Address infra problems to hit ideal GDP growth

CEBU, Philippines - While it is important for the Philippines to improve its peace and order situation, an economist is calling on President-elect Rodrigo Duterte to also address infrastructure problems especially on agriculture-related projects.

Economist Bernardo Villegas said expediting the improvement of infrastructure in the country is the only way to hit the ideal growth of eight to 10 GDP (Gross Domestic Product), as the current six to seven percent growth is "mediocre".

To realize that dream of becoming the next Tiger in Asia, the Philippines needs to put its focus on the long been neglected plight of the poor farmers and fisherfolk to eradicate the coutry's reputation as having the most scandalous poverty incidents in Asia.

Villegas said the only way to achieve balanced economic strength is to empower the 25 million Filipinos,  largely farmers and provide them the right earning they ought to generate from their livelihood.

 He added that it is imperative for the Duterte administration to implement the infrastructure projects that will benefit the farmers and fishermen. These are the farm-to-market-road, irrigation system, post-harvest facilities, and other programs to support these segment of society.

  Although these suggestions had been pronounced by economic experts over the years, throughout several past Presidents, but the past governments have been guilty of negligence in addressing this obvious problem, he said.

As Duterte is known to have a soft heart for the poor, coming from the country's largest agricultural center in the Philippines — Mindanao, Villegas is optimistic that (finally) this problem will get the urgent resolution, and would be part of the "change" that people is anticipating under his administration.

"I'm glad Duterte is from Mindanao. He will feel [the poverty] in his flesh," said Villegas, who believes that the brand-new government will deliver the unfinished infrastructure projects earmarked by the Aquino administration.

Villegas stressed that the reason why economic vigor being experienced in the country today is only felt by the middle and the upper segments is because needs of the poorest of the poor are not being met.

Villegas, an influential economist in the country, said that the Philippines poorest communities include, the coconut farmers, fisherfolk, and Kaingiros. These groups comprise largely of the at least 25 million Filipinos considered living below the poverty line.

In contrast, Thailand and other neighboring countries like Myanmar, Indonesia, India, which GDP rates are growing at a rate of eight percent, are making extra efforts and investments in helping their farmers.

He mentioned that in Thailand, the most number of car buyers now are the farmers, simply because the Thai government has been giving all extension services and support needed by farmers. No wonder, it has become agri-business superpower in Asia, he added.

The Philippines with promising growth in white-collar industries like the outsourcing, and the growing OFW remittances, should take a serious look on the other side of fence, fueling the high potential of agriculture, for the Philippines to move in the right speed — economically. (FREEMAN)