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Economic growth

Marcos Administration Faces Challenges in Managing National Wealth

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s term nears the midway point, the country's economic chiefs are reviewing the administration's performance in managing national wealth. The Marcos administration has missed its target economic growth for two consecutive years, falling short of expectations. Despite the global economy facing uncertainty, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan emphasizes the need to address long-standing national issues, including education, health, and transportation development.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Marcos administration has missed its target economic growth for two consecutive years, falling short of expectations.
  • The Philippines has multiple deficiencies in education, including learning gaps due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with one out of five senior high school students being functionally illiterate.
  • The country lags behind global learning standards for science, mathematics, and reading, ranking 76th out of 81 countries.
  • The Department of Health has sounded the alarm on the surge of HIV cases, with a 550% increase from 2010 to 2024, and tuberculosis remains rampant with over 540,000 cases recorded in 2024.
  • Food security is still an issue, with high food prices affecting farmers and consumers alike, and several products under the agricultural sector declined in the first quarter of 2025.
  • Transportation infrastructure is slow due to right-of-way issues and funding constraints, with nearly P1 trillion worth of delayed ODA projects.
  • The Marcos administration is keen on digitalization, with a focus on connectivity and bridging the digital divide.

Statistics:

  • 20% of senior high school students are functionally illiterate (Philippine Statistics Authority)
  • 76th out of 81 countries in reading comprehension, mathematics, and science (2022 Programme for International Student Assessment)
  • 550% increase in HIV cases from 2010 to 2024 (World Health Organization)
  • Over 540,000 cases of tuberculosis recorded in 2024 (Department of Health)
  • Nearly P1 trillion worth of delayed ODA projects (lawmaker's estimate)

Sources:

  • Balisacan, A. (Interview) - Manila, PH
  • Philippine Statistics Authority (Survey)
  • 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment
  • World Health Organization (HIV cases data)
  • Department of Health (tuberculosis cases data)

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