The new government has taken over the reins of power with much fanfare and amid very high expectations for a miracle that no one else could perform; that is the problem with popular elections, the public in their wisdom sometimes exceed the limits of that which is humanly possible in view of the scenario obtaining on the ground.
Ernesto Pernia the new Socio-Economic Secretary has his task cut out and a massive burden on his shoulders.
And, with Duterte’s declaration that all contracts entered into by the previous government will be fulfilled; that is a commitment quite easily, and if I may say, thoughtlessly.
The past members of the government were all stalwarts holding the reins of the government and I will not be surprised if some of their latest actions prior to handing over the reins of their respective ministries, cause discomfort and embarrassment to the current incumbents.
I also keep my fingers crossed for the guy who has taken over the Secretary’s post in the Socio-Economic portfolio; his portfolio is such that all blunders and mistakes made by the previous team will have to be analyzed and closely studied with an intent to arrive at the course of action required for each individual file.
But, Duterte could not have chosen a better man to head that portfolio because the socio-economic scene of the country is the most sensitive one which reflects the position of the common man in the country.
It is common knowledge that more than a quarter of the populace are living below the poverty line; to me, it appears that he may have to physically pull down the figure and bend it in half. Easier said than done, it is a poverty-stricken populace that we are talking about but Pernia has many such laurels under his belt.
And, he has only one term of six years to undo the damage already done, if any, and bring the some of those languishing below the poverty line to a higher level; best of luck to him.
The 73 year old is not unfazed, he is a seasoned campaigner who realizes that the benefit of the country lies in making an equitable distribution of the resources so that no section of the society is left behind.
An author of innumerable books and an authority of economics with particular reference to the studies regarding Filipino people and their economic strengths and weaknesses, he is second to none.
Ask him and he will tell you that his fields of interest are:
- Economics of Human resource and
- Demographics Economics.
No wonder he has been a very big advocate and specialization in the economics of development. His other thrust area is the introduction of a comprehensive law on curbing reproduction to slow down the growth of population and ensure that each family get a higher percentage of the available resources.
Consumption-driven
At a high level workshop held recently in Davao city to discuss the economy and how to deal with it in the near future, The Director General of the National Economic Development authority (NEDA) stressed on the inescapable need to make a move to the export oriented and an investment-centric as against the current consumption-dependent economy; he said two-thirds of the economy right now was driven by the spending patterns:
- Almost all the top economic managers of the Duterte team, and
- Top business leaders.
The theme of the consultative was based on development of the economy. The need to support the semi-skilled workers should be given preference while taking wholesome steps to support the manufacturing and suggested a reduction in the contribution of services in the economic output which is currently the case.
The trend of seeking overseas employment as a necessity also needs to be changed as per the NEDA chief while asserting that a concerted effort will be required to be made to curb this as a necessity. This will require creation of more jobs which the incoming government will try to do.
The Duterte government has identified some areas as priority areas which include:
- Rural development,
- Regional development, Poverty alleviation,
- Healthcare, and
- Quality education.
In tune with his earlier commitment to obviate long queues, he mentioned that the President was very particular in this regard and efforts are being made to ensure that people having any type of work in government offices do not have to wait in queues for long hours.
End of part 1
Umrao Singh umraoz.wordpress.com
Written for: Lars-Magnus Carlsson www.thephilippinepride.com?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss
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