Acting Negros Occidental Gov. Isidro Zayco said the 7.3 percent growth in the country's gross domestic product last year is a signal that the economy is improving and gives people reason to be optimistic.

Zayco said he is hoping that this eventually will trickle down and be felt by people through improved standards of living.

“The bottom line is it is really up to the people to take advantage of the opportunities available to improve their lives,” he said.

“That is why the provincial government is stepping up skills training for Negrenses to help them to tap into growing employment available here and abroad,” he said.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Anthony Golez, meanwhile, said that the economic growth last year was led by the robust services sector whose output grew 8.7 percent.

Industrial output increased 6.6 percent, while farm production rose 5.1 percent, he said, which has been attributed to an environment of benign inflation, low interest rates and a strong peso.

Heavy government spending in infrastructure and services has also boosted cash flow, Zayco said.*CPG

back to top