The Aquino administration should be commended for our country’s splendid economic performance. Once dubbed the “sick man of Asia,” it is now one of Asia’s emerging tigers.
Credit should also go to the past administrations of former President Fidel Ramos and, notably, former President Gloria Arroyo who piloted our country’s economic takeoff from a boom-and-bust cycle.
Every incoming administration should not totally disregard the good things in the past administrations’ economic blueprint for a progressive Philippines. It should also bear in mind that economic growth should be felt by the lower-income group and not just by the rich.
The Aquino administration is on the right path in focusing on three priority areas, namely: infrastructure, agriculture and tourism. But inclusive growth is needed to generate job opportunities and spread income-earning opportunities to curb poverty in the countryside.
—PEDRO REFUERZO JR.,
jn_refuerzo@yahoo.com