The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) launched the Updated Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022. This report remains anchored on the government’s zero to ten-point socioeconomic agenda and geared towards the achievement of our long-term vision: Isang matatag, maginhawa, at panatag na buhay para sa lahat. In addition, the Updated PDP responds to the emergence of new threats to the country’s growth prospects and guides the transition towards economic recovery.
“Our focus for the next two years is to build a healthy and more resilient Philippines as the foundation for the future. Our goal remains the same: to bring Filipinos closer to a strongly rooted, comfortable, and secure life. To achieve this, the Updated PDP’s strategies have been adapted to respond to the needs of today while preparing for the requirements of tomorrow,” said Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua in his opening message in the #AskNEDA Media Launch of the PDP on February 4, 2021.
The plan responds to the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic and provides the strategies for the country’s economic recovery. This was a result of regional, national, and public consultations with stakeholders to lay down the foundation for inclusive growth, resilient society, and a globally competitive knowledge economy that remains responsive to shifting priorities in transitioning to the new normal.
“It is important to keep in mind that the emergence of new threats has only reinforced our commitment to our collective vision. Our long-term vision remains the same and has even become more pronounced now. We will manage this crisis and recover as quickly as possible,” Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Rosemarie G. Edillon said in the same event.
The Updated PDP presents a comprehensive environmental scan of the political, economic, social, technological, ecological, and legal dimensions under the new normal, with the National Spatial Strategy being updated to meet the demands of the new normal.
Moreover, the report contains five major programs designed to build the resilience of individuals, families, businesses, government, and society under the new normal. These are: (1) health system improvement, (2) food security, (3) learning continuity, (4) digital transformation, and (5) regional development.
The plan also gives deliberate attention to the special circumstances of Overseas Filipinos and their families, especially given that they were one of the groups most affected by COVID-19. The Plan aims to give them opportunities to actively participate in the country’s development processes and for them to eventually reintegrate into the country.
“We realize that many obstacles may come at any time between now and 2040. COVID-19 may just be one of these. It is important to quickly reclaim lost ground, ensure sustainability of the gains to prevent a reversal, and get back on track towards achieving AmBisyon Natin 2040,” Edillon said.
The copy of the Updated PDP may be accessed here: http://pdp.neda.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Pre-publication-copy-Updated-PDP-2017-2022.pdf
—
Stay updated with news and information from NEDA by visiting their website at neda.gov.ph.
