Public and Private Partnership is the Key towards Sustainable Development
March 27, 2021More than a year into the pandemic, the Philippines has yet to revive its ailing economy. In spite of this, the government maintains its stringent mobility restrictions which hamper business operations throughout the country, especially in the National Capital Region. Despite branding the current restrictions as a “bubble”, no differences can separate it from being a lockdown wherein businesses are only allowed to operate in limited capacities. This in turn will result into further economic slump, while the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases are rising.
It is clear that after a year, no significant progress has been achieved as ordinary consumers continue to struggle despite the re-opening of the economy. This is reflected in the most recent data from Pulse Asia survey, revealing that the Most Urgent National Concerns for Filipinos are mostly related to financial security and job creation. Among the Most Urgent National Concerns are controlling inflation (43%), increasing the pay of workers (34%), providing assistance or subsidy to those who lost their livelihood and jobs because of COVID-19 pandemic (28%), reducing poverty (26%) and creating more jobs (26%).
Pulse Asia also showed the Most Urgent Personal Concerns for Filipinos. First on the list is “to stay healthy and avoid illnesses” (74%), second is “at least to be able to have enough to eat every day” (47%), and third is “have a secure/ well-paying job or source of income” (47%).
Evidently, Filipinos regard their economic state as a top priority next to their personal health. It is undeniable that consumers clamor not only for health provisions but also support in their daily survival through livelihood, job opportunities and income security.
A Pulse Asia survey also revealed that 85% of Filipinos agree that the government should partner with qualified and reputable enterprises to recover more quickly from the crisis. Furthermore, survey respondents said issues the private sector can help address are creating jobs (90%), expanding livelihood opportunities (68%), alleviating poverty (62%) and improving healthcare systems (43%).
In a recent virtual round table discussion organized by the Stratbase ADR Institute entitled, “The Private Sector as the Reliable Partner for Economic Recovery”, the vital role of private businesses and its leaders were delineated and emphasized as the catalysts of the resurgence and growth of the country’s economy. The immediate and constant response of private sector in providing financial and logistical support continue to augment government operations. It must be incumbent on the public sector to embrace the private sector as its partner in achieving sustained progress that will jumpstart the Philippines’ economic recovery.
CitizenWatch Philippines lauds the private sector for its unwavering drive to lift the country. We call on the government to work with the private sector in creating sustainable initiatives that will fortify a future proofed Philippines beyond this pandemic.