Food security, jobs, public services drive inclusive growth

The Marcos administration is intensifying efforts to modernize agriculture, improve job quality, and enhance public services, aiming to ensure that economic growth is inclusive and beneficial to all Filipinos, according to the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev).

Following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), DEPDev Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said the administration’s first-half gains underscore the need for continued reforms and stronger implementation to meet the goals of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023–2028.

“As the President rightly pointed out, improvements in our statistical measures mean little if they do not translate into better lives for the ordinary Filipino,” Balisacan said. “We’ve made meaningful progress, but we cannot afford complacency.”

He noted that the administration’s second half is critical for addressing persistent challenges and accelerating delivery of services, especially in priority areas such as education, health, agriculture, and infrastructure.

The economy grew 5.7 percent in 2024 and 5.5 percent in 2023, while poverty incidence dropped from 18.1 percent in 2021 to 15.5 percent in 2023, according to DEPDev data.

Income gains were higher among the lower half of the population, signaling a shift toward more equitable growth.

Unemployment fell below pre-pandemic levels, and underemployment steadily improved throughout 2023 and 2024.

Meanwhile, inflation slowed significantly, with food inflation dropping from 11.2 percent in January 2023 to just 0.1 percent in June 2025.

“These figures show that our macroeconomic fundamentals remain sound despite global and domestic headwinds,” Balisacan said.

He emphasized, however, that lasting progress depends on the ability of Filipinos to afford essentials and find decent jobs.

To address this, DEPDev is advocating sustained investments in food system modernization, workforce upskilling, climate resilience, and policy reforms.

“As we continue to make progress and reach greater development milestones, we must focus on the most impactful interventions,” Balisacan said. “Modernizing agriculture, upskilling our workforce, improving productivity, and enabling innovation across sectors… These are the building blocks of a resilient and dynamic economy.”

He stressed the importance of continued support for vulnerable workers and households facing climate risks, global shocks, and price pressures.

Among the government’s flagship programs is Benteng Bigas Meron Na, launched earlier this year to provide affordable milled rice to low-income groups through KADIWA centers.

The program currently operates in parts of Luzon and the Visayas, with further expansion planned for Mindanao.

To cut production costs and boost rice output, the government has distributed more than 37,000 farm machines to 7,338 farmer groups and supplied over 12,000 units of equipment to nearly 6,900 cooperatives.

These efforts have contributed to a PHP2 per kilo reduction in palay production costs.

As of May 2025, 109 of 151 targeted Rice Processing System facilities have been built, with 101 already operational.

Complementary efforts include construction of farm-to-market roads, extended fish import permits to supplement local supply, and tighter coordination between the Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration to roll out vaccines against African Swine Fever and Avian Influenza.

“These initiatives aim to reinforce and create resilient food supply chains, reduce price volatility, and protect the purchasing power of Filipino households,” Balisacan said.

He added that the government is committed to “transforming the economy even as we navigate the various challenges that confront us.”

DEPDev is finalizing the Midterm Update of the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028, which will be released by the end of July.

The update will include strategies to overcome lingering implementation hurdles and respond to global megatrends such as digitalization, climate change, and geopolitical shifts.

“With strong collaboration and strategic alignment at all levels, we stay on course toward a matatag, maginhawa, at panatag na buhay para sa lahat,” Balisacan said.