The Philippine government celebrated 90 years of socioeconomic planning on Wednesday, with officials pledging to strengthen evidence-based policymaking to address modern challenges such as climate change and technological shifts.
Department of Economy, Planning and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan told stakeholders at a culminating event in Manila that development is the result of purposeful government action rather than chance.
He noted that the 90-year tradition of national planning has served as a stabilizing force for the country through various economic crises and political transitions.
The milestone follows the transformation of the National Economic and Development Authority into the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) under Republic Act 12145, signed on April 10, 2025.
The reorganization granted the agency greater institutional independence and an enhanced mandate to coordinate national economic development and monitor the executive branch.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, a former director-general of the agency, joined development partners from the World Bank, the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Asian Development Bank to mark the anniversary.
The event included the unveiling of a commemorative stamp by Philippine Postal Corporation Postmaster General Maximo Sta. Maria III, symbolizing the nation’s commitment to sustainable urban progress and renewable energy.
Philippine socioeconomic planning originated with the establishment of the National Economic Council on December 23, 1935. Over nine decades, the institution evolved through several reorganizations to align with the 1987 Constitution and expanding global economic demands.
Balisacan said the new DEPDev mandate aims to bridge the gap between planning and budgeting to ensure that technical policies translate into measurable improvements in the lives of Filipinos.
He urged both public and private sectors to draw from past experiences to tackle persistent inequalities and geopolitical uncertainties.
The agency also launched a coffee table book documenting the contributions of planners and statisticians since 1935. Balisacan said sustained collaboration across government agencies remains vital to ensuring that national growth is inclusive and resilient against future global shocks.
