Next PH Development Plan to Focus on Long Term Aspirations of Filipinos

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has started the crafting and consultations for the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022, which is targeted to be released in early 2017.

The PDP 2017-2022 will be the first medium-term development plan that is anchored on a long-term vision. It is the first of the four six-year plans that aim to realize AmBisyon Natin 2040, the 25-year vision for the country.

The adoption of the AmBisyon Natin 2040 as guide for development planning is supported by the Executive Order No. 5 signed by the President on October 11, 2016.

“The PDP will translate AmBisyon Natin 2040 and the administration’s 0+10-point Socioeconomic Agenda into strategies, policies, programs, and activities that emphasize Malasakit at Pagbabago tungo sa Patuloy na Pag-unlad,” said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia. “The overall objective of the PDP is to lay down a solid foundation for inclusive growth, a high-trust society, and a globally competitive knowledge economy,” said Pernia. This is based on the long-term vision that by 2040, “the Philippines will be a prosperous, predominantly middle-class society where no one is poor; our peoples will live long and healthy lives, be smart and innovative, and will live in a high-trust society.”

The NEDA Secretariat was directed last October 24 through the Memorandum Circular No. 12 to coordinate the formulation of the country’s national and regional development plans and the accompanying investment programs, and monitor their implementation. Since November 21, NEDA has been conducting consultations in 17 regions for the PDP that involve representatives from the legislature, executive agencies, local government units, business sector, academe, civil society, and other stakeholders.

The strategies of the PDP 2017-2022 form the three pillars: “Malasakit” or enhancing the social fabric, “Pagbabago”or reducing inequality, and “Kaunlaran” or increasing potential growth. They are supported by a strong foundation in national peace and security, strategic and accelerated infrastructure development, resiliency, and ecological integrity.

For Malasakit, the social fabric will be enhanced by regaining people’s trust. It involves clean, efficient, and citizen-centered governance; swift and fair administration of justice; and promotion of awareness and value of cultural diversity.

For Pagbabago, inequality will be reduced to make ordinary Filipinos feel change. For each economic sector, it involves expanding economic opportunities and increasing access to these opportunities for sub-sectors and groups that lag behind. For individuals and people groups, it involves reducing vulnerability of the poor and acceleration in human capital development.

For Patuloy na Pag-unlad, potential growth will be increased because it is imperative that growth is accelerated and sustained. It involves promoting technology adoption, encouraging innovation, and maximizing the gains from the demographic dividend or slowing population growth.

The PDP is expected to be submitted to the NEDA Board and the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council by January 2017. (NEDA)