The opening the economy in the safest possible way will be the key to fully recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to National Economic and Development Authority director-general Karl Kendrick Chua.
Chua said in a television interview over ABS-CBN News Channel that a gradual recovery of the economy could be achieved as long as the economy is allowed to safely open up.
He said the pandemic largely affected urban areas where cities in Metro Manila and Cebu had more cases that compelled the government to impose enhanced community quarantines and general community quarantines.
“The real solution here is to open as much of the economy in the safest possible way. The government is proposing a higher budget next year. We are going to put P1.12 trillion in infrastructure that will create around 1.5 million jobs,” he said.
Chua said cooperation and maintaining the minimum health standards would ensure gradual resumption in livelihood and poverty reduction as the economy safely opens up.