The Manila Times

MAP submits policy recommendations

BY ED PAOLO SALTING

THE Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) has submitted a set of policy recommendations to the government that aims to help attain a dynamic economy for all Filipinos.

“As the country emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic and the deep contraction it brought to our economy, policy and program support and public investments must prioritize the country’s two most important but also most challenged assets: its people and its lands. Health, nutrition and education need to be urgently addressed,” MAP said.

“Likewise, the productivity of our agricultural lands and coastal and inland waters likewise urgently need a substantial boost, especially in the face of a looming food crisis,” it added.

The organization presented six main problems the Marcos administration needs to address as well as the recommended policies to be undertaken.

To address the country’s urgent education crisis, MAP suggested the following: to immediately mobilize the Second Education Commission to develop a clear roadmap for secondary education; return to full face to face in all schools that are in non-highrisk areas; prioritize budgetary support for connectivity in all schools in the 2023 budget and teachers’ upskilling; and establish a program of cooperation among educational and practical institutions.

For quality health care, MAP said that the public health system must be upgraded and overhauled, malnutrition be curbed and institutional reforms be undertaken.

As for the agriculture sector and agribusiness, the organization recommended farm consolidation, strengthening food systems, bureaucratic reform in the agency and supplementing the “Indigenous Peoples Rights Act.”

For trade and industry policies, MAP said there is a need to ratify trade agreements; formulate an aggressive new Philippine Export Development Plan; update and expand industry road maps and inclusive value chains; and expand coverage for the recognition of globally competitive Philippines-based firms.

In infrastructure adequacy, MAP encourages the government to intensify energy development; promote digital transformation; adopt integrated water resources management principles; and develop attractive public-private partnership policy environments.

And in labor market and employment policies, the organization highlighted the need for labor flexibility and pension portability.

Lastly, MAP also suggested to the administration changes in fiscal and financial policies to maximize government gain and upholding the rule of law for the contentment of all.

Business Times

en-ph

2022-07-05T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-07-05T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://digitaledition.manilatimes.net/article/281908776844165

The Manila Times