The Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) is calling for a stronger “whole-of-nation plus” approach to accelerate the country’s progress toward the 2030 Agenda, with only five years left to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Speaking at the national presentation of the 2025 Voluntary National Review (VNR) on Wednesday, DEPDev Secretary Arsenio Balisacan cited the need for sustained and meaningful collaboration across all sectors—including national and local governments, civil society, businesses, academia and development partners—to meet key SDG targets.
“As we chart the path ahead, let us remember that the VNR at the national level and Voluntary Local Reviews at the subnational level are not the endpoints, but calls to action,” Balisacan said. “This shared commitment… will drive our collective vision of a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient Philippines.”
Adopted in 2015, the 17 SDGs are a blueprint for ending poverty, protecting the planet and promoting peace and prosperity. The 2030 Agenda calls for action that balances economic growth, social progress and environmental protection.
The latest VNR report shows the Philippines has made significant strides in several goals, including No Poverty (SDG 1), Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Quality Education (SDG 4), and Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8). The country has also advanced in Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), Life Below Water (SDG 14) and Life on Land (SDG 15).
The report, however, noted setbacks in Good Health and Well Being (SDG 3), citing the need to address issues in healthcare. Progress on Gender Equality (SDG 5) also needs to be accelerated, particularly in eliminating child marriage and increasing women’s participation in leadership roles. The report also identified climate change and economic inequality as ongoing threats.
According to DEPDev, overcoming these challenges will require a robust strategy that includes strengthening health and gender programs, investing in education and skills development, promoting digitalization, and building resilience to economic shocks.
“The VNR is more than a report; it is our evolving story of progress, resilience, and innovation,” Balisacan said.
DEPDev launched the Stakeholder Partnership Accelerator for Convergence and Engagement (SPACE) Web Application, a new digital platform for coordination, information-sharing, and SDG monitoring. Developed with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Canada, SPACE aims to enhance nationwide stakeholder engagement.
The event also featured presentations from the cities of Baguio, Sta. Rosa and Makati, which showcased their own Voluntary Local Reviews. The Philippines presented its fourth VNR at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum in New York on July 20, 2025.
