BBM: Infrastructure and Food Security Are Top Priorities for Economic Plan

Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was sworn in as the 17th President of the Republic of the Philippines last June 30, 2022. 

In his inaugural address, President Marcos Jr. promised to prioritize the country’s economic recovery from the pandemic and identified the priorities of his incoming administration. 

“We are presently drawing up a comprehensive all-inclusive plan for economic transformation. We will build back better by doing things in the light of the experiences that we have had, both good and bad,” says President Marcos Jr. 

Food sufficiency and agriculture were one of the first highlighted priorities identified by Marcos. It was recently announced that the chief executive would be heading the Department of Agriculture for the time being. 

“Food sufficiency must get the preferential treatment the richest free trade countries always gave their agricultural sectors. Their policy boils down to ‘don’t do as we do, do what we tell you to’,” mentions the new chief executive. 

“I am giving that policy the most serious thought if that doesn’t change or make more allowances for emergencies with long-term effects,” President Marcos Jr. shares. He also plans on continuing former President Rodrigo Duterte’s infrastructure projects. 

Marcos Jr. then says “I will complete on schedule the projects that have been started. I am not interested in taking credit. I want to build on the success that’s already happening,”

He also discusses environmental issues like climate change. 

“We will look to our partners and friends to help the Philippines who despite having a very small carbon footprint is at the highest risk. First, spare victims and help them recover, and move on to lessen the harmful impact of climate change,” says Marcos Jr.

Source: CNN Philippines