NEDA unveils PH dev’t plan
The Philippine Development Plan (PDP) for 2017 to 2022 was launched together with the Central Luzon Regional Development Plan in a conference tagged as “Aksyon para sa AMBISYON” (“Action for the ASPIRATION”).
Pres. Rodrigo Duterte approved the PDP on February 2017. It is the first in the four sets of strategies under AMBISYON NATIN 2040 (OUR ASPIRATION FOR 2040), NEDA’s long-term vision for the country.
“Ang layunin ng AMBISYON (NATIN) 2040 ay upang maitaas ng antas ng buhay ng Pilipino,” (The goal of OUR ASPIRATION FOR 2040 is to elevate the Filipinos’ quality of living.) said NEDA Central Luzon Dir. Severino C. Santos. “By the year 2040 ay magiging high-income economy ang bansa at maalis natin ang poverty.” (By the year 2040, the country will have a high-income economy and poverty will be eradicated.)
AMBISYON 2040 stands on a three-pronged vision of matatag, maginhawa, at panatag na buhay (strongly rooted, comfortable, and secure life).
Though the long-term plan is crafted at the national level, NEDA believes that the countrysides have a crucial role to fulfill in the revival of Philippines’ economy.
“Napakalaki ng bahagi ng mga probinsya natin, ng mga munisipyo. Kasi, kumbaga sa labanan ay nasa ground level talaga ang aksyon,” (Our provinces and municipalities have a big contribution in OUR ASPIRATION FOR 2040. When compared to a battle, the action happens in the ground level.) said Santos.
Considering their importance in AMBISYON NATIN 2040, NEDA promised that these localities will receive most of the benefits.
Representatives of various sectors responded well to NEDA’s call of cooperation. Among those who came to support PDP were academicians, who said schools have much to contribute in the country’s economic and industrial growth.
Reaching Out to People
NEDA partnered with other national government agencies to cascade the PDP to all communities.
The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) is currently touring around the country to promote the PDP among municipalities. In fact, while the PDP was being launched in Angeles City, PIA Regional Dir. William Beltran was in Zambales delivering talks about the medium-term plan.
NEDA is hoping that the people will soon accept AMBISYON NATIN 2040 as their collective vision.