MANILA -- Performance is the best politics, and the government is on track to lift the economy and save jobs after years of pandemic-induced lockdowns, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said.

“Performance is the best politics. Pag maganda ang nagawa mo, kahit anong sabihin nila, nagawa mo eh,” Marcos said in an interview with TV host and actress Toni Gonzaga aired over All TV Channel on Tuesday.

In Gonzaga’s vlog, Marcos lamented how “partisan interest” transformed the country in recent years and neglected the general citizenry’s interest.

“We lost sight, in many ways of the national interest. And we only talked about partisan interest. Pinaglalaban lang natin ‘yung sa partido ko,’ ‘yung sa kandidato ko,’ ‘yung sa gusto ko,’ doon sa… Hindi natin iniisip ‘yung ano ‘yung para sa Pilipinas,’” said Marcos.

The chief executive raised the need to focus on improving the general welfare and enhancing the country’s image, noting that critics would always be around in any administration.

“Even if it costs you, even if it’s hard, even if people don’t understand. Eh ganyan naman talaga ang politika eh,” said Marcos.

When asked about his latest State of the Nation Address, Marcos said the platform serves as “a report to the people about how we are doing,” as he bared how his administration is ramping up efforts to reboot the economy after the pandemic.

“Those potential investors that we are trying to bring into the Philippines, the financial analysts. And the most important priority of people right now, even of the government right now, is the economy,” said Marcos.

He also cited the role of the creative industry in job creation and economic development.

“If you go around Asia, and you go to the hotels, you go to the bars, ang tumutugtog laging Pilipino’ di ba? We have a somehow a special affinity to the performing arts,” said Marcos.

The President said his administration is laser-focused on bringing the “Filipino brand” to the global stage and making it well-known.

“[Si] Secretary Christina Frasco, ‘yun ang kanyang talagang thinking eh. Sabi niya, let’s make the Filipino brand important and to be well-known. And she’s absolutely right,” said Marcos. “Part of that brand is our culture. And it’s not something that’s going to be hard. The Filipino brand is attractive. The Filipino brand is singular, is unique.”

When asked about what for him is the Filipino brand, Marcos said: “If I have to describe it in one word, it’s grace.”

In his SONA last July, Marcos discussed the government’s agenda on economic recovery, pandemic response, and the resumption of face-to-face classes and cited agriculture as the major engine for growth and employment. (PND)