.

In human development and poverty reduction, the stakeholders recommended the expansion and improvement of access to government programs in health, education, livelihood, and social protection, with added focus on special disadvantaged groups such as the out-of-school youth, indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities.

In justice and peace, the forum cited the need to restore trust in the justice system reduce case backlogs, addressing corruption in the judiciary, and supporting community-based traditional systems of justice such as the Shari’a.

The participants called for the fast-tracking of the vulnerability and risk assessment to mitigate the effects of climate change and disasters.

In governance and anti-corruption, participants recommended that the monitoring and evaluation of government performance be strengthened and give added focus on governance reform in Mindanao.

The PDF is a venue for government to engage various stakeholders in a dialogue to generate commitments and recommendations for the government’s reform agenda.

On the other hand, President Aquino credited government’s macroeconomic stability of the country from 6.6 percent GDP growth in 2012 which exceeded targets.

President Aquino cited the gains that his administration has achieved, recognizing the need to ensure that these gains are felt by as many people as possible.

The President is more focused on the challenges that his administration has to address for the remainder of his term.

“The improved consumption capacity of Filipinos means that our growth has benefited households as well. Moving forward, the challenge will always be how to ensure that our gains are inclusive, or more inclusive,” Aquino said.

Source: ABS CBN news