Phantasmagorical GDP growth rate

ON Oct. 1, 2021, I moderated the kick-off ceremonies of the 32nd National Statistics Month, hosted by the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE).

Statistics affect the lives of the Filipino people in more ways than one. When Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Undersecretary Dr. Dennis Mapa announced last August 10 the 11.8-percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate during the second quarter of 2021, the statistics made several Filipinos more optimistic and hopeful. Whenever they hear of daily health statistics that highlight more infections and deaths, many are fearful, if not immobilized.