New year, new hope for Phl

Optimism is high for the Philippines this 2025 as the country continues to build on the economic gains of the past year and at the same time, finds itself at a critical juncture politically with the upcoming midterm elections.

Global headwinds aside, the Philippines’ outlook remains robust for 2025 with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) projecting a 6.2 percent economic growth this year, driven by broad-based domestic demand supported by lower inflation and interest rates.

Inflation, according to the ADB, is projected to further decline to 3.2 percent to strengthen consumer purchasing and economic momentum.

Likewise, around 90 percent of Filipinos also welcomed the New Year “with hope,” based on the results of the latest national Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey. This collective optimism reflects a shared aspiration for a better Philippines, amplified by the spirit of renewal that New Year celebrations bring – an opportunity to refresh, restart and recharge.

In his New Year’s message, business leader and philanthropist Manuel V. Pangilinan (MVP) captured the prevailing sentiment of Filipinos in saying: “I wish for a better Philippines – where people’s lives should be improved with more investments; where businesses can work together amongst themselves and with government in lifting the welfare of our people – and government allowing businesses to collaborate for the greater good; where economic priorities can be articulated, defined, and agreed by all in the next four years.”

MVP also expressed his hopes of achieving “greater respect from the international community, especially in addressing the increasingly difficult relationship with China” and wished President Marcos and First Lady Liza Marcos “all the very best.”

As we welcome the new year, I stand with MVP in the shared commitment to driving sustained progress for the Philippines through stronger collaboration between business and government.

It has been proven time and again that public-private partnerships are instrumental in bringing to life large-scale projects particularly in the fields of infrastructure, transportation and social welfare. This year is no different. Cultivating public-private partnerships remains as one of the most effective strategies for a developing country like ours to accelerate the implementation of various projects and programs that deliver meaningful benefits to the Filipino public.

Sustained focus on business-government collaboration is also critical in 2025, given the upcoming midterm polls. This will ensure that projects already underway will continue as planned and secure additional investments for the country’s priority sectors, namely agriculture, infrastructure, transportation and social services, among others.

Elections bring forth an opportunity for Filipinos to make our voices be heard and elect public servants who will support the collective aspiration of a more progressive country – characterized by sustained economic growth, improved social services and enhanced international reputation.

Cliché as it may seem, “vote wisely” remains as relevant as ever, especially this year. It is crucial for us to scrutinize candidates seeking public office and ensure that we vote for those who will work smart and hard to sustain and enhance our country’s economic policies and strategies for national progress, while ensuring that these are aligned with the needs of the Filipino people.

The elections should not disrupt our economic growth momentum but rather boost or accelerate it.

The challenge for 2025 is for the Philippines to achieve national progress that truly resonates on the grassroots level, particularly by the marginalized sectors of our society and underserved communities. I am hopeful that we will elect public servants who will support the administration’s economic priorities to secure investments, drive job creation, and promote inclusive growth.

As President Marcos aptly said, the New Year is an opportunity “to learn from the lessons of the past and apply the wisdom gained to better oneself.”

As we fully embrace a fresh start for 2025, may we all be inspired to do our part and work together to fully realize our hope for a better Philippines.