The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) began the series of consultative forum for the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 with government planners.

On Friday, Sept. 23, the NEDA gathered government planning officers in a culminating event for the new PDP with the theme “ISAPLANO: Bagong Philippine Development Plan para sa patuloy na pagsulong."

The PDP forum aims to solicit views and insights from various sectors in preparation for the formulation of President Marcos' development plan, the NEDA said.

Among those who participated were officials of Provincial Planning and Development Offices, City Planning and Development Offices, and Regional Development Councils from across the country. Planning officers from the government’s Executive and Legislative branches also joined and shared their insights on the upcoming PDP.

“Discussions and consultations such as these are important avenues for promoting greater engagement, encouraging participation, and obtaining support as we seek to be as inclusive as possible in planning our journey toward our collective long-term vision amid all the economic challenges we face today," Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said.

"For a nation of over 110 million people, a unified and cohesive development plan enables all of us in the public sector to work collaboratively so that our efforts are concerted and geared towards common goals,” he added.

The country’s chief economist also underscored the importance of enhancing government processes and public services for development.

“On the part of government, we need to address the most binding constraints to growth and dynamism. These include our own institutions and the way we work. We in government must endeavor to transform our own processes so that Filipinos can more easily access and avail of public services. Hence, we need to push for digital transformation within the public sector and the entire economy,” said Balisacan.

This forum was the third in the series following the first two forums featuring the youth and the private sector held last Sept. 9 and 16, respectively.

At the forum, NEDA presented the preliminary framework of the upcoming PDP, which follows the Marcos Administration’s 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda.

This outlines government priorities addressing both the short-term issues and medium-term constraints hindering economic growth. As part of the forum, attendees responded to a mini survey in relation to the PDP framework and what it takes to get the plan implemented and achieve desired results.

The new PDP will emphasize high-quality job creation, the promotion of a level playing field among businesses, and upholding public order and safety.

As the nation’s premier socioeconomic planning body, the NEDA is mandated to spearhead the formulation of the PDP in collaboration with fellow government agencies, the private sector, and local government units.

This will serve as the government’s development blueprint, reflecting socioeconomic policies, strategies, and programs for the next six years.