Economist: Good GDP outlook could mean more success in efforts vs poverty


An economist said that the country's positive economic outlook in the first half of 2012 could generate opportunities for everyone, including the poor.


“I think the good economic picture is painting a rosy picture in terms of more successful efforts towards reducing poverty,” said Celia Reyes, a senior research fellow at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, said during the recent launch of the 10th Development Policy Research Month.

The economy registered a 6.1-percent growth in gross domestic product in the first semester of the year.

Reyes said government support is crucial in enhancing the skills of the poor.

She said the government's conditional cash transfer program, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), can lead to enhanced skills and greater participation of the poor in the country's economic growth.

4Ps gives eligible families a monthly stipend as long as they comply with the government's conditions regarding the health and education of their family members, particularly the children.

Recently, the government expanded the 4Ps program to include homeless families.

Reyes said that further developing the country's manufacturing and agriculture sectors would also benefit the poor.

 “These sectors actually employ more of the unskilled and low-educated workers. Basically, these are the poor,” she said.

PIDS president Josef Yap, for his part, said a more active manufacturing sector would provide more higher-paying jobs to the less-educated workforce. This, he said, would be another factor in poverty reduction.

Yap said there should be more foreign investments coming to the country and tie-ups with local firms to boost the manufacturing sector.

September was established as Development Policy Research Month by Malacañang in 2002. PIDS was also designated the coordinator of all DPRM events that are held throughout the month. This year's theme is "Regional Economic Integration and Inclusive Growth: Engaging Nations, Embracing People." — BM, GMA News

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