EDITORIAL
Up, up and away?
According to NEDA Chief Arsenio Balisacan, the Marcos Administration is now shifting to high gear for the full implementation of the transformation agenda outlined in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 after the economy posted gains amid a challenging environment in 2023.
The transformation agenda includes the following strategies: a) accelerating digital transformation; b) improving connectivity; c) strengthening the interlinkages between the agricultural and industrial sectors with the services sector; d) establishing a dynamic innovation ecosystem; e) intensifying public-private partnerships; and f) enhancing the role of LGUs as partners in development.
To achieve this end, there is a need to enhance tax administration and enact revenue-generating measures to hit the country’s fiscal targets; aggressively promote trade and facilitate strategic investments in growth drivers while addressing underspending; ensure the availability, accessibility, and affordability of food; improve access to quality education and recover learning losses; build sustainable and well-planned communities through more vital collaboration among government agencies, local government units (LGUs), and the private sector; and enhance the digitalization of government processes to make goods and services more responsive and accessible to the public.
The country is progressing toward achieving its goals and objectives in 2024. There is a need for all branches of the government to work together to ensure the accomplishment of the expected outcomes, especially on the part of the executive and legislative branches.
The recent controversy on the infamous attempt to amend the 1987 Constitution casts serious doubt on whether the country willachieve the desired outcomes. With the upcoming national and local elections, our politicians are expected to shift their focus on ensuring their continuous reign in government.
The move to amend the 1987 Constitution may be the first strategy to perpetuate power. If the attempt fizzles out due to the strong opposition of the people, all elected officials, both local and national, will be shifting gears to secure their re-election in 2025. Political survival, therefore, becomes the most urgent priority this year and during the election year in 2025.
With the sound economic fundamentals in 2023 as the foundation, will we be able to say “Up, up and away finally”? We can only hope that the bright prospects for development will not be overshadowed and derailed by too much politicking.