Manila: The Department of Economic Planning and Development (DEPDev) is set to craft the country's first 25-year infrastructure masterplan to ensure that critical projects continue despite changes in administration. National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan announced in a recent press chat that the Economy, Planning and Development Act, which reorganizes NEDA to DEPDev, mandated the agency to formulate the country's first long-term infrastructure blueprint.

According to Philippines News Agency, the law was signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on April 10 and would take effect on April 27. Balisacan highlighted that the law tasks DEPDev with producing the first long-term framework for the period 2025 to 2050. The agency is also tasked with leading efforts to develop this comprehensive infrastructure development framework.

Balisacan stated that this is the first instance of a government agency being legally mandated to carry these plans forward, especially amid changes in administration. He emphasized the importance of continuity in key infrastructure projects, noting that the new law positions DEPDev as a crucial link between outgoing and incoming administrations.

Historically, infrastructure development in the Philippines has suffered from inconsistent implementation, with projects often stalled or abandoned due to shifts in leadership. Balisacan pointed out that once a long-term infrastructure masterplan is adopted by the Cabinet through DEPDev, it will not be easy for any Cabinet member to ignore its presence unless the Cabinet and the President convene to approve changes.

Balisacan added that the long-term masterplan increases the likelihood of critical infrastructure projects being implemented without political interruptions.