NEDA starts dev't plan caravan

CEBU, Philippines - The National Economic Development Authority conducted the first of a series of activities called Plan Caravan: Bringing the National Plan to the Regions yesterday in Cebu with the aim to make the regions more aware of and understand the Philippine Development Plan for the 2011 to 2016.

NEDA director general Cayetano Paderanga Jr. in a press conference said that PDP for 2011-2016 aims for inclusive growth, or growth that is shared by all and leaves no one behind.

The PDP translates President Benigno Aquino III’s “Social Contract with the Filipino People” into effective, efficient and inclusive interventions that will guide all government agencies in program and project implementation.

With good governance and anti-corruption as an overarching theme, the plan is expected to effectively address poverty and create massive opportunities and achieve its vision of inclusive growth through three broad strategies.

First is to attain and sustained economic growth that provides productive employment opportunities. 

Second is to equalize access to development opportunities across geographic areas and across different income and social spectrum through quality education and primary health care, leveling the playing field through equal access to credit, infrastructure and land and improve governance.

Third is to formulate and implement effective responsive social safety nets to catch those who are unable to immediately participate in this new economic growth process.

Paderanga said that the said plan is the product of several months of consultation from the various stakeholders not only in government agencies but also the academe, civil society and the private sector.

It can be recalled that in September of last year, Aquino issued memorandum Circular No. 3 directing the formulation of the PDP and the Public Investment Program 2011-2016.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, who is also the chairman of the Regional Development Council-7 said that with the PDP in place there is no room for crab mentality as time is running out.

Rama also urged all government agencies and the private sector to work together to achieve this goal.  (FREEMAN)