Let's bring hope

GO NEGOSYO PILIPINAS

- JOEY CONCEPCION

Last week, I was interviewed over Laging Handa, and we got to talk about how consumer confidence will be affected by all the news that's been hogging the headlines lately. I shared during the interview that RFM always sees a high demand for our ice cream and spaghetti products in the weeks leading to the holidays. Over the years, sales have been so brisk around this time of year that we know to produce enough to supply the market for months. This year, though, we found ourselves running out of stock. Demand is such that we have to pick up the pace and supply more.

It's a welcome problem for us and it's good news for the economy. This year is turning out to be one of the best holiday spending seasons we've had and that's a good sign. People want to celebrate. This also comes at the same time that the Philippines' credit ratings got a boost from ratings agencies like R&I and Moody's; more recently, S&P bumped it from "stable" to "positive." Credit ratings are a bellwether for the confidence of outsiders on the country as an investment prospect; they reflect the general assessment of the country as judged by the outside world. The Philippines is currently investment-grade on all the important credit ratings agencies, and that should make us glad.

The general mood inside and outside the Philippines cannot be dismissed. For us manufacturers, a happy environment means better spending. The happier people are, the better for the economy. It just follows: when things are looking up, you feel like committing to the future, you feel like celebrating.