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FIGURES OF THE FUTURE: REALIZING AMBISYON NATIN 2040

THROUGH STATISTICS

My dear friends, it is with pride and honor to tell the world that the
Philippines is a signatory to the 2000 Millennium Declaration which led to the
development of the time-bound global agenda for development by 2040.

Isang matinding pakikipagsapalaran,isang mabigat na hamon para sa kinabukasan!

A dream… a wish… an ambition!

This is the Philippine system’s futuristic activities for development which

based on the National priorities, plans and programs of the government including its
localization brought together in a holistic fashion…to address the cross- sectoral
development challenges through statistics.

The Philippine statistics has raised awareness and shaped a broad vision that
remains the overarching framework to fulfill our potentials with the best record of
improvement. But, WHERE ARE WE? Our vision is of a world, a world where
poverty is unwanted- our main focus is to upgrade our education sector to better the
lives of rural population and to contribute to the growth of country’s economy.

Now, now is the time, an opportunity to generate momentum in this direction which is
vital for achieving our ambition!

It is heart-warming to note that our leaders are putting forward an ambitious

foresight, a road map outlining what is needed to meet the goals by the year 2040.

The target has inspired development efforts to set global and national
priorities. Despite significant setbacks after the 2014-2015 economic downturn, the
Philippines is working on its way to reach the poverty-reduction target. By 2025, it is
expected that the rate will fall below 10% .This global trend, however, will mainly
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reflect rapid growth in some parts of Asia-the Philippines included, but then,we
believe that through critical intervention we are positive to be on top of the game.

But what is so alarming? That in spite of the government’s effort to

improve the quality of life through education, the number of children who are not
enrolled ranges from 3.6 million in 2010. In 2016 by 5.2 million, almost 38% of the
expected number of enrollees from grades 1 to 6.

Now, we find ways to bring our students back to school through a no tuition
scheme to all public schools all over the country .My question … Is a 10% figure by
2030 too ambitious to hold and by 2040 even those in the remotest areas be given a
chance to set foot.. a first step in realizing our vision of no illiterate by 2040? It is a
fact that improving the lives of the growing number of urban poor remains a
monumental challenge- posed by multiple crises, increasing inequalities and persistent
violent conflicts…..How can we help in resolving the conflicts? We must ensure a
better access to education… basic services… health care economic opportunities where
the percentage of the unemployed is far less than the number of those who are actually
working.

Isang matinding ambisyon natin that by the year 2040, there will be accelerated
action on the economic growth that is sustainable, inclusive and equitable. The growth
that enables everyone to benefit from progress and share into economic opportunities
spearheaded by our graduates!

We still have a long way to go in our quest to make an ambition a reality.

Guided by the figures of the future, it is not too far to dream of an expeditious delivery
on commitment and an agile transition to a more environmentally sustainable future!