Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella welcomed the report of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in its World Investment Report 2017 putting the Philippines in the list of most promising investment destinations in the Asian region.
He also noted the UNCTAD report saying the country’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflow in 2016 has recorded an increase of 60 percent amounting to $8 billion.
“Among salient points, it is the reduced red tape and efficient delivery of government services that are the hallmark of the current government,” he said.
Increasing employment rate in April 2017, estimated at 94.3 percent, is also a welcome development for the Palace.
“The April 2017 Labor Force Survey (LFS) of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has projected an increase of 94.3 percent in employment rate for the month of April, higher than the April 2016 employment rate of 93.9 percent,” Abella said.
Similarly, the unemployment rate is projected to reach 5.7 percent for the month of April, lower than the April 2016 unemployment rate of 6.1 percent, he added.
Also, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has reported a growth in the overall confidence index (CI) of 13.1 percent for the second quarter of 2017, according to the Palace official.
Abella also said there is soaring consumer optimism due to the improvements in the peace and order situation in the country, higher salary, stronger business activity, increase of available jobs and number of employed individuals and effective government policies such as Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and increased pension for retirees.
He also gave an update on the ongoing military operations Marawi City, stressing government troops continue to gain foothold into the inner portion of the enemy-held areas. Enemy resistance also continues to dwindle, he said.
To date, there are 1,618 civilians rescued by authorities.
