NEDA Secretary Ernesto Pernia Highlights Higher Growth Trajectory for Philippine Economy at Town Hall in New York

NEDA Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia (center) and POPCOM Undersecretary Juan Antonio A. Perez III (right) updates the Filipino community in US northeast about recent economic developments in the Philippines at a town hall meeting moderated by Philippine Consul General Claro S. Cristobal (left). (Photo by NYPCG)

New York City – The Philippine Consulate General in New York organized a town hall meeting featuring Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia of Socioeconomic Planning and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) on 3 April 2019 at the Philippine Center in New York.

Secretary Pernia presented the Philippine economy’s recent performance and prospects for the medium- and long-term period, emphasizing the goals of providing Filipinos with a “matatag, maginhawa at panatag na buhay” (strongly rooted, comfortable and peaceful life). 

Secretary Pernia responds to questions raised by members of the Fil-Am community during a town hall meeting in New York. (Photo by NYPCG)

He cited that the Philippines is among the fastest growing major economies in Asia, with 6.2% GDP growth for 2018. He likewise discussed the impact of increased public infrastructure spending for 2017-2022, citing that this will have an accumulative effect of a 4.6% increase in GDP and will generate 660,000 additional jobs for Filipinos.

The meeting was attended by members of the Filipino-American community, business groups, and Fil-Am media. The discussion was livestreamed through Facebook. Viewers from Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey participated during the open forum.

Members of the Fil-Am community in New York join NEDA Secretary Ernesto Pernia and the officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General in New York after the Town Hall Meeting. (Photo by NYPCG)

Secretary Pernia and Undersecretary Juan Antonio A. Perez III of the Commission on Population (POPCOM), who answered questions relating to population, are in New York for the 52nd Session of the Commission Population and Development at the United Nations Headquarters.

Contributed PCGNY1945