Work for inclusive growth, Duterte tells Boao delegates

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has urged leaders from the government, business and academe to work toward inclusive growth that should benefit the greater majority, “especially the poor and the marginalized.”

In remarks delivered for him by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, the President called on the participants of the very first Boao Forum for Asia, who came from countries all over the region, to “work even harder in order to achieve growth that does not just look good on paper.”

“We must achieve growth that will be felt by ordinary people. Only when economic progress affects the lives of everyone can we claim genuine victory,” the President said.

Malacañang said the President skipped the very first Boao Forum for Asia, which was held in Taguig City on Monday night, because he “was not feeling well due to his punishing schedule.” —Julie M. Aurelio