House bill elevating Neda to department status pushed

MANILA, Philippines — Reorganizing the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) and elevating its status into a department could ensure the continuity and consistency of the country’s economic programs across different administrations, said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and Neda chief Arsenio Balisacan.

Congress is currently deliberating on the Economy, Planning and Development Bill, which would strengthen and streamline the powers and functions of the Neda. If the measure will be approved, Neda will become the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDEV).

In a statement, the Neda said the bill will enable the agency to implement continuing and coordinated policies for national development and ensure that master plans are coordinated, synergistic, and responsive to emerging issues, as well as consistent with the country’s development priorities, strategies and longer-term vision.

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Asked if he supported Neda becoming a full-fledged department, Balisacan said yes.

“You need to have a long-term infrastructure program, for example, who is shepherding that?  And how do we ensure that those kinds of programs move from one administration to another,” said Balisacan in an ambush interview in Quezon City

Agency’s role evolved, functions expanded

“Neda is an authority, it’s not a, it (is not on) equal footing (with) the other departments,” said Balisacan.

According to Administrative Code of 1987, a department is created by law, whereas the current iteration of the Neda was created by virtue of an executive order (EO).

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Balisacan said Neda’s role has evolved.  Over the years, the agency has played increasingly significant roles as the economy confronted various domestic and external challenges.

“Neda has been given so many other activities, other functions in the form of EOs, we’ve been made member of so many committees, councils. Over the hundreds,” he said.

He said the agency would remain independent and would be providing advice to the President, Cabinet, and Congress.

“It doesn’t require much in terms of new offices, it’s just making it a more regular agency of the government that serves its purpose.”