PH officials optimistic on 5-6% economic growth

By: Riza Olchondra
Philippine Daily Inquirer

1:20 pm | Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012

MANILA, Philippines–The country’s top officials are optimistic that the Philippine economy would grow 5 to 6 percent in terms of gross domestic production (GDP) for 2012.

Socioeconomic Planning Sec. Cayetano W. Paderanga Jr. told reporters on the sidelines of the 45th ADB  Governors’ Annual Meeting (Manila 2012) that government’s expenditure program is getting on track and economic indicators are looking “good.”

Public Works Sec. Rogelio Singson said “strong spending” and government’s “strong resolve on good governance” ensure that spending is done efficiently.

Both officials also cited business confidence and “strong
international support” for the Philippines.

In early 2011, slow government spending and sluggish global trade resulted in 4.6 percent GDP growth in the first quarter of 2011.
Manufacturing and other services, real estate, renting and business activities, and the recovery of agriculture drove economic activity in the first quarter of 2011. Increased investments in fixed capital and household spending also helped offset some of the slowdown.

The domestic economy must grow by an average of 7 to 8 percent annually to generate enough employment and income opportunities for a larger number of Filipinos, according to the Philippine Development Plan 2010-2016. In 2011, contraction in the electronics-heavy Philippine exports pulled down services and other growth drivers.

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As I was heading home, I saw a beggar approaching a man and asked for money. The man replied, "wala jud koy mahatag nong kay nagpait pud ko..." Soon, I began to wonder, will that scenario never gonna be eradicated or at least be alleviated in our society? I guess that's impossible, if not , very difficult to achieve because every country, either it's a first-world country, second-world country, or a third-world country has that kind of situation. 

As we all know, our country is facing numerous issues, whether social, political, economic, environmental, you name it. And the scenario aforementioned above is just one of its ill effects. That is why, when I read this article, I felt glad, although not quite, because of the expected economic growth. I just really hope that the governance and spending had been done efficiently and responsibly so that such prevision will occur and exceed the expected growth rate. 

However, this would not be a "good news" for everybody because in my opinion, a 5-6% growth in our economy cannot feed millions of Filipinos who are struggling because of hunger, nor it can build hundreds of shelter for homeless people. Maybe some will gain benefit out from it, but I have to say that it is not enough because of these two words--OVERALL WELFARE.

RH post

Cebu creates pro-RH network; to intensify RH bill passing campaign

Cebu residents are pro-Reproductive Health (RH), unlike what the Roman Catholic Church wants to convey.

This was the message of the Reproductive Health Advocacy Network (RHAN)-Cebu chapter as they are into the intensification of the tri-media campaign about the importance of the passage the controversial bill.

In a statement sent to this reporter, Ms. Judy Aguilar of the newly created RHAN-Cebu said, that the creation of RHAN-Cebu is one step to the strengthening of the RH bill passage campaign in the province, despite the fact that it is the bulwark of the Roman Catholic faith.

In addition to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of the Manila, the Archdiocese of Cebu, being one of the oldest dioceses in the country, is strongly campaigning for the scrapping of the bill authored by Albay Rep. Edcel C. Lagman Sr.

The bill was sponsored by progressive party-lists Bayan Muna (People First), Anakpawis (Toiling Masses) Gabriela Women’s Party.

“We have RHAN-CEBU because we see the urgency in passing the reproductive health bill. We believe passage of this bill will ensure that maternal and child health care will improve, unwanted pregnancies and abortions will be prevented,” Aguilar said.

She furthered, the passing of the bill is crucial since Cebu has the record of the highest number of abortion cases, especially among married women. 

“We believe that a comprehensive national law that will ensure reproductive health education and services, will help reduce if not eliminate abortions,” explained Aguilar.

On the other hand, Elizabeth Angsioco, secretary-general of RHAN national office, welcomes this development, saying that Cebu is a critical area for the national campaign on reproductive health and the creation of the RHAN-Cebu is a welcome development that truly supports a nationwide clamor for the passage of reproductive health bill.

Meanwhile, in Manila, Ramon San Pascual, Executive Director of the Philippine Legislators Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc. (PLCPD), lauds RHAN-Cebu for standing bravely despite the strong opposition shown by Catholic hierarchy.

“We are glad that people are already taking up the cudgels to show legislators the public clamor for a reproductive health.” San Pascual said. (Noel Sales Barcelona/Philippines Today)

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For the past years, Reproductive Health Bill, popularly known as the RH Bill, had intensated our nation; from the deliberations between the Senate and Congress, discussions in public forums (either local or national), and even dialogues between the masses and lay people. Many of them are assenting with the passage of the bill (known as the "pro's"). However, many are also refuting with it (known as the "anti's"). 

Apparently, this article is just an another evidence that many people are willing to heighten their notion regarding with the authorization of the bill and disseminate it to others. Personally, I commend them for doing such because they exemplified an act of socio-economic concern and awareness. Moreover, they still remained in their position as being affirmative to the bill despite the fact that Cebu is the bulwark of the Roman Catholic faith.

Nonetheless, I have to disagree to some of their beliefs. One of those states that if RH Bill will be implemented, maternal and child care will improve. The other one states that unwanted pregnancies will be prevented. Is there really an assurance that the implementation of RH Bill would entail maternal and child care improvement? What if a child only depends on her relatives or "yaya" because his/ her parents are working abroad? Would it really eliminate unwanted pregnancies and abortion cases? It may reduce, somehow, but to eliminate? I don't think so. 

As a Filipino and as a Christian, I believe that every plan has its own boon and bane, but the decision must accord to the people's well-being. It can be hard though, but it can be done.