NEDA: Effective planning key to poverty reduction

Throughout the forum, the NEDA highlighted that the government must always ensure the communication of accurate and timely information to the public

The National Economic and Development Authority on Monday, 28 November, underscored the importance of effectively communicating the policies and strategies of the upcoming Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 to meet the Marcos administration’s goal of reinvigorating job creation and speeding up poverty reduction.

In a forum with government information and communication officers in preparation for the PDP’s completion next month, NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan stressed that collaboration among communication teams of offices within the government is an integral part of the whole-of-government approach for development planning.

“As government information officers, you perceive the pulse of the Filipino people through various media and channels, you are the heralds who are crucial in ensuring that the link between the public and the government remains strong, truthful and unbroken,” Balisacan said.

“As the launch of the PDP 2023-2028 approaches, we seek your thoughts and efforts to guarantee (its effective implementation and) its successful communication to the public — our fellow Filipinos, for whom the Plan is formulated,” Balisacan added.

Throughout the forum, the NEDA highlighted that the government must always ensure the communication of accurate and timely information to the public, especially on socioeconomic policies that have significant implications.

Balisacan pointed out that effective communication, alongside public consultations, would enable useful feedback from stakeholders such that programs and policies are adjusted to become more impactful.

Meanwhile, Balisacan said over the weekend that the Philippine economy will remain “comparatively strong” despite the anticipated decline in 2023 caused by ongoing headwinds.

Balisacan answered concerns about the upcoming slump with a tweet concerning projections on world growth.

Balisacan’s stand

“After a likely over 7.0 (percent) growth in 2022, yes, we may slow down, given still elevated external headwinds & internal challenges, but the economy will remain comparatively strong in 2023,” the Socioeconomic Planner said.

Multilateral lenders like the Asian Development Bank and International Monetary Fund have forecast weaker economic growth for 2019 than they did for this year, citing global shocks, rising inflation, and interest rates that might hurt demand.