Close to nine out of 10 Filipinos said the government should support the manufacturing sector as it has the potential to boost the economic growth and development of the country, a survey by Pulse Asia from March 15 to 19 showed.
The Stratbase ADR Institute-commissioned survey, which involved 1,200 adult respondents nationwide and had a margin of error of ±2.8 percent, showed that 89 percent agreed to the statement that “the government should support the Philippine manufacturing sector because it has the capacity to accelerate the growth and development of the country’s economy.”
The response represented 49 percent who strongly agreed and 41 percent who somewhat agreed. ,Only 1 percent disagreed .
Eight percent said they cannot say if they agree or disagree while 2 percent said they do not have enough knowledge to give an opinion.
Dr. Ronald Holmes, Pulse Asia president, in a video presentation during the “Reinvigorating the Philippine Manufacturing Sector for Job Creation” webinar hosted by Stratbase yesterday, said there was majority agreement across geographical locations (83 percent to 94 percent) and socio-economic status (84 percent to 90 percent) with the highest agreement from those from Mindanao (94 percent) and Class D (90 percent).
Pulse Asia said among the suggestions to support the manufacturing sector, based on a list provided by the polling firm, was to provide for training to workers to upgrade or learn new work skills (61 percent), provide more incentives that are competitive to other countries (50 percent), develop more economic zones (45 percent), and provide adequate business loans (43 percent).
Close to a third of the respondents suggested improving the ease of doing business and reducing red tape (37 percent), ensuring that there is stable and affordable electricity (32 percent), and controlling corruption (29 percent).
Holmes said majority of the Filipinos believe the manufacturing sector contributes the most to the country by: creating livelihood opportunities to local service businesses to support the manufacturing sector (62 percent), making goods more affordable and accessible to Filipino consumers (62 percent), and increasing local and foreign investments that create more quality jobs and employment opportunities (50 percent).
Close to a majority (49 percent) also said the manufacturing sector contributes to the economy by producing more products for the local and export market, while a third (38 percent) said the manufacturing sector helps develop the skills of the workforce, and (35 percent) increase the tax revenue of the government.
