The prospects for the housing market are also brightening, at least at the current level of interest rates. Moreover, consumer confidence has seen a marked increase over the past year. Nevertheless, the purse strings are still relatively tight, probably due to higher unemployment. But the overall finances of the household sector are quite robust. It is understandable that households are consolidating their finances.
*  *  *  Dr. Isidoro P. David, President of the Philippine Statistical Association; Dr. Romulo A. Virola, Secretary-General of the National Statistical Coordination Board; Honorable Carmelita N. Ericta, Administrator of the National Statistics Office; our distinguished judges and guests; regional finalists and their teachers and parents; fellow workers in the government; ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon.