FOSTERING a high-trust environment with a strong sense of community is crucial to facilitate nation-building and achieve inclusive development for the Philippines, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said.

'Trust, whether in institutions, leadership and communities, reduces the uncertainties that individuals and businesses face in their economic decisions. High levels of trust facilitate nation-building, as individuals and businesses are more willing to give their time and effort for a future that they have a stake in,' said NEDA Undersecretary Joseph Capuno during the NEDA-led plenary session at the 60th Philippine Economic Society (PES) Annual Meeting and Conference on November 9.