Happy with the news that the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 7.8% in the first quarter, Malacañang said it will ensure that economic growth will be inclusive by expanding `direct intervention` programs to help the poor. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the government has increased by `four-fold` the budget for its conditional cash transfer (CCT) program for the poor that has covered 3.9 million Filipino households. The government is hoping to attract more investments especially in agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure that will lead to job creation. Valte said the goal is to sustain the economic growth for it to be felt by Filipinos.
