Most Filipinos feel local economy worse this year

Most Filipinos felt the local economy worsened this year, despite the country's stunning first quarter growth, according to a nationwide survey issued Wednesday. Despite the country's 7.8 percent growth rate for the first quarter of 2013, more Filipinos, or 29 percent in June from 24 percent in March, felt that the economy worsened this year compared with 2012, according to the June 20 to July 4 survey conducted by Pulse Asia. The survey, which has 1,200 respondents, showed that fewer Filipinos felt that the local economy improved compared to last year. About 43 percent of the respondents think that the economy was the same as last year. But Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said despite the Pulse Asia survey results, "one very factual thing is that our numbers improved. The economy has improved." Lacierda added that the important thing is the administration is keen on inclusive growth. He said that instead of a mere trickle down effect, the administration wants every ordinary Filipino, whether they are farmers, fisherfolk, or ordinary workers, to "be part of the tide that lifts us all." He said they are doing this through more investments on infrastructure, agriculture and tourism.