TMT forum to highlight PH’s 2022 prospects

THE Philippine economy grew by 5.6 percent last year, rebounding from 2020’s 9.6-percent slump, and economic managers are hoping for a return to pre-pandemic levels on the back of ramped-up vaccinations and further easing of pandemic protocols.
The Manila Times, in cooperation with Citi, Digitalinnov and Infinivan, will hold today, March 1, the “Economic Outlook for 2022: Looking Beyond the Pandemic Endgame” virtual forum to discuss prospects and risks for the year.
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno, a member of the interagency Development Budget Coordinating Council that has set an ambitious 7.0- to 9.0-percent growth goal for 2022, will keynote the event.
Kelly Bird, Asian Development Bank country director for the Philippines; Ndiame Diop, World Bank Group country director for the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Brunei; Aftab Ahmed, Citi Philippines country head and Citi country officer; and Milo Sandig, Digitalinnov president and chief executive officer, will also speak at the forum.
“People are hopeful about a robust economic recovery, especially now that Omicron cases are receding and the country is transitioning to an endemic phase. But as usual, there are dark clouds, most notably the invasion of Ukraine that is apparently driving up inflation. We hope to hear the prognosis of our speakers, who include the central bank governor,” Ang added.
The forum, to be moderated by Ang and TMT columnist Ben Kritz, will be streamed live on The Manila Times’ Facebook page, YouTube channel and Dailymotion account from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Organization partners include the British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines and the Management Association of the Philippines.
The event is sponsored by BDO, Megaworld, NOAH Business Applications, Phirst Park Homes, San Miguel Corp., SM Investments Corp., First Gen, Hilton Manila, LuLu Money, Maybank, Udenna and Veterans Bank.
“The Manila Times forum series aims to bridge the gap between newsmakers and our audience. This year, our speakers will share their economic outlook for 2022 and beyond,” TMT Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dante “Klink” Ang 2nd said.