NEDA pushes productivity for inclusive growth

The Philippine government is accelerating initiatives to boost productivity, aiming for inclusive and sustainable economic growth, according to National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan.

Speaking on possible policy directives to shape the Asian Productivity Organization’s (APO) post-2025 vision, Balisacan highlighted the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028.

“Our medium-term development roadmap advocates for digitalization, enhanced connectivity, public-private partnerships, strengthening of services ecosystems around manufacturing clusters, and fostering a dynamic innovation ecosystem,” Balisacan said.

He emphasized the importance of collaboration between national and local government levels.

Balisacan cited several ongoing efforts, including the digitalization of public services via the National ID system, enhancing competition in the telecommunications sector, and promoting public-private partnership (PPP) projects.

“We are investing in human capital by improving education, healthcare, and social services. Our goal is to create a truly inclusive society where everyone can participate in and benefit from economic growth,” he added.

NEDA’s initiatives also include promoting skills development, entrepreneurship, research and development, technology adoption, and business process improvement. These efforts aim to raise efficiency and competitiveness in the long run.

Recognizing emerging challenges, Balisacan advocated for a forward-looking approach as the APO updates its strategic plan. He emphasized that the APO must prioritize areas aligned with the evolving needs of member countries, considering their varying stages of economic development.

“While the APO’s current goals align closely with the Philippine development and national productivity agenda and strategic objectives, it must be strategic in operationalizing its purpose and direction for the collective good,” Balisacan stated.

He outlined several priorities for the APO, including fostering regional and international collaboration, enhancing digital transformation, facilitating policy and regulatory reforms, revitalizing productivity in key sectors, and promoting evidence-based policy formulation.

Balisacan concluded by underscoring the APO’s potential to steer collective efforts toward a more prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable Asia-Pacific region.

“The challenges are immense, but so are the opportunities. Let us reflect on the significance of these goals and our commitment to realizing them,” he said.

The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) serves as the country’s National Productivity Organization, tasked with fulfilling the Philippines’ commitments to the APO and implementing related activities at the local level.

Secretary Balisacan, as the APO Country Director and Chairperson of the DAP Board of Trustees, is attending the 66th Session of the APO Governing Body at the Grand Hyatt, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.