This year, we added outstanding respondents to our Business Expectations Survey in three regions, namely: Region V or the Bicol area; Region IX or the Zamboanga Peninsula; and Region XII or the SOCSARGEN area. Today, we will also recognize the contribution of selected public and private entities as valuable sources of information for our balance of payments projections.
As someone who has spent over three decades in the teaching profession, I firmly believe that education is one of our most important investments. It is critical for the long-term health and prosperity of our nation. Education expands opportunity, leads to more innovation, and enhances productivity. In the end, this leads to better economic outcomes.