Marianne Angela B. Dee
DIS-PRD
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) led by Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director-General Emmanuel F. Esguerra briefed Senator Risa Hontiveros and the AKBAYAN group on the AmBisyon Natin 2040 on June 23 at the NEDA Central Office.
Secretary Esguerra discussed the vision of the Filipino people for themselves and for their country, explaining the possible reasons behind such aspirations like bad public transport and the need for housing security. He revealed that on an average the required gross monthly income for a family of four will be PHP120, 000.
However, Deputy Director-General Rosemarie Edillon clarified that the computation of the gross monthly income for 2040 is based on various assumptions such as a comprehensive tax reform, financially literate family members, fully paid automobile.
She also noted that there is already a mismatch between the preferred fields of study and desired occupation since many want to be self-employed with a secure income, while their chosen fields are full-time jobs.
Hontiveros mentioned that they at the AKBAYAN are focusing on job tenure to increase the income stability of the people. However, Secretary Esguerra reasoned that such policies may not be applicable to certain industries where jobs are a seasonal need for businesses.
Hontiveros is the third legislator who has been briefed by NEDA on AmBisyon Natin 2040, after Senators Sonny Angara and Richard Gordon.
Marianne Angela B. Dee/DIS-PRD/loc. 103/Photos by Leody P. Barcelon