Lifelong learning, job creation vital for maximizing demographic dividend—NEDA

In order to achieve the goals of the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, it is necessary to maximize the country’s demographic dividend by investing in lifelong learning, job creation, and increasing employability, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

During a high-level meeting for this year’s World Population Day (WPD), NEDA Undersecretary Rosemarie G. Edillon participated in a panel discussion to discuss how stakeholders can contribute to maximizing the Philippines’ demographic dividend. The meeting took place on July 11, 2023.

“To align national and local development plans with the ongoing demographic transition, we have outlined various plans, programs, and policies in the PDP that will ensure that all Filipinos have access to social services, opportunities to improve their employability, and social protection,” she said.

Edillon also mentioned that this framework has been cascaded to the regional level. Furthermore, it is crucial to address the various challenges arising from the demographic transition at the municipal and city levels.

Meanwhile, NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan, in his keynote address read by Edillon, emphasized that the government places great importance on eradicating poverty, promoting lifelong learning and transformative education, providing accessible healthcare, ensuring gender equality, and fostering sustainable economic growth.

During the event, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) released its annual report, the State of the World Population, to commemorate the milestone of the global population surpassing the 8 billion mark.

“As the world’s population surpasses 8 billion, it is essential that we take on the complexities of our changing reality and approach these concerns with depth, empathy, and evidence-based solutions,” Balisacan said in his statement.

The WPD celebration was led by the Commission on Population and Development, in partnership with the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development, and the UNFPA.