Manila: The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) announced on Tuesday that the government will continue to prioritize food security, job quality improvements, and the effective delivery of key public services.
According to Philippines News Agency, while the Marcos administration has made progress in these areas, DEPDev emphasizes the need for inclusive growth.
DEPDev Secretary Arsenio Balisacan highlighted the necessity of further efforts to achieve the targets set in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028. "As the President rightly pointed out, improvements in our statistical measures mean little if they do not translate into better lives for the ordinary Filipino. We've made meaningful progress, but we cannot afford complacency," Balisacan stated.
He noted that the administration's second half is crucial for tackling persistent challenges and enhancing public service delivery, particularly in essential sectors such as education, health, food security and agriculture, and basic services like transportation, energy, water, and digital connectivity.
DEPDev reported that despite global and external challenges, the country's development outcomes have shown improvement, with sound macroeconomic fundamentals. The gross domestic product (GDP) growth averaged 5.7 percent in 2024 and 5.5 percent in 2023. Additionally, poverty incidence decreased from 18.1 percent in 2021 to 15.5 percent in 2023, and inflation rates, especially food inflation, saw a significant decline.
The government's fiscal consolidation efforts and improved tax administration have kept fiscal indicators at manageable levels. Balisacan stressed the importance of modernizing agriculture, upskilling the workforce, improving productivity, and fostering innovation to build a resilient and dynamic economy.
He also underscored the need to support workers and households, particularly those vulnerable to climate risks and price volatility, through targeted assistance. The government has implemented measures to enhance food security, including the Benteng Bigas Meron Na program, which provides affordable rice to vulnerable groups and plans to expand its reach across more provinces.
Efforts to boost agricultural productivity are ongoing, with significant distributions of farm machinery and the establishment of rice processing facilities. As of May 2025, 109 out of 151 targeted facilities have been set up, with 101 operational.
Balisacan reiterated the commitment to economic transformation and the importance of adapting to global trends. DEPDev plans to release a Midterm Update of the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, which will address implementation challenges and outline strategies to achieve the country's development goals.
