...the positive climate

Philippines enjoying positive economic climate: official

February 02, 2012 Philippine Star MANILA (Xinhua) -- The Philippine government said on Thursday that the country is experiencing positive economic climate amid a challenging global economic environment.       Philippine Deputy Presidential Spokeswoman Abigail Valte said that contrary to allegations by some members of the opposition, economic indicators had showed an improvement in general economic conditions.       "Self-rated poverty is down, growth has resumed its upward trajectory as shown by the fourth quarter figures which are higher than the second and third quarter figures, unemployment in the fourth quarter was also down, infrastructure spending has been accelerated, and the stock market has once again reached new highs, " she said at a regular news briefing.       "All of these indicate that, while we expect this year to be challenging due to global economic environment, the business environment is improving, and policies toward promoting equitable growth are taking effect," she added.       The Philippine economy grew 3.7 percent last year and the government is eyeing 5 percent-6 percent growth for gross domestic product in 2012.