Making the Filipino

in national output.

However, a 2015 study by the National Eco expected growth and development from such demographic transitions do not occur automatically and, in the case of the Philippines, may not productive, and rewarding employment.

Inching Up the Rankings

Good jobs are central to the pursuit of a comfortable and stable life for every Filipino. This is the Filipino dream articulated in the national vision called AmBisyon Natin 2040. Critical to sustainable job creation is fostering the competitiveness of the country and its businesses, large and small.

- petitiveness Center in its yearly ranking of over 60 countries worldwide, we noted how the Philippines continued to perform very well in terms only managed to move up a spot to 41st place in 2016 as it faltered in other equally important aspects of national competitiveness.

weak institutions, underinvestment in physical infrastructure (transport and communications), and social infrastructure (education in business and government. Results for technological readiness, innovation, and talent cultivation were similarly lackluster.

It has not gone unnoticed that the current administration, guided by its 10-point socioeconomic agenda, is working hard to make good on its promises.

Major public transportation projects, bridges, ports, and airports are expected to break ground soon, if not already underway. New legislation for universal access to quality tertiary education and enhanced healthcare coverage, while not perfect, do signal a commitment to human capital development.

Tax and governance reforms, while also imperfect, may establish suitable institutional frameworks and sustainability mechanisms to support their implementation.

falter, projects and projections are only as good as the people who make them.

Infrastructure, tax reform and social welfare programs must be brought to full fruition and

Sustainable business models must be developed to ensure the quality and long-term feasibility of infrastructure projects. Meanwhile, the delivery of expanded education and healthcare services must proceed practically and strategically.

Wishlist

tertiary education to be made free and accessible. It must also be made responsive to the evolving needs of industry and built atop solid basic education so students (especially the indigent) are equipped with the skills and competencies to ensure gainful employment.

Universal healthcare to be truly universal must be readily available and accessible especially to the underprivileged, who may continue to be unfamiliar with their options in availing themselves of appropriate care.

Infrastructure projects must be coordinated and integrated into a broader national development plan that involves the private sector and is open to new technologies to minimize

Policies and reforms must be designed and implemented using a system-wide approach. Policymakers must not only consider the isolated effect of reforms on a target sector, but also the systemic impact on all stakeholders, including implementers and evaluators. Policymakers should also take into account changes in incentive structures and how reforms will interact with other policies.

down some of the essential groundwork to sus

Ultimately, we will need competent public managers working with responsible business leaders to guarantee that reforms are completed and fairly implemented; and that big spending on public infrastructure and social services creates a real, sustainable impact on our shared prosperity.