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Senator Pia Cayetano Applauds Sustainable Budget Approach For 2024, Urges Focus On Key Issues
Photo credit: Senate PH
Senator Pia Cayetano praised the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) for adopting sustainability principles in shaping next year's budget. The senator, who chairs the Senate Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, Innovations, and Futures Thinking (SDGIFT), lauded the theme of the proposed National Expenditure Program (NEP) for 2024, titled 'Securing a Future-Proof and Sustainable Economy.'
During the budget briefing conducted by the government's top economic managers, Senator Cayetano commended the DBCC for its thoughtful approach, stating, "I'd like to commend the DBCC for choosing a title for the 2024 NEP that they know will make me and Sen. Loren Legarda, happy - 'Securing a Future-Proof and Sustainable Economy.'" The senator emphasized that the SDGIFT committee's goal is to integrate the government's efforts into a comprehensive approach towards sustainability.
Highlighting specific areas that warrant attention, Senator Cayetano directed her focus towards challenges affecting the sustainability of the country's health system. Notably, she raised concerns about the shortage of healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists. She advocated for the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to spearhead efforts in addressing this critical issue, asserting, "We really need a leader in this area, dear colleagues, because we will also fall short. We will not be able to sustain a healthy country."
Senator Cayetano further underscored the imperative of supporting factors that contribute to sustainable cities and communities. She expressed her enthusiasm for the concept of sustainable cities and urged attention to vital aspects such as clean water accessibility, good health and nutrition, and food security. The senator revealed that she had conducted hearings on the future of water in the Philippines, warning that the nation's water crisis requires immediate attention to ensure future generations have access to clean water.
In addition to highlighting the importance of food security and access to quality healthcare and education in sustainable cities, Senator Cayetano raised an alarming concern regarding the conversion of rice lands to tobacco production. She questioned the wisdom of such a shift, both in terms of its impact on the country's rice supply and the health implications of promoting tobacco cultivation.
During the budget briefing conducted by the government's top economic managers, Senator Cayetano commended the DBCC for its thoughtful approach, stating, "I'd like to commend the DBCC for choosing a title for the 2024 NEP that they know will make me and Sen. Loren Legarda, happy - 'Securing a Future-Proof and Sustainable Economy.'" The senator emphasized that the SDGIFT committee's goal is to integrate the government's efforts into a comprehensive approach towards sustainability.
Highlighting specific areas that warrant attention, Senator Cayetano directed her focus towards challenges affecting the sustainability of the country's health system. Notably, she raised concerns about the shortage of healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists. She advocated for the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to spearhead efforts in addressing this critical issue, asserting, "We really need a leader in this area, dear colleagues, because we will also fall short. We will not be able to sustain a healthy country."
Senator Cayetano further underscored the imperative of supporting factors that contribute to sustainable cities and communities. She expressed her enthusiasm for the concept of sustainable cities and urged attention to vital aspects such as clean water accessibility, good health and nutrition, and food security. The senator revealed that she had conducted hearings on the future of water in the Philippines, warning that the nation's water crisis requires immediate attention to ensure future generations have access to clean water.
In addition to highlighting the importance of food security and access to quality healthcare and education in sustainable cities, Senator Cayetano raised an alarming concern regarding the conversion of rice lands to tobacco production. She questioned the wisdom of such a shift, both in terms of its impact on the country's rice supply and the health implications of promoting tobacco cultivation.
Aug 17, 2023
