The Arroyo government is likely to spend more for newspaper advertisements to raise public awareness about its achievements during its term.

Philippine Information Agency (PIA) chief Conrado Limcaoco said they are mulling plans to publish similar newspaper ads after the first batch proved to be effective to attract investor confidence.

Limcaoco, also officer-in-charge of the Office of the Press Secretary, said Trade Secretary Peter Favila reported that many business firms are studying “new or increased investments” due to the country’s economic stability as shown by the newspaper ads published last week.

The two-page advertisement, entitled “Ganito Tayo Noon, Ganito Tayo Ngayon,” featured the Arroyo government’s accomplishments on economy, social development, peace and order, infrastructure, jobs, culture, energy and environment, and digital infrastructure, as compared to the previous administrations.

“The additional ads are still being contemplated. It’s part of the plans to project the accomplishments. Everything would be on record and the intent is to stimulate the country to greater growth in the next few months,” Limcaoco told reporters in the Palace.

“I think there’s phenomenal called the self-fulfilling prophesy – if we say were doomed then we will be doomed but if we say we can do it and there’s basis for it and the foundation is an economy that is moving forward then we will grow forward regardless of the politics that will happen in the next few months,” he added.

Limcaoco however said he has not computed the latest advertising expenses but insisted the expenditures were above board.