MANILA, Philippines – Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima has once again been recognized as Finance Minister of the Year for Asia-Pacific.
In recognition of his role in improving fiscal efficiency, instituting reforms against corruption, and elevating the Philippines in the eyes of international investors, the award from The Banker marks Purisima’s fourth straight year in receiving Finance Minister of the Year honors from different award giving bodies, a first in the history of the finance department and in the Philippines.
Purisima emphasized his fourth award naming him Finance Minister of the Year is a testament to President Aquino’s guiding principle that good governance is good economics.
Purisima thanked the President for his leadership and commitment to accountability and transparency, as well as his colleagues in the cabinet and fellow members of the cabinet’s Economic Development Cluster. Working together, they have achieved the economic gains for which Purisima is being honored.
The country’s economy recently posted a 7.2 percent growth in 2013. Since the start of the Aquino administration, the Philippines has maintained an average of 6.3 percent growth and remains to be one of the fastest-growing countries in Asia.
While the Philippines continues to improve its economic outlook with record-high GDP growth rates, investment grade ratings from major credit rating agencies, and strong macroeconomic fundamentals, Purisima stressed the current administration’s term is only half-done.
Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
“Our goals for 2014 include improving the revenue to GDP through the ongoing reforms in the Bureau of Customs, stimulating infrastructure development, preparing the Philippines to benefit from the ASEAN Economic Integration in 2015, and strengthening the Philippines’ resilience against disasters in light of the recent devastation brought by Typhoon Yolanda,” Purisima said.
The DOF chief noted that the Philippines has work ahead of them to ensure growth is both sustainable and inclusive, yet he is optimistic at what they can achieve in the next few years.
