Philippines eyes future reforms as it marks 90 years of socioeconomic planning

MANILA — The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) marked the 90th anniversary of Philippine socioeconomic planning on Wednesday, reaffirming its commitment to evidence-based policymaking and long-term national development.

Speaking at a culminating event on Dec. 17, DEPDev Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan highlighted the country’s legacy of strategic planning and emphasized the need to draw lessons from the past to address emerging challenges.

“Today, we mark a 90-year tradition of deliberate and concerted national planning—from the National Economic Council established in 1935, to NEDA, and now to the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development. History teaches us that development does not happen by chance. It is the result of purposeful government action and coherent policies—grounded in data, shaped by consultation, and sustained across political cycles,” Balisacan said.

He paid tribute to generations of Filipino planners and public servants who have helped steer the nation through reforms, crises, and transformations over the decades.

“For decades, generations of planners, analysts, statisticians, and technical staff have quietly but decisively helped steer the country through change, crisis, and reform. This gathering is therefore a tribute to the people behind that work,” he said.

“We honor our former leaders who guided the institution through pivotal moments; our development partners who have consistently supported the strengthening of our planning system; and our employees and awardees whose professionalism, dedication, and service continue to uphold the standards of this institution. Their collective efforts have made socioeconomic planning a stabilizing force in uncertain times and a guide for long-term national direction,” Balisacan added.

Philippine socioeconomic planning began in 1935 with the establishment of the National Economic Council (NEC).

The institution evolved through various iterations, including the Economic Planning Board and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), which served as the main socioeconomic planning body under the 1987 Constitution.

On April 10, 2025, the passage of the Economy, Planning, and Development Act (Republic Act No. 12145) reorganized NEDA into DEPDev, granting it greater institutional independence and a broader mandate.

DEPDev now functions as the primary agency for policy formulation, planning, coordination, and monitoring of national economic development.

The anniversary celebration brought together former and current officials from DEPDev and its regional offices, alumni from the DEPDev Alumni Association (DAA), representatives from other government agencies, the private sector, and international development partners.

Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto, a former NEDA Director-General, delivered the keynote address. Other speakers included World Bank Country Director Zafer Mustafaoglu, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Chief Representative Takashi Baba, and Asian Development Bank (ADB) Deputy Country Director Declan Magee.

A commemorative stamp symbolizing people-centered development was unveiled by Postmaster General and Philippine Postal Corporation CEO Maximo C. Sta. Maria III.

The stamp, which depicts families, infrastructure, renewable energy, and urban progress, was turned over to Balisacan and Recto.

DEPDev also launched a coffee table book highlighting nine decades of planning milestones, policy shifts, and the contributions of generations of planners and development professionals.

In his address, Balisacan called on both public and private sectors to remain forward-looking while learning from the country’s development history.

“This milestone invites us to look ahead. The challenges before us—climate change, rapid technological shifts, geopolitical uncertainties, and persistent inequalities—demand that our planning system be even more future-ready, well-coordinated, and institutionally robust,” he said.

“DEPDev’s mandate is to link planning with budgeting, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, so that good plans lead to real and measurable improvements in people’s lives,” he added.

Balisacan also stressed the importance of sustained collaboration among agencies, sectors, and generations to ensure that development gains are inclusive and resilient.

“By continuing to work together—across generations of public servants, across agencies and partners—we can help ensure that growth remains inclusive, resilient, and sustainable for all Filipinos,” he said.