Public Perception of DOH Performance Rates as “Good”
Survey reveals high awareness of DOH programs but lower satisfaction with healthcare affordability A nationwide study conducted by Capstone-Intel Corporation has found that public perception of the Department of Health’s (DOH) performance was “Good.” The survey aimed to gauge public satisfaction with DOH across areas like transparency, timeliness, access to healthcare services, and communication. With 1,205 respondents across the Philippines, the poll found that 83% of respondents were aware of the functions and responsibilities of the DOH. The programs of the DOH with the highest awareness is the National Immunization Program, with 65% awareness, followed by the Family Health Program (59%) and the National HIV/AIDS Program (50%). The survey also showed that 60% were satisfied with DOH’s transparency and accountability in providing public health services and information, 10% were dissatisfied, and 31% were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied. Regarding the timeliness and efficiency of crisis response, 56% expressed satisfaction, 13% were dissatisfied and 31% were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied. Regarding healthcare accessibility and affordability, 52% were satisfied, 18% were dissatisfied, while 31% were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied. On DOH’s health information dissemination to the public, 59% were satisfied, 12% were dissatisfied, and 29% were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied. Overall, the survey showed 60% were satisfied with the performance of the agency, 13% were dissatisfied, and 27% were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied. “This survey provides valuable insights that can guide policies towards improving the delivery of health services and strengthening health systems for all Filipinos,” said Dr. Guido David, Chief Data Expert at Capstone-Intel. “While DOH’s ratings are generally positive, increased affordability of care should be a priority to truly achieve universal healthcare.” Capstone-Intel aims to deliver objective, non-partisan research on issues of national importance. The DOH survey was conducted from August 1-10, 2023 with strict protocols to ensure data reliability and accurate representation of public opinion across the Philippines’ urban and rural areas. Capstone-Intel is a high-impact research company that uses innovative research technologies, tools, and methods to convert data and information into breakthrough insights and actionable intelligence outputs. It is committed to helping its clients solve problems, find solutions, grow markets and constituencies, build reputations, navigate risks, manage crises, and be the country’s leading private research and intelligence agency.
Capstone-Intel welcomes DOJ’s suspension of new outbound travel rules for Pinoys; says nat’l gov’t must strengthen laws on exploitation than traveler requirements
Private research and intelligence agency Capstone-Intel Corporation praises the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) recent statement suspending the “stricter” policies for Filipino travelers abroad, adding that the national government has to strengthen its laws on eradicating the root cause of exploitation and human trafficking among Filipinos. According to Atty. Nick Conti, Capstone-Intel’s Chief of Public Affairs, the suspension made by the DOJ shows that authorities, as public servants, listen to the appeal of the public about the new policy. “We commend the justice department for suspending the implementation of what it called to be ‘stricter’ policies to eradicate human trafficking among our countrymen,” said Conti. “While we believe the intention of the IACAT is good, it is imperative that they listen rigorously to the other implications of the policies for the Filipino public,” he added. He likewise said that all Filipinos, regardless of their status, should not be hindered from practicing their “right to travel” as enshrined in the Philippine Constitution. “As stipulated in Article III, Section 6 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, it guarantees every Filipino’s liberty to travel, and it should not be curtailed by anyone regardless of their power unless national security, public safety, and health are at stake,” he said. The DOJ, which is in charge of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), has decided to put the implementation of the amended guidelines for Filipinos who wish to travel outside of the country on hold for the time being after drawing criticism from the public and lawmakers. He likewise said that what the national government needs are legal measures that strengthen the Philippine laws against exploitation and human trafficking in order to ensure that Filipinos practice their right to travel without fear of sacrificing their safety. “What our government needs are laws that stabilize the arrest of recruiters who exploit our people and make sure that the workers here have adequate protection so that the majority of the Filipinos won’t be affected by this and allow them to enjoy their right to leave the country without experiencing difficulty in presenting documents that are not that important for the purpose of their travel, Conti noted. According to the DOJ, the primary objective of the revised guidelines was to “streamline the departure procedures” to ensure that there is a “more efficient and secure process” for every Filipino traveling abroad, which, as per Conti, lessens the public’s burden if the government maximizes the usage of modern technologies and tools to reduce paper usage and increase productivity among its officials. “I definitely agree with the goal of streamlining the departure process, and I think it would be better if we maximize our tools in today’s digital age. Aside from paperless transactions, it also accelerates our personnel’s productivity, which would allow them to serve more travelers,” he said.
