Metro Manila, Philippines — As the country’s economy expanded in the second quarter, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday, Aug. 9, promised the government will continue investing in infrastructure and social protection programs.
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported last Thursday the Philippine economy expanded by 6.3%, attributed to the increase in investment and construction under the Build Better More program.
It quickened from 5.8% in the previous quarter and was the fastest expansion since the first quarter of 2023.
“Bagamat maganda ang datos na ito, wala itong kabuluhan kung hindi maramdaman ng ating mga kababayan,” Marcos said in a video. “ Kaya’t patuloy ang ating pagbibigay ng sapat at kalidad na trabaho.”
[Translation: While the data is good, it means nothing if it will not be felt by Filipinos. We will continue giving adequate and quality jobs.]
He also touted the nearly 50.3 million employed Filipinos in June, with 63.8% of them in the formal sector.
“I assure you this government will continue to invest in job-generating infrastructure, social protection programs, health and education for all Filipinos,” the chief executive said.
“We will not rest on our laurels, but use them to propel us forward into social and economic transformation,” he added.
Marcos also said his administration’s goal is to reduce the poverty rate to 9% by 2028 and improve the lives of eight million Filipinos.
For 2025, the Marcos administration is seeking ₱2.121 trillion for social services under the 2025 budget plan.
