AMID INFLATION, FOOD, OIL CRISES
Palace renews call for unity to fight poverty
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 11:37:00 05/07/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Faced with a rising inflation that could threaten economic growth, Malacañang has renewed its call to the public to unite in uplifting the poor and do away with politicking, while urging the private sector to help in cutting back food prices and lower rates.
The Asian Development Bank in its report has stressed the need for developing countries in Asia to strike a balance between providing relief to the poor amid rising food prices and guarantee the availability of inputs and credit to boost food production in the coming seasons.
"The ADB report, which cites inflation, food, and other economic challenges facing all of Asia, must galvanize all Filipinos to redouble development efforts and set aside petty distractions from our number one goal: uplifting the poor and protecting them from soaring prices through livelihood and basic needs programs," Cabinet Secretary Ricardo Saludo said in a statement.
Saludo, who will soon sit as chairperson of the Civil Service Commission, also said Congress should focus on enacting priority legislation.
Saludo said that "the government was spending tens of billions on rice subsidies, P5 billion on direct cash assistance, and has mobilized P80 billion for microfinance. And we continue our public investments in infrastructure and social services, creating jobs and providing education, health and other vital needs of the poor."
Rachel Hermosura, Contributor
Palace renews call for unity to fight poverty
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 11:37:00 05/07/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Faced with a rising inflation that could threaten economic growth, Malacañang has renewed its call to the public to unite in uplifting the poor and do away with politicking, while urging the private sector to help in cutting back food prices and lower rates.
The Asian Development Bank in its report has stressed the need for developing countries in Asia to strike a balance between providing relief to the poor amid rising food prices and guarantee the availability of inputs and credit to boost food production in the coming seasons.
"The ADB report, which cites inflation, food, and other economic challenges facing all of Asia, must galvanize all Filipinos to redouble development efforts and set aside petty distractions from our number one goal: uplifting the poor and protecting them from soaring prices through livelihood and basic needs programs," Cabinet Secretary Ricardo Saludo said in a statement.
Saludo, who will soon sit as chairperson of the Civil Service Commission, also said Congress should focus on enacting priority legislation.
Saludo said that "the government was spending tens of billions on rice subsidies, P5 billion on direct cash assistance, and has mobilized P80 billion for microfinance. And we continue our public investments in infrastructure and social services, creating jobs and providing education, health and other vital needs of the poor."
Rachel Hermosura, Contributor
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