National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan knows how to keep himself physically fit by running during his free time, especially on weekends.
A member of the economic team of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., he posted photos of his 15-kilometer run in Ilocos Norte on his social media account.
“Enjoyed the San Nicolas-Laoag-Sarrat breeze and sun this morning. Running here on a weekend—away from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis—is a bliss,” Balisacan said.
“A healthy lifestyle for a healthy economy,” one of the comments read.
As chief architect of the country’s economic welfare, local output growth measured as the gross domestic product (GDP) accelerated to 7.6 percent last year, beating the government’s target range of 6.5 to 7.5 percent penned by the Cabinet-level Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC).
The Philippines emerged from the pandemic-induced recession with a GDP expansion of 5.7 percent in 2021, reversing the 9.6 percent contraction in 2020 when the economy stalled due to strict COVID-19 lockdowns.
The continued economic growth is seen slowing down to a range of six to seven percent this year due to global headwinds.
Balisacan first served as NEDA Secretary during the term of late president Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III. He also served as chairperson of the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) during the term of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
