MANILA, Philippines -- The record-breaking 7.3-percent economic growth in 2007 is proof President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is leading the country with the "correct economic strategy and fundamentals,” Malacañang said Thursday.

At the same time, deputy presidential spokesman Anthony Golez said the economy is strong enough to weather the looming recession in the United States.

"The 7.3-percent GDP growth in 2007 is a clear manifestation that President Arroyo is leading the country using the correct economic strategies and fundamentals, making sure that a new level of economic maturity and stability have been achieved," he said.

Golez said the Philippines could sustain economic growth by investing in "people and projects," particularly in infrastructure that would boost the country's competitiveness.

"President Arroyo will continuously lead the country until 2010 with a bigger stride in economic growth, surge of more foreign investments, more jobs for our people, strong currency and better delivery of basic services that will also be benefiting the poorest sector of our society," he said.

The 7.3-percent economic growth for 2007 was the highest in 31 years, and beat the government's forecast.