Thread by @cnnphilippines

THREAD: Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua holds a media briefing with NEDA officials | LIVE bit.ly/3nmABQB

Updates by our digital producer @meltlopez

@meltlopez Acting NEDA Sec. Chua says over 9 million Filipinos have pre-registered for the national ID, exceeding the initial target

@meltlopez Acting NEDA Sec. Chua says PSA is also looking into how the national ID can help facilitate vaccine distribution next year

@meltlopez Acting NEDA Sec. Chua says another consumer and employer survey to gauge public confidence on the economy

Acting NEDA Sec. Chua: We see a gradual quarter-on-quarter improvement in Q4 with the gradual relaxation of measures

Acting NEDA Sec. Chua: We will see the economic contraction smaller and may revert to growth the next quarter. Vaccines may be available at the second half of 2021, so growth is also expected

NEDA on flagship infrastructure projects: There's ₱1.1 trillion or 5.4% of the budget allotted for infrastructure in 2021

NEDA: Recent reports from DPWH, DOTr show that most of the construction work has resumed as early as June

Acting NEDA Sec. Chua on face-to-face classes: I don't think there's a replacement for face-to-face learning bit.ly/3mr4NJ5

Acting NEDA Sec. Chua: Malaki ang impact ng face-to-face classes sa economy. Children will learn more and become productive.

Acting NEDA Sec. Chua says he is also taking time to help his preschool age son with online learning every morning: Many other parents have had to reduce work or leave work to support their kids

NEDA: As we allow kids to return to school safely, it will also create an impact on the economy as they travel, buy food, and spend

NEDA: If PSA is able to register 70 million people, it's a useful database for vaccine distribution data

Asked about options for NAIA rehab after Megawide is kicked out of the project, NEDA says it's better to ask MIAA bit.ly/3ntDsHk

Acting NEDA Sec. Chua on infrastructure spending drop in 2020: Relative to the fiscal program, we are exceeding the target. Unfortunately, not all projects are on track.

NEDA says foreign experts tapped for infra projects cannot fly to the Philippines due to quarantine rules, which has delayed some projects. Typhoons are also a concern, as well as the lack of workers as others returned to their provinces

NEDA: Since Congress agreed to extend the validity of 2020 budget, infra projects may be continued until next year

Acting NEDA Sec. Chua: Major flood control projects may be added to the list of priority infrastructure projects

NEDA: We're also looking to add technology and health-related projects in the flagship projects

NEDA on revamp of infrastructure priority list: It depends on the status of completion of projects and if these are doable by mid-2022, the end of Duterte's term.

If projects are far from completion, these may be parked.

NEDA on proposal for creating a Department of OFWs: It must undergo cost-benefit analysis. There's a need for a government rightsizing program.

Creating a new department means additional spending for government, such as the creation of new positions, offices, and more salary payments bit.ly/37vu40F

NEDA: In our AmBisyon 2040, we also want Filipinos to return home and live comfortable lives here

NEDA OIC Undersecretary Jonathan Uy says the agency is again 'recalibrating' the list of priority infrastructure projects.

This will be the fourth version of the list if changed again. The latest list of 104 projects was approved in August. bit.ly/37nWnhl