To promote inclusive growth and reduce poverty, the Philippines is encouraged to carry out measures to make the manufacturing sector more competitive as well as increase the productivity of the agricultural sector. According to a study released by government think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), the manufacturing sector provides employment opportunities for the poor and offers relatively higher wages as compared to agriculture. The said study highlighted the need to increase the demand for less-educated workers to absorb the significant number of less-educated workers among the poor.

PH urged to make manufacturing sector competitive, raise agricultural productivity. (2015, January 6). Panay News, pp. B2, B9.