DBM optimistic on economic targets despite challenges
Department of Budget and Development (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman is confident that the country is poised to achieve its economic targets but challenges may emerge, impeding socioeconomic development.
During the 2024 Fiscal Policy Conference, on Nov. 22, Pangandaman said that although the country benefited from “effective fiscal policies,” citizens should “remain vigilant as to challenges that may hinder socioeconomic transformation.”
“We recognize that we must still constantly be on the lookout for innovative approaches tailor-fit to the country’s current needs—with the interest and welfare of the people as our top priority,” she said.
Pangandaman, who also chairs the Marcos administration’s economic team, stressed the need for structural reforms to improve fiscal management and address underspending.
These include the six-year Public Financial Management (PFM) Reforms Roadmap, and the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA).
Dr. Cielito F. Habito, professor at Ateneo de Manila University, also urged reforms in education and improvements in universal health care to combat child malnutrition. These are crucial to maximizing the country’s “demographic sweet spot” for economic development.
Meanwhile, UA&P president Winston Conrad B. Padojinog said that the government should build the trust of the Filipinos to encourage their participation towards an inclusive and equitable governance.
Further, Monetary Board Member Benjamin E. Diokno said a whole-of-government approach and central bank collaboration to address inflationary pressures,
Habito reiterated that more than the budget and the policies, effective and efficient government spending should also be prioritized, adding that more public-private partnerships is important to enhancing public investment efficiency.
Raul V. Fabella, national scientist and professor emeritus at the University of the Philippines Diliman school of economics challenged this generation and administration to increase the country’s investment rate, which “he believes is the foundation of economic progress.”