The incoming data for the euro area in the first quarter of 2019 have been somewhat better than expected. Euro area real GDP increased by 0.4% quarter on quarter in the first quarter of 2019, bolstered by resilient domestic demand. However, survey information and economic indicators point to somewhat weaker growth in the second and third quarters of this year.
Let us therefore acknowledge all those involved in this Citi Microentrepreneurship Award: Citi Philippines represented by Country Officer Batara Sianturi; Microfinance Council of the Philippines (MCPI) represented by Chairman Mila Banker; the officers and staff of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas; and finally, our amazing and committed members of the board of judges under the National Selection Committee which include: Mr. Batara Sianturi, Mr. Antonino Alindogan, Jr. and Ms. Marixi Rufino-Prieto.