Update of 5-yr PH dev’t plan seen released in late 2013

An update of the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016 will not be available until late this year instead of the previously planned release in July, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).

The Neda is leading the review of the PDP, which will result in a midterm update of the plan, to “assess and address gaps, constraints and bottlenecks in attaining rapid, sustained and inclusive growth.”

In a statement, Neda officer in charge Emmanuel F. Esguerra said the update was meant to ensure that the strong growth of the economy would be sustainable and inclusive.

Inclusive economic growth, according to economists, is growth characterized by an increase in employment.

The Neda said growth should be “shared by all and opposed to the trickle-down, jobless growth that we have seen over the recent years.”

“Achieving inclusive growth remains a huge challenge and a top priority,” Esguerra said.  “With the latest economic, social and political developments here and abroad, there is a need to revisit and update the PDP to ensure that  the country is efficiently heading toward its medium-term goals.”

In July 2012, Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan—who is also Neda director general—said the goal was to have the midterm PDP update available by July this year.

But now, the agency said the update was expected to be available before the end of the year.

“With the participation of government line agencies, local government units and civil society groups, strategies in the updated plan will more closely consider spatial and sectoral dimensions to ensure that those in the poor areas and sectors are mainstreamed in the growth process,” Esguerra said.

He added that overseas Filipinos and their families would also be explicitly regarded in the plan since they were one of the major sources of growth and development for the country.

Esguerra said both the PDP midterm update and the revalidated results matrix—the plan’s accompanying document—would highlight three critical elements.

Esguerra was referring to sustained economic growth that generates mass employment, reduces poverty, and facilitates the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

The MDGs are a set of minimum commitments with the United Nations to eradicate poverty, achieve universal primary education, promote gender equality in education, reduce child mortality, improve maternal health, combat HIV/AIDS, and ensure environmental sustainability by 2015.