THE country-wide regional “Sulong Pilipinas” workshops conducted across the country last month, yielded several proposals from the private sector, the Department of Finance said.

Improving agricultural productivity and raising farmers’ incomes through education and the use of new farm technologies emerged as the number one recommendation from the private sector in all the four “Sulong” events; followed by the need to build more physical infrastructure such as seaports, airports and mass-based transport systems; and simplifying requirements for loans with reasonable interest rates for SMEs and the rural sector.

Other recommendations inlcude, improving access to education; implementing stricter profiling of the 4Ps recipients; and speeding up the processing and issuance of FDA licenses and certificates of product registration.

The private sector, likewise, proposed proper planning of infrastructure projects to reduce disruptions in business operations; simplifying processes at the BIR; and improving peace and order, among others. (PR)