NEDA’s Ambisyon Natin 2040 Expo, Biggest Culminating Activity of PHL Long-Term Vision

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) conducted the AmBisyon Natin 2040 Expo on November 15, 2016 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, Manila.

“The AmBisyon Natin 2040 Expo is the biggest culminating activity of the Philippine Long-term Vision. The event’s theme, AmBisyon Mo, Misyon Nating Lahat, communicates that it takes a whole-of-nation approach in realizing the ambitions and dreams of its citizens,” said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia.

Vice President of the Philippines, Maria Leonor “Leni” G. Robredo was the event’s guest of honor. She gave a message on the importance of having a long-term vision to the development of the country.

Building on three main pillars—Matatag at Balanseng Buhay, Ligtas at Panatag na Buhay, and Maginhawang Buhay—the Expo first featured panelists such as Filomeno Sta. Ana III from the Action for Economic Reforms, former Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Cielito Habito, Alvin Ang of Ateneo De Manila University, and Clarissa David of the AmBisyon Natin 2040 research team.

Another six plenary speakers were featured from different sectors aimed to inspire participants to dream big and contribute to the national vision. These included Jules Guiang of the 2030 Youth Force of the United Nations, Susan Ople of the Blas F. Ople Policy Center, Engr. Aisa Mijeno of SALt, Former Dipolog Mayor Evelyn T. Uy, Reese Fernandez of Rags2Riches, and Emil Tapnio of PhilDev.

“The event also showcased government’s services and training modules that can help Filipinos, especially the youth, to work towards their long-term aspirations,” said Pernia.

Government agencies that were tapped to give short learning sessions to participants included the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (on Strengthening OFW families), Government Service Insurance System (on available e-services for GSIS members), the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (on maintaining peace and order in the community), and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (on disaster management and building resilient communities).

Included also were the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (on disaster education and weather signals), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (on financial literacy), Social Security System (on social insurance), National Wage and Productivity Commission (on the NWPC’s productivity modules), Department of Education (on employment and the K-12 system), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (on available courses provided by TESDA) and the Commission on Higher Education (on student financial assistance).

Last month, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed Executive Order (EO) No. 5 approving and adopting AmBisyon Natin 2040 to be the basis of development planning and anchor to the next four Philippine Development Plans (PDPs).

The Filipino long term vision details the aspirations of Filipinos for themselves and the country for the next 25 years. These aspirations were drawn from the main findings of 42 focus group discussions with various sectors, including marginalized groups, as well as a NEDA-commissioned nationwide survey that involved 10,000 respondents.

According to the results, Filipinos desire a life that is “matatag, maginhawa, at panatag.” Also, according to the study, Filipinos envision a Philippines where all citizens are free from hunger and poverty, have equal opportunities, and are enabled by a fair and just society that is governed with order and unity. (NEDA)