New Study Reveals Only 40% of Filipinos Get Yearly Checkups, an issue that can be addressed by UHC law – Atty. Conti
Maintaining optimal health stands as a fundamental pillar of overall well-being for individuals. Yet, there is a concerning trend observed in the Philippines, where a significant portion of the population neglects regular health check-ups. To delve into this issue, Capstone-Intel Corporation, a reputable private research agency, undertook an in-depth study. Through data panel research, the study on the frequency of Filipinos on medical checkups was conducted from August 1–10, 2023. A total of 1,205 respondents from 18 to more than 65 years old participated in the survey. The survey also aims to determine how respondent’s behaviors in getting their health checked are influenced by their age, monthly income, and source of money. This is especially relevant given the government’s Universal Health Care (UHC) law, which prioritizes addressing this issue. The UHC law offers coverage for consultations and tests to individuals who may encounter financial barriers when accessing healthcare services. Based on the data collected, it is found that 40% of the respondents go for annual medical checkups, 33% only get a checkup when they feel unwell, 15% rarely do so, 7% undergo medical checkups every 2-3 years, and 4% never get a checkup. According to the study’s analysis of age demographics, the frequency with which individuals undergo yearly medical checkups varies across age groups. Specifically, the study found that 51% of those aged 45-54 receive annual checkups, followed by 50% in the 35-44 age range, 41% in the 25-34 age category, 38% in the 55-64 age range, 31% of respondents aged 65 and above, and 24% of those aged 18-24 undergo yearly medical checkups. “The resolution of this health concern is contingent upon consistent and informed guidance from our government especially since we have the Philippine Universal Health Care Act (UHC) which has benefits especially for seniors,” said Atty. Nic Conti, Chief of Public Affairs of Capstone-Intel. From the survey, it was observed that out of 1,205 respondents, 26% of individuals with a monthly income opt for annual check-ups. Additionally, only 3.5% of respondents with a monthly salary undergo a health checkup every 2-3 years whereas 14.3% of people with monthly salaries only get a health checkup when they feel unwell. For respondents who earn less than P10,000 monthly, 32% seek medical checkups only when feeling unwell, 26% rarely have health checkups, and 16% have annual health checkups. However, more than 50% of those with a monthly income of ₱65,000 or more have an annual health checkup. “In a move towards providing universal health care, the Universal Health Care Act was signed by the government in 2019. In 2021, the House of Representatives passed House Bill 9072, also referred to as the ‘Free Annual Medical Checkup Act,’ which is linked to UHC. The appropriate implementation of these initiatives is crucial in ensuring that our fellow citizens benefit from these measures,” added Atty. Conti. The research study also further demonstrated that a considerable percentage of individuals who undergo annual checkups are PhilHealth members, with a proportion of 36%, whereas only 3% of non-members reported undergoing such checkups. Moreover, among those who receive checkups every 2-3 years, 5% are PhilHealth members, while only 2% are non-members. For individuals who undergo medical checkups only when they feel unwell, 25% are PhilHealth members, whereas 8% are non-PhilHealth members. **** Disclaimer: The findings and analysis presented in this report are based solely on survey data collected and commissioned by Capstone-Intel Corporation in 2023. They do not reflect the official position of any affiliated institutions or authors. The aim is to provide insights into public attitudes to inform policy discourse, but should not be interpreted as an endorsement for any specific legislative action. There are reasonable perspectives on both sides of this complex public health issue that warrant further research. This report summarizes data from 1,205 respondents. Any estimates or margins of error are acknowledged in the methodology section. Capstone-Intel does not accept responsibility for any subsequent use or interpretation of this information, which remains the reader’s sole responsibility. Capstone-Intel is a high-impact research company that uses innovative research technologies, tools, and methods to convert data and information into breakthrough insights and actionable intelligence outputs. It is committed to helping its clients solve problems, find solutions, grow markets and constituencies, build reputations, navigate risks, manage crises, and be the country’s leading private research and intelligence agency.
