Ambassador Luis Calvo of Spain (9th from the left), Ambassador Jan Top Christensen of Denmark (9th from right), consuls, and embassy representatives with UA&P co-founder Dr. Bernardo Villegas (8th from right), UA&P President Dr. Winston Padojinog (6th from left), and other UA&P officials.

Members of the diplomatic corps attended the exclusive briefing on “The Philippine Economic Prospects 2017-2018” held last September 7 at UA&P. In attendance were H.E. Roberto Bosch (Argentina), H.E. Jan Top Christensen (Denmark) and H.E. Luis Calvo (Spain) as well as Consuls Mr. Bernardo Benedicto III (Albania), Mr. Joselito Aseniero (Georgia), and Mr. Michael Ang (Jordan). Represented in the event were 23 countries.

The briefing aims to prepare the diplomatic community for changes in the country’s economic climate, especially those brought about by the decisions of the administration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte, whose leadership style and agenda differ significantly from those of his predecessor Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.

The briefing painted an optimistic economic outlook, with the government focusing on long-neglected rural development, infrastructures, and improvement on human capital. UA&P co-founder and economist Dr. Bernardo Villegas forecast a GDP growth of 7.5% for the current year, with the Philippines still being considered as an emerging engine of growth.