MANILA — Malacañang vowed to intensify efforts to create quality jobs and expand livelihood opportunities after a World Bank report warned that millions of Filipinos remain vulnerable to slipping into poverty despite the country’s strong economic growth.
The Palace said the administration is determined to ensure that economic gains translate into better employment, stronger social protection, and improved public services as it pursues long-term poverty reduction and inclusive development.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the government remains focused on sustaining economic growth while addressing challenges that continue to affect vulnerable sectors.
“The government’s thrust is to grow the economy while creating high-quality jobs, investing skills and other productivity-enhancing measures, addressing gaps in social protection systems, and building national and local state capacity toward accessible, resilient public services,” Castro said, citing a statement from Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.
The statement came after the World Bank reported that although the Philippines has emerged as one of the fastest-growing middle-income economies over the past 15 years, many Filipinos remain at risk of falling back into poverty due to economic vulnerabilities.
According to the World Bank, economic growth in the country has generally benefited lower-income sectors, with income gains averaging 3.5 percent annually among top-performing middle-income economies.
The international financial institution also said the Philippines could substantially reduce poverty and become a predominantly middle-class society by 2040 if reforms aimed at boosting job creation and strengthening household resilience are effectively carried out.
In response, Castro reiterated the administration’s commitment to expanding employment opportunities and supporting livelihoods nationwide.
She pointed to the latest labor data showing that the unemployment rate declined to 4.7 percent in April from 5.8 percent in March, with the services sector driving much of the employment growth.
“Kahit medyo nag-increase po ang employment rate, patuloy pa rin po ang ating gobyerno sa paglilikha po ng dekalidad na trabaho at pagbibigay ng mga livelihood projects sa ating mga kababayan,” Castro said.
Castro said the government would continue implementing programs designed to increase employment, improve workforce skills, strengthen productivity, and support economic development across the country.
She added that the administration remains optimistic about the country’s economic outlook and is committed to ensuring that growth results in higher living standards and broader opportunities for Filipino families./PN