Capstone-Intel Magsasagawa ng Webinar hinggil sa Komunikasyon at Pamamahala sa Eleksyon para sa Halalang Pambarangay
Isang mahalagang aspeto ng pamamahala ng komunidad ang nalalapit na Eleksyong Pambarangay dahil nagbibigay ito ng paraan para sa mga indibiduwal na gampanan ang mga tungkulin sa pamumuno at magkaroon ng positibo at matibay na epekto sa kanilang komunidad. Gayunman, ang pagkapanalo sa boto ng mga tao ay nangangailangan ng tamang preparasyon at pagpapatupad, na maaaring makuha sa pamamagitan ng komunikasyon at pamamahala sa eleksyon. Ang epektibong komunikasyon at pamamahala sa eleksyon ay mahalagang parte ng prosesong ito. Para suportahan ang mga kandidato kabilang ang kanilang mga campaign team, ang Capstone-Intel Corporation, isang mapagkatitiwalaang pribadong ahensya ng pananaliksik, ay nag-aalok at magsasawaga ng webinar sa Setyembre 22, 2023 sa pamamagitan ng Zoom. Ang webinar na ito ay magbibigay ng kaalaman sa modernong estratehiya upang matulungan ang mga kandidato na maipanalo ang kanilang kampanya. Ang sesyon ay partikular na mahalaga sa campaign managers, communication specialists at kandidato sa eleksyong pambarangay na nais masiguro na ang kanilang mga mensahe ay angkop sa mga botante at ang mga pagsisikap ay mas napahuhusay upang maging matagumpay. Sa pamamagitan ng pag-aaral mula sa mga eksperto sa industriya, magiging mas mahusay ang mga kandidato para makamit ang kanilang mga layunin at mas epektibong mapagsilbihan ang kanilang mga komunidad. Ang webinar na ito ay magtatampok sa mga respetadong opisyal ng Capstone-Intel. Ang mahuhusay na tagapagsalita ay sina Eero Brillantes, CEO; Atty. Nic Conti, Chief of Public Affairs; Ella Kristina Coronel, Chief Research Specialist; John David Montesa, Social Media Manager; Karl Michael Domingo, Multimedia Manager; Rossano Brillantes, Chief Technology Officer; at Jericho Zafra, Content Creation Specialist. Sa pagtatapos ng seminar, ang mga partisipante ay magkakaroon ng komprehensibong kaalaman sa pamamahala ng kampanya sa eleksyon gamit ang digital platforms at iba pang epektibong tools. Ang seminar ay maglalaan ng kaalaman sa kahalagahan ng isang istraktura ng organisasyon para sa pamamahala ng kampanya ng barangay, at kung paano ang magkaroon nito. Gayundin, malalaman din ng mga partisipante ang mga tungkulin ng isang campaign manager, ground operations at ground game, mga komunikasyon sa pananaliksik, at ang pangunahing kahalagahan ng social media. Saklaw din ng seminar na ito ang pinakabagong mga pag-unlad sa malikhaing kampanya at kung paano magsulat ng mga nakaeengganyong istorya para sa social media. Ito ay upang bigyan ang mga partisipante ng isang hanay ng mga kasanayan at impormasyon na maaari magamit sa mga kampanya sa hinaharap. Ito at marami pang ibang paksa ang tatalakayin sa webinar. Ang webinar na ito ay makukuha sa pagrerehistro sa mababang halaga para sa partisipante: Gold na P2,000, Bronze na P1,500, at Patron sa P500. Ang bawat isa sa mga ito ay magbibigay ng iba’t ibang saklaw, tulad ng karapatan sa pakikilahok ng dalubhasa sa Q&A, pag-access sa mga pag-record ng video ng pagsasanay, mga training deck at manual, sertipikasyon, at iba pa. Magrehistro sa: https://www.capstone-intel.com/communication-and-election-management-registration/ Para sa iba pang mga detalye at katanungan, mangyaring makipag-ugnayan kay Bb. Connie Flores sa 09295993831, 09457958099, 09084750294 o mag- email sa info@capstone-intel.com.
