NEDA seeks inputs for Philippine Development Plan

MANILA, Philippines — The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is set to start gathering inputs from stakeholders such as the youth, private sector and planners this month for the upcoming Philippine Development Plan (PDP).

In a social media post, the agency said it intends to promote the preparations for the upcoming PDP, which will serve as a guide for the country’s development planning for 2023 to 2028, by holding fora with stakeholders.

“We aim to solicit relevant inputs from the youth, private sector, and planners,” the NEDA said.

The NEDA is tasked to formulate the PDP, in collaboration with government agencies, local government units, and the private sector.

President Marcos has instructed the NEDA to accomplish the PDP before the year ends.

The first leg of the PDP forum for the youth will be conducted by the NEDA, in cooperation with the Junior Philippine Economics Society and the Philippine Normal University on Sept. 9.

This will be followed by the forum for the private sector on Sept. 16.

The last leg focused on planners will be held on Sept. 23.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said during the 2022 National Public Relations Congress of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines yesterday, that while the government is working hard to formulate and implement plans and policies to overcome economic challenges which include inflation and scarring from the pandemic, it would need stakeholders’ support.

“We cannot do it alone. We at NEDA will appreciate receiving your ideas and suggestions. We are of course reachable at any time through our various channels and platforms. To carry out these plans and achieve these goals, we need you, our stakeholders, as our partners in this journey,” he said.

He said the PDP, anchored on the eight-point socioeconomic agenda which seeks to  address both short and medium-term issues, has an overall goal of transforming the Philippine economy to become  more prosperous, inclusive and resilient.

With the PDP aspiring to place the people at the center of economic transformation,  he said the plan would aim to protect the capabilities of individuals and families to realize their potential and attain their aspirations, through programs that promote health and education.

In addition, he said the PDP would lay out strategies to transform the country’s production sectors to create more quality jobs that will increase the people’s income, as well as offer more competitive products and services.

Balisacan said the transformation would come from more significant support to research and development, technology development and adoption, innovation, modernization of agriculture, and enhancement of inter-industry linkages.

He said the government would also promote an investment-friendly environment, push for digital transformation to make government processes more efficient, and pursue greater collaboration with businesses through Public-Private Partnership.

Through the PDP, he said the government would likewise identify critical pieces of legislation and government action that would build resiliency in anticipation of shocks brought about by climate change, as these often lead to disasters that disrupt economic sectors especially agriculture.

“Once formulated, the PDP will be cascaded to the country’s different regions so that Filipinos are aware of how the government plans to address both near- and medium-term needs despite the economic challenges we face today,” he said.