Marianne Angela B. Dee
DIS-PRD
Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director-General Emmanuel F. Esguerra presented Ambisyon Natin 2040 to the Assisi Development Foundation, Inc. (ADFI) on June 16 at Strata 2000 Building, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.
“I always grab opportunities to speak about Ambisyon Natin 2040 to groups like yours because we need a broad ownership of the national vision. That way, we have a fair chance of continuing development and economic growth beyond one administration,” said Secretary Esguerra.
During the presentation, he stressed that the results of the national survey and FGDs showed that there is a very strong family-centeredness in the motivations of people. The results also showed that education plays a big part in the aspirations of Filipinos. “A college degree represents earning capacity. Education must therefore teach the most important skill, which is the ability to learn,” Secretary Esguerra added.
In response, the members of the ADFI stated that Ambisyon Natin 2040 is in line with the Zero Poverty Movement, which is an ADFI-initiated program that aims to help end poverty in the Philippines by year 2030. They also expressed interest in participating in consultations for the crafting of the next Philippine Development Plan.
The ADFI is a Christian civil society-led organization that is involved in providing education and medical assistance to the poor and oppressed, and providing relief and rehabilitation to victims of armed conflict in Mindanao.
Among those present at the briefing were ADFI executives Ambassador Howard Dee, Viel Aquino-Dee, and Benjamin Abadiano.
Marianna Antonia B. Diaz/DIS-PRD/loc. 103/Photos by Paul D. Torrente/ DIS-MD