Study Finds 83% of Respondents Believe Hiring Unlicensed Nurses Can Boost Exam Pass Rates; Highlights result-focused approach in the nursing profession – Dr. David
One of the pressing issues facing the country is the insufficiency of manpower in the healthcare sector, specifically the scarcity of nursing professionals. To address this concern, the Department of Health has formulated a plan to fill the vacancies in public hospitals by recruiting a substantial number of unlicensed nurses. This initiative is a response to the immediate need to fill a total of 4,500 nursing positions nationwide. The topic of unlicensed nurses working in the healthcare sector was discussed on the radio program Pintig ng Bayan, which aired on DZMM on August 23. The discussion was centered on the results of a survey conducted by Capstone-Intel Corporation, which was explained by its Chief Data Scientist, Dr. Guido David. The survey found that 83 percent of respondents believed that unlicensed nurses could be employed under the guidance and supervision of licensed nurses. “‘Yung need natin sa nurses, hindi natin nafi-fill itong kakulangan natin. Hindi natin napupuno iyan dahil maraming graduates natin ay nagsisialisan especially ‘yung board passers. Kasi sila rin ang nakakapasa ng licensure (exams) sa ibang bansa,” said Dr. David. During the interview, Dr. David was asked about the results of the survey conducted between August 1, 2023 to August 10, 2023. He was further questioned regarding the competency of the public to assess whether unregistered nurses can provide quality services, mainly if the public is unaware of the nursing student’s curriculum. “Opinion naman nito ng mga kababayan natin. Gusto ko rin i-clarify na hindi naman nila sinasabi na itong nurses ay puwedeng magtrabaho na as nurses, kasi may follow up question na, ‘In your opinion should nursing graduates be given an opportunity to work in healthcare settings under supervisions of a licensed nurse,” explained Dr. David. Legislators may want to consider the findings of this study as a means of addressing the increasing issue faced by the country, as explained by Dr. David. “So klaro ito. Ang context nito ay puwede silang magtrabaho sa hospitals or healthcare service, pero under the supervision ng isang licensed or registered nurse. Sa ibang bansa, ginagawa rin ito, in fairness. May nursing aids at nursing assistants na hindi pa board passers na nakapagtrabaho sa hospitals,” he added. Also, the study is noteworthy and highlights the importance of a result-focused approach in the nursing profession. In his initial statement, Dr. David presented an argument that involving non-licensed nurses in healthcare facilities can contribute positively to their chances of passing the board examination. This, in turn, can enhance the country’s healthcare system. “Working in a healthcare setting would help improve their chances of passing the board exam,” said Dr. David.
