The prospects for the new year

Title

Language

English

Source

The Republic Volume I (Issue No.22) 1-31 December 1976

Subject

Philippines -- Politics and government -- 1977

Rights

In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted

Abstract

[This article contains the programs and activities of the Philippine government from 1974-1976 and new perspectives for 1977. Agendas like economic development and energy conservation program were highlighted as the government’s priority. ]

Fulltext

NINETEEN seventy-seven is here. The rejoicing for the new year, however, is tempered by the rec ent announcement of the OPEC that the prices of crude oil will soon be increased. Once more, the re soluteness and the resiliency of the Filipino people will be put to the test. In spite of the probable adverse effects of higher cost of energy, our economic plan ners are confident that our economy will again weather the inflationary storm. This guarded opti mism is based on the nation’s performance in the difficult years of 1974 and 1975. The national government is not letting the course of events shape the national destiny, how ever. The last few weeks of 1976 have found the gov ernment policy-makers hard at work on preparing the development agenda for the coming year. Significantly, the Batasang Bayan is closely involved in laying the groundwork for 1977. Of course, starting on that year, the government will start following the calendar year in its budget schedule. The budget hearings have been conducted by the Batasang Bayan Appropriations Committee headed by President Ferdinand E. Marcos. The Batasang Bayan, in Resolution No. 6, has already pegged the 1977 national budget at P27.4 billion—an amount that is enough to stimulate the economy, and yet not so excessive as to exacerbate the price pressures sure to be induced by the higher cost of oil. For several sessions before Christmas, there fore, the Committee “grilled” the various heads of government departments to ensure that all planned expenditures in 1977 are reasonable, hewing close to national priorities and goals. This process, gauging by its success, is certain to be institutionalized. Not only does the department head is made to justify his bud get share, but he is also made to show how his de partment performed during the past year. During the budget hearings, President Marcos underscored the need for an integrated program for rural development that links all agencies involved in countryside development. The President’s announce ment not only signified the continuing emphasis on rural development in 1977, but also his concern for the costly overlapping of functions and lack of coor dination among some government agencies. The Batasang Bayan also approved a medium term economic development plan lor the country starting in 1977 and ending in 1982. The plan stresses once more the target of the government to achieve economic growth that will result in equitable benefits to the people. This method of chartering the course of the economy is of certainly much more effective and logical than the old society system of “spending for the next election year.” The government is also hard at work in its en ergy conservation program, spearheaded by the ENERCON. Strategies are also b^ng formulated for the marketing of our primary exports. In the case of su gar, which has suffered recent downswings in inter national prices, the government has dovetailed its po tential as a source of alcohol fuel with the energy self-reliance program. All in all, the pressures of higher import cost are certain to induce the government to take a more active hand in promoting our export goods abroad. Politically, 1977 could become a milestone in the Philippine political history. Elections for repre sentatives in the national legislature will most prob ably be held next year. With the institutionalization of the Sangguniang Bayan and the barangay in the Constitution, as mandated by the people in the Oc tober Referendum-Plebiscite, community participa tion in the political processes will surely become more intensive and effective. Abroad, the Philippines during the recent years have achieved a position of respect for its policy of independence and peace. The recent spate of state visitors to Manila is one indication the growing impor tance of the Philippines in world affairs. The govern ment in 1977 is certain to, continue its policy of dovetailing its diplomatic activities with the impera tives of development at home, particularly in face of a more difficult year for the global economy. A con tinuing special concern of the government will be the consolidation of the gains made during the Bali Sum mit among the ASEAN members. Nineteen seventy seven might yet see the final peaceful solution of the Mindanao problem with the planned visit of Libyan head CoL Muammar Khaddafy in April. J HE government manager is sure to find their hands full of work again in 1977—the fifth year the New Society. In performing the duties of our office, we can perhaps again take heed of the Pres ident’s words: “. . .those who serve me must accept the most ruthless discipline. They must work hard and observe the highest standard of service, other wise they have no place in the leadership of the New Society....” □ P.13

pages

1

Media