March 20, 2023 — Following extensive review and consultations with the public, legislators, relevant administrative agencies, and other key stakeholders, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) released the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 11659 or the Amendments to the Public Service Act (PSA) on March 20, 2023. Download the Public continue reading : NEDA RELEASES PUBLIC SERVICE ACT IRR

STATEMENT NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan Fourth NEDA Board Meeting March 9, 2023 Malacañang, Manila Media Briefer Daphne Paez, Members of the Malacañang Press Corps, Good morning. I am pleased to announce that the National Economic and Development Authority Board, chaired by President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Jr., during its fourth meeting today, approved two game-changing continue reading : STATEMENT OF NEDA SECRETARY ARSENIO M. BALISACAN ON THE 4TH MEETING OF THE NEDA BOARD

MARCH 9, 2023 – As the country’s labor market conditions continue to improve, the government remains steadfast in strengthening its policy interventions geared toward generating more productive and higher-quality employment, said the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the country’s unemployment rate declined to 4.8 percent in January continue reading : PH LABOR MARKET SUSTAINS RECOVERY, GOV’T TO STRENGTHEN POLICIES TOWARD HIGH-QUALITY JOB CREATION—NEDA

MARCH 8, 2023 — The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is confident of the country’s position as a viable and strong option for the investment community as it continues to be on track with its economic agenda for infrastructure development. On the last day of Nomura’s ASEAN 2023 Conference – which featured the different continue reading : NEDA SECRETARY PRESENTS INFRA DEV’T PLANS AT NOMURA’S ASEAN 2023 CONFERENCE

Statement of NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan on the Creation of the Inter-agency Committee on Inflation and Market Outlook March 7, 2023 Recent data on economic and labor market performance indicate a robust and sustained recovery, especially with the reopening of the economy and strong consumer demand. However, foremost among our challenges this year is continue reading : STATEMENT OF NEDA SECRETARY ARSENIO M. BALISACAN ON THE CREATION OF THE INTER-AGENCY COMMITTEE ON INFLATION AND MARKET OUTLOOK

MARCH 7, 2023 – As the inflation rate eases in February 2023, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) stressed the need to recalibrate government strategies to alleviate the impact of higher commodity prices. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the country’s headline inflation rate marginally slowed down to 8.6 percent in February 2023 continue reading : INFLATION EASES IN FEB 2023, GOV’T TO RECALIBRATE MITIGATING STRATEGIES—NEDA

March 1, 2023 – