Malacañang on Monday, September 4, welcomed a recent study showing Filipinos as the most optimistic consumers in the world.
Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the results of the Nielsen’s Global Survey of Consumer Confidence and Spending Intentions for the second quarter where Philippines posted an index score of 130 points demonstrate the gains of the current administration.
“The high confidence of Filipino consumers affirms the gains of the Duterte administration in creating a more sustainable and inclusive economy for all Filipinos,” Abella said.
The survey was conducted among 63 countries with more than 30,000 respondents.
Abella also discussed several significant developments regarding strife-torn Marawi City.
He mentioned the recent retaking of two critical bridges in the city namely Baloi Bridge in Mapandi and Bayabao Bridge in Banggolo noting that the development “are indicative of the decreasing maneuvering space of the rebels and will facilitate their defeat.”
“The continued use of hostages as human shields and the employment of IEDs in all areas the rebels have vacated will continue to slow down our advance but will not be a critical factor against offensive operations that will remain relentless,” the Palace spokesperson added.
For his part, Assistant Secretary Kristoffer James Purisima of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said Task Force Bangon Marawi continues to attend to the needs of displaced Marawi residents particularly food, shelter and psychosocial interventions.
Purisima, who is also the spokesperson of the task force, said development of the transitional housing site in Barangay Sagonsongan is already ongoing.
“Four hectares will have been developed by the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) by September 8 or September 9 for eventual handover to NHA (National Housing Authority) for the construction of transitional shelters,” he said.
He added that from the original 11 hectares, a total of 17 hectares will now be made available for the transitional shelter sites.
Task Force Bangon Marawi has also conducted distribution of relief assistance in various areas in Iligan City and Lanao del Norte, according to Purisima.
He also mentioned the series of concerts and other psychosocial activities initiated by the National Youth Commission to uplift the spirits of the internally displaced people of Marawi.
North Korea threat
Meanwhile, Purisima issued a statement on the reported nuclear test made by North Korea.
“The Office of Civil Defense is in continuous coordination with relevant national government agencies to ensure the safety of our people in light of the recent actions by North Korea that may put at risk the lives of our fellow Filipinos,” he said.
“Rest assured that contingencies are being set in motion for the protection of our civilian populace. Their safety is our primordial concern,” he added.
He likewise said the OCD is planning to launch an information campaign to provide citizens with proper guidelines in the event that North Korea’s nuclear attack would result in a nuclear fallout in the Philippines.
“We will make sure that we have our assets, that we will have all our contingency plans in place,” he said. ###PND
