NEDA chief honors PCED’s 50 years of economic impact

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan praised the Philippine Center for Economic Development (PCED) for its vital contributions to the country’s economic development over the past fifty years.

Speaking on May 17, during the commemoration of PCED’s golden anniversary, Balisacan highlighted the Center’s pivotal role in shaping academic and public discourse and nurturing generations of economists and policymakers.

Balisacan, who serves as the chairperson of the PCED Board of Trustees, reflected on the institution’s journey since its establishment in 1974 to support the University of the Philippines School of Economics (UPSE).

“At the inception of the PCED, UPSE was a young institution—only nine years old. Through PCED’s unwavering support, the School was able to fortify and strengthen the competitiveness of its academic and research programs and expand its reach through initiatives like the establishment of the Program in Development Economics (PDE),” he said.

He emphasized PCED’s commitment to fostering essential policy work and its broad approach to inclusive growth and development.

“Indeed, PCED shall remain UPSE’s ever-present shadow and stay in sync with its priorities and objectives. It will faithfully support the School’s initiatives and projects as it carries out its mission of training the next generation of well-rounded economists who will produce excellent, diverse, ethical, and impactful research,” Balisacan added.

The golden anniversary celebration saw the presence of distinguished economists and government officials, including founding members of PCED: former NEDA Director-General Gerardo Sicat, former Prime Minister Cesar Virata, and former Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor and first Budget Secretary Jaime Laya. Joining Secretary Balisacan were current members of the PCED Board of Trustees, including Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona Jr., Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, UP President Angelo Jimenez, and PCED Executive Director and UPSE Dean Joy Abrenica.

Established by Presidential Decree No. 453 on May 13, 1974, by the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos, PCED has supported numerous initiatives benefiting UPSE. Balisacan acknowledged the Center’s role in enhancing the School’s infrastructure and fostering an intellectually vibrant community.