Global competitiveness...

PAGE 9 derived from an Executive Opinion Survey of mid- and upperlevel managers in each country covered.

This year’s results reflect the impact of different crises such as global inflation, the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, according to Arturo Bris, director of the World Competitiveness Center.

“Political fragmentation is a result of COVID-19 and the Ukraine war, and a major upshot is that more and more countries – Singapore, Saudi Arabia and India, for example – are pursuing their own interests. With inflation pressures easing and uncertain stock markets, we are now able to see winners and losers in a context where multiple crises overlap,” Bris said.

Denmark ranks as the top competitive economy in the 2023 WCY rankings, followed by Ireland and Switzerland.

In the Asia-Pacific region, the top three most competitive economies are Singapore (4th), Taiwan (6th) and Hong Kong (7th).

Russia and Ukraine were not assessed for this year’s report due to limited data reliability.

MANILA – President Marcos has vowed to sustain his administration’s livelihood programs, citing the “Filipino mentality” which he said is not reliant on dole-outs.

In his YouTube vlog on Saturday, June 17, Marcos gave a recap of his activities last week, which included his Independence Day celebration attendance, the launching of various development programs and the distribution of different types of government assistance to residents affected by the restiveness of Mayon Volcano.

Marcos said giving of immediate relief to the needy would continue, but clarified that the distribution program goes beyond doling out cash.

“The quest for freedom from poverty is a struggle that the government continues to face. So the distribution of aid that temporarily assists our countrymen will not be stopped. It provides immediate relief to thousands of Filipino families. But our distribution program is different because

He reiterated his call for unity, saying it is the only way to free Filipinos from any trial they are facing as a nation.

The Philippines’ friendship with countries that became part of its history would provide more opportunities to diligent and talented Filipinos, Marcos added.

In contrast, Kuwait joined the list of surveyed economies for the first time and was ranked 38th among 64 economies. n

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Malacañang file photo it does not only provide financial aid. We also provide livelihood means,” Marcos said in Filipino. He cited the distribution of farm equipment like harvesters and rice seeders, the government’s integrated livelihood and internship programs and scholarships.

“These are not just cash assistance, but an opportunity for Filipinos to find livelihood. They are not just relying on aid. What we are seeing is in times of need, Filipinos do not just wait for assistance. Filipinos are diligent and it would be better for Filipinos if they work, if they have a sure source of income and if there is hope that they will be able to improve their plight,” the President said.

“That’s the Filipino mentality. They prefer to work than to rely on aid. This is an example of freedom from lack of opportunities to earn a living,” he added. Marcos said other countries play a role in the Philippines’ goal to achieve economic development, specifically through trade and investments that create jobs and efforts to maintain peace in the region and to take care of overseas Filipino

In the same vlog entry, he gave assurance that the government is ready in case the restiveness of Mayon Volcano drags on for months. He said the evacuees in Albay are in good condition and have received assistance.

“Even if their evacuation is prolonged, the government is ready to give aid to those who were evacuated from the six-kilometer radius of the Mayon Volcano,” Marcos said.

Last Thursday, June 15, the President said the government has enough funds to assist those who were displaced by the volcano’s activities. However, he reminded agencies to study the needs of the evacuees and to consider issues that are not quantifiable, like their mental health and the education of their children. n