Perception and Attitude of Filipinos on Hiring Unlicensed Nurses in the Healthcare System
The issue of inadequate remuneration for nurses is a pressing concern in the Philippines. The Department of Health (DOH) has recently taken steps to address the situation, stating their intention to recruit numerous unlicensed nurses to fulfill vacancies in public hospitals. The department has specified that individuals who have taken the board exam and scored between 70 percent and 74.9 percent but failed to pass it may be granted temporary licenses. This move comes amid an urgent need to fill 4,500 vacant nursing positions across the country. Capstone-Intel Corporation conducted a nationwide survey to address this pressing issue. This study utilized an online panel data survey methodology, which was conducted from August 1, 2023 to August 10, 2023 and sent to a total of 20,381 data-panel respondents. Out of the total number of respondents, 1,205 completed the survey. Prior to participating in the survey, the respondents underwent a rigorous screening process to ensure their suitability for the study. The questionnaire was meticulously designed to be completed within a time frame of 15 minutes and consisted of a maximum of three questions. Capstone-Intel is confident that the survey results offer valuable insights into the opinions surrounding the authorization of unlicensed nursing graduates to operate under supervision. The sample size of 1,205 respondents guarantees an exceptional level of accuracy, with a margin of error of ±3 percent at a 95 percent confidence level. It is essential to note that sub-national estimates for different regions have varying margins of error, ranging from ±6 percent for Metro Manila, balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Capstone-Intel takes immense pride in presenting these findings as an impartial and nonpartisan contribution to the ongoing discourse on permitting unlicensed nursing graduates to work in supervised positions in the Philippines. There are ongoing discussions about allowing nursing graduates who still need to pass the licensure exam to work in healthcare settings under the supervision of licensed nurses in positions such as “nursing assistants.” This policy is a potential way to address healthcare personnel shortages. Recently, the Department of Health proposed creating a “nursing assistant” position with a Salary Grade of 9 for unlicensed nurses. However, some are concerned about whether nursing graduates without licenses can provide quality care. Opponents argue that the licensure exam helps ensure that nurses are qualified. There are also concerns about possibly overburdening licensed nurses tasked with supervision. On the other hand, according to the expert opinion of Dr. Guido David, the esteemed Chief Data Scientist at Capstone-Intel, the recruitment of aspiring nurses in healthcare establishments prior to their licensure examination can significantly enhance their likelihood of successfully clearing the board examination. “Working in [a] healthcare setting would help improve their chances of passing the board exam,” David said. This study aims: To know the public’s perception of whether or not unlicensed nursing graduates can help provide quality care, To know the public’s opinion on whether or not this policy could improve their chances of passing the exam, To determine if the public thinks that allowing unlicensed nurses to assist in the healthcare system can help them increase their chances of passing the board exam. Methodology This study is a panel-data survey conducted online. The survey was distributed to 20,381 data-panel respondents and 1,205 completed the survey. Respondents from data panel surveys are real internet users who go through quality and reliability checks and are selected through a dynamic sampling method. Panel surveys are used for a quicker turn-around, using up-to-date AI and security technologies without neglecting the rigor of traditional research. Results of the survey This section shows the results of the survey. The questions are shown, followed by the table showing the results. The data is presented in percentages and the responses are distributed in the National Capital Region, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The questions are shown both in English and Filipino languages. Do you believe nursing graduates who have not taken or passed the board exam can help provide quality healthcare services? “Q31. Sa tingin mo ba, makatutulong magbigay ng de-kalidad na serbisyo sa pangangalaga ng kalusugan ang mga nakapagtapos na nars na hindi pa nakakuha o nakapasa sa board exam?” Table 1. Whether or not respondents agree that unlicensed nurses can provide quality health care services Base = Total Respondents PH Area NCR BL VIS Min Yes 69 71 67 68 70 No 16 16 18 14 14 Not sure 15 13 14 18 16 NCR= National Capital Region, BL=Balance Luzon, VIS=Visayas, Min=Mindanao The survey results indicate that 69 percent of respondents believe that unlicensed nurses can provide quality healthcare services. This perception was consistent across the National Capital Region, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Only 16 percent perceived that unlicensed graduates could provide quality care, while 15 percent were unsure (Table 1). In your opinion, should nursing graduates who have not taken or passed the board exam be allowed to work in healthcare settings under the supervision of a licensed nurse? “Q32. Sa iyong opinyon, dapat ba na bigyan ng pagkakataon na magtrabaho sa healthcare settings sa ilalim ng pangangasiwa ng isang lisensiyadong nars ang mga nakapagtapos na nars na hindi pa nakakuha o nakapasa sa board exam?” Table 2. Whether or not unlicensed nurses be allowed to work in healthcare settings under the supervision of a licensed nurse Base = Total Respondents PH Area NCR BL VIS Min Yes 83 83 82 82 86 No 13 15 13 15 9 Not sure 4 2 5 3 5 NCR= National Capital Region, BL=Balance Luzon, VIS=Visayas, Min=Mindanao The survey results show that 83 percent of respondents believe that unlicensed nurses should be allowed to work in healthcare settings under the supervision of a licensed nurse. This view was consistent across the National Capital Region, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Only 13 percent felt unlicensed graduates should only be allowed to work after passing the board exam. Four percent were still determining whether unlicensed graduates should be given work opportunities. This data indicates that most
Capstone-Intel Corporation: Countering fake news in PH needs “concerted effort” from everyone
Capstone-Intel Corporation, as a research and intelligence company entrenched in facts and data-driven insights, strongly supports the recent pronouncement by the national government to wage the war against misinformation in the Philippines, which has been a timeless dilemma for the Filipino people in the digital space. According to Atty. Nic Conti, Chief of Public Affairs at Capstone-Intel, it is impossible to measure the damage that has been caused by the dissemination of false information in the Philippines. It has resulted in the massive decline of public confidence both in the country’s leaders and media institutions, divisive political leanings, and even the deterioration of quality education. “The negative impact of fake news in the Philippines cannot be overstated. It has led to the erosion of public trust in institutions, the rise of political polarization, and the spread of harmful misinformation,” said Conti. The issue of fake news has increasingly become a major problem in the Philippines. The spread of false information through social media platforms and other online channels has led to widespread confusion and distrust among the public. This phenomenon has been amplified by the fact that many people consume news primarily through social media, where it can be challenging to distinguish between real and fake news. Atty. Conti also highlighted that all Filipinos, including organizations, have to collaborate in order for the country to take up arms against fake news. “Furthermore, fake news has been used to justify human rights abuses, incite violence, and undermine the democratic process. Addressing the problem of fake news in the country will require a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including the government, media, civil society, and the public,” he emphasized. Additionally, Atty. Conti heeded that various efforts have to be made in order for the national government to completely eradicate the continuous spread of fake news on social media. “This is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach, including education and awareness-raising, media literacy initiatives, and regulation of social media platforms,” he noted. The government has taken a proactive stance in addressing this crucial concern by launching a Media and Information Literacy campaign. This initiative is supported by the joint efforts of the Department of Education, the Commission on Higher Education, and various other agencies, including leading social media companies such as Google, Meta, TikTok, and X. Private sector companies, including Capstone-Intel Corporation, have also supported this program. The government’s efforts to launch the campaign are underway, but their effectiveness is yet to be determined. It is incumbent upon individuals to take ownership of verifying the accuracy of the news they consume and to remain vigilant against the dissemination of false information. Collectively, we can address the proliferation of fake news and foster a more informed and cohesive society. *** Capstone-Intel is a high-impact research company that uses innovative research technologies, tools, and methods to convert data and information into breakthrough insights and actionable intelligence outputs. It is committed to helping its clients solve problems, find solutions, grow markets and constituencies, build reputations, navigate risks, manage crises, and be the country’s leading private research and intelligence agency.
Study Finds Internet Conversations about ‘Maharlika Fund’ Lower Compared to Other Countries’ Sovereign Investment Funds – Capstone-Intel
In the aftermath of the establishment of the Maharlika Investment Fund by the Philippine government, Capstone-Intel Corporation conducted an extensive analysis of public online forums, spanning the period from June 30, 2023, to July 31, 2023, with the aim of examining how other sovereign investment funds are being discussed. Capstone-Intel is a high-impact research company that uses innovative research technologies, tools, and methods to convert data and information into breakthrough insights and actionable intelligence outputs. It is committed to helping its clients solve problems, find solutions, grow markets and constituencies, build reputations, navigate risks, manage crises, and be the country’s leading private research and intelligence agency. A sovereign investment fund manages surplus revenues, supports economic development, diversification, and budget stability, providing the financial security of a country. “The study aimed to compare the online news coverage of Maharlika with similar countries such as China, Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan. Maharlika’s news performance was relatively low at 16.9 percent, whereas China and Malaysia displayed 55.2 percent and 47.7 percent news performance, respectively,” according to Capstone-Intel. Maharlika Investment Fund has been mentioned online through various platforms, with the Web gaining 35 percent of the total mentions. The news follows closely behind with 16.9 percent of the total mentions, while videos make up 16.8 percent of the total mentions. The platform X has 8.5 percent, and forums contribute 7.8 percent. In terms of online mentions of China Investment Corporation, it has been determined that News platforms represent 55.2 percent of the total mentions. Twitter comes in second with a total of 23.8 percent, followed by the Web with 10.5 percent. The analysis of Khazanah Nasional’s online presence in Malaysia is based on quantifiable data relating to the number of mentions across various platforms. The data revealed that News represents 47.7 percent of the total mentions. Twitter accounts for 12.8 percent of the total mentions, while the Web represents 11.1 percent. The Korea Investment Corporation of South Korea has received mentions across various platforms, with mentions in the News category at 53.1 percent while the Web category followed with 28.1 percent of the total mentions. Finally, online mentions of Japan Investment Corporation were determined to be from News sources, accounting for 66.7 percent of the total mentions. The next source of mentions was the Web, with 19.0 percent of the total mentions. To access the comprehensive analysis, kindly refer to the report here: Maharlika’s News Performance Scores 16.9% Lower Than Other Sovereign Investment Funds
Reaction to the 2023 State of the Nation Address: on the GDP Growth Rate
By Dr. Guido David In President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos’ State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 24, 2023, he asserted (to enthusiastic applause) that: “While the global prospects were bleak, our economy posted a 7.6% growth in 2022 – our highest growth rate in 46 years. For the first quarter of this year, our growth has registered at 6.4%. It remains within our target of 6% to 7% for 2023. We are still considered to be among the fastest-growing economies in the Asian region and in the world. It is a testament to our strong macroeconomic fundamentals.” Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) published May 11, 2023 do show a 1st Quarter 2023 growth rate in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 6.4% (i.e. compared to 1st Quarter of 2022). Historical data showed that the country had positive growth rates up until the fourth quarter of 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic caused an economic downturn with negative GDP growth rates from the 1st Quarter of 2020 until the 1st Quarter of 2021. The country started to recover by the 2nd Quarter of 2021, with each quarter posting a growth rate above 7% up until the last quarter of 2022. It should be noted that the GDP growth rates shown in the chart below (c/o PSA) is based on 2018 constant prices, i.e. the GDP used is the real GDP or inflation corrected GDP. When using GDP based on current prices, the 2023 1st quarter growth rate was higher at 13.7%. The president also noted that the GDP growth rate is within the government’s target of between 6 and 7%. Calculating the growth rates of GDP is very useful in terms of trends and forecasts. One might ask if the current GDP has already surpassed pre-pandemic levels. The table below shows the Philippines annual real GDP, based on 2018 prices as published by the PSA. The COVID-19 pandemic caused the real GDP to decrease in 2020, from PHP 19.37 Trillion down to PHP 17.54 Trillion. While the GDP started to recover in 2021, at PHP 18.54 Trillion it was still below the 2019 level. However, by 2022, the annual GDP had increased to PHP 19.94 Trillion, the highest GDP in the Philippines to date, and higher than the 2019 figure by 3%. In other words, the economy has already recovered from the effects of the pandemic and is now on pace for new highs. At current prices, the 2022 GDP is equivalent to PHP 22.02 Trillion. The 2022 GDP can be broken down as follows: 8.9% from Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing, 29.7% from Industry, and 61.4% from Services. Comparing real GDP from 2021 to 2022, the Services sector had the biggest increase of 9.2%, while Industry increased by 6.5%. On the other hand, Agriculture had only a 0.5% increase. Within the Services sector, Accommodation and Food Services Activities had the largest increase at 32% compared to 2022, as restaurants and hotels recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic. This was followed by Other Services with a 28% increase, and Transportation and Storage with a 24% increase. Within the Industry Sector, Construction increased by 12%. President Marcos also mentioned that “In 2022, the digital economy contributed 2 Trillion Pesos, the equivalent of 9.4% of our GDP.” This was also based on data released by the PSA on April 25, 2023. In its bulletin, PSA showed that the digital economy, composed of digital transactions covering Digital-enabling infrastructure, Ecommerce, and Digital media/content, grew by 11% from PHP 1.87 Trillion in 2021. The digital economy employed 6.05 million people in 2022. In summary, President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos statement about the economy during the 2023 SONA or State of the Nation Address was purely based on fact. If he had more time, the President, could have highlighted that the Philippine economy is the best it has ever been, has recovered completely from the negative effects of the pandemic, and is projected by the World Bank to exceed PHP 24 Trillion in 2023. If the country continues to reach these targets, the State of the Nation would continue to be sound, at least with respect to the Philippine economy. Dr. Guido David is the Chief Data Scientist of Capstone-Intel Corporation. Capstone-Intel is a high-impact research company that uses innovative research technologies, tools, and methods to convert data and information into breakthrough insights and actionable intelligence outputs. It is committed to helping its clients solve problems, find solutions, grow markets and constituencies, build reputations, navigate risks, manage crises, and be the country’s leading private research and intelligence agency.
Capstone-Intel’s Atty. Conti emphasizes importance of evidence-based research in solving Philippines’ pressing issues
In any given country, it is inevitable to encounter various issues and challenges, which highlights the importance of having a competent government to address them for the betterment of its citizens. During the launch event of Capstone-Intel Corporation on June 30, 2023, one of their esteemed board members emphasized this crucial matter. Attorney Nick Conti, the Chief of Public Affairs of Capstone-Intel, emphasized the significance of evidence-based research in solving the Philippines’ pressing issues. He pointed out that the country is facing numerous challenges that require immediate attention based on studies. His message centered on the theme of “Solving the Nation’s Problems with Evidence-Based Research.” “Today we point ourselves at the typical point in history faced with challenges and opportunities that demand our attention and action. From policy making to social progress, the utilization of robust data and objective analysis holds the key, unlocking the solutions to the challenges we face as a nation. What are the main problems of our country? Poverty and income inequality, lack of access to quality education, weak healthcare systems, infrastructure deficit, and environmental education, and many more issues,” began Atty. Conti. During his speech, Atty. Conti elaborated on how Capstone-Intel’s services can help address these problems and provide valuable solutions. “These problems have been exacerbated by a much bigger problem called corruption. Kaya po lumalala ang problema sa sektor, whether it’s public or private, ang problema po ng kawalan ng good governance, transparency, and accountability, and corruption, iyan po ang nagiging suliranin. Ang problema ng kahirapan ay pupuwedeng masolusyunan kung ating pag-aaralan nang mabuti using a research-based approach to identify effective policies, programs, and interventions to address the problem of poverty and income inequality while also promoting transparency and accountability in the allocations of resources. Again, we are offering solutions here at Capstone,” he continued. Moreover, Attorney Conti has effectively conveyed the impact of corruption on the system, which has been extensively analyzed to determine the origin and outcome, ensuring that the solutions implemented are advantageous to all parties involved. “We are offering our solutions at Capstone. We have a research-based approach that can provide everything on the impact of corruption in education, highlight successful anti-corruption strategies, and support evidence-based policy making to ensure quality education,” he added. “With healthcare systems, corruption poses a critical challenge to them. It undermines the delivery of essential healthcare services, misallocates resources, and deteriorates public health infrastructure. Again, at Capstone, we’re offering a research-based approach, so we will be able to analyze the impact of corruption on healthcare outcomes, identify areas for improvement, and inquire about evidence-based policies to strengthen health and deduce corruption,” assured Atty. Conti. *** For more details, you may reach our Senior Writer, Ann Esternon at 09568434005.
