Government to launch long-term development plan in Nov

CEBU, Philippines - AmBisyon Natin 2040, the Philippines's basis for development planning in the next 25 years, is set for regional launching in Cebu City on November 21.

AmBisyon Natin is the country’s long-term vision that details the aspirations of Filipinos for themselves and the country for the next 25 years.

These aspirations were drawn from the main findings of 42 focus group discussions with various sectors, including marginalized groups, as well as a nationwide survey, commissioned by National Economic and Development Authority, that involved 10,000 respondents.

According to the results, Filipinos desire a life that is “matatag, maginhawa, at panatag.”

The study also found out that Filipinos envision a Philippines where all citizens are free from hunger and poverty, have equal opportunities, and are enabled by a fair and just society that is governed with order and unity.

Last month, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order No. 5 approving and adopting AmBisyon Natin 2040 to be the basis of development planning and anchor to the next four Philippine Development Plans (PDPs).

The said event will also be the regional consultation on the 2017-2022 PDP.

The consultation aims to get the insights, concerns and solutions of local stakeholders.

RESULTS

Moreover, the AmBisyon survey results also revealed that 79 percent of Filipinos aspire for a simple and comfortable life.

Only a small segment of respondents wanted an affluent or well-off life (16.9 percent), while 3.9 percent of them wanted to be rich.

Filipinos define a simple and comfortable life as having enough earnings to support everyday needs; having a medium-sized home; owning at least one car; having the capacity to provide college education for their children; and being able to go on local trips for vacation.

Based on the survey, Filipinos’ definition of a simple and comfortable life requires a P120,000 monthly income for a family of four.

Filipinos’ definition of a simple and comfortable life is based on middle class living standards, NEDA said.

Filipinos envision the Philippines to be free from hunger and poverty in 2040 and that it should be a top priority of the government.

Filipinos want these issues to be totally eradicated, the survey found.

Furthermore, 88 percent of the respondents of the want jobs to be located in the Philippines by the 2040, while 69 percent of Filipinos prefer a job at home instead of a job overseas if given a choice.

Filipinos also want corruption to be totally eliminated in this country, citing this as a key tool to achieve a better future for the country.

They also cited the ease and efficiency of government transactions, and affordability of government services as other top important keys to improve the country. (FREEMAN)