Pulse Asia: 89% of Filipinos believe gov’t should back manufacturing sector

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 89 percent of Filipinos believe that the government should support the manufacturing sector to advance the country’s economic growth, according to a new Pulse Asia survey released on Tuesday.

The survey, commissioned by think tank Stratbase Albert Del Rosario (ADR) Institute, also found 8 percent cannot agree or disagree on whether or not the government should support the manufacturing sector, while only 1 percent said it should not.

“Investments in the manufacturing sector will lead to a domino effect that will increase productivity, create high-quality jobs, provide income and food security, enable the affordability of goods, and spur consumer spending. But then again, setting up a manufacturing operation requires a significant investment in infrastructure, workforce, and knowledge capital,” Stratbase ADR President Dindo Manhit said.

According to the Pulse Asia survey,  62 percent of Filipinos believe that the manufacturing sector creates livelihood opportunities for local service businesses that are needed to support it.

Similarly, 62 percent also believe that manufacturing makes goods more affordable and accessible to everyone, said the survey.

“Half of Filipinos also believe that the manufacturing sector increases local and foreign investment that will create more quality jobs and employment opportunities [50 percent] and produce more products for the local and export market [49 percent],” read the Pulse Asia report.

However, only 38 percent believed that the sector develops the skills of the Philippine workforce, while 35 percent said that the sector could contribute to the government’s tax revenue.

“The survey conducted from March 15-19, 2023, asked 1,200 respondents all over the country about their views on the manufacturing sector and how it affects the Philippine economy,” said the Stratbase ADR Institute.

This survey follows the Philippine manufacturing sector hitting an eight-month low in April 2023.

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JPV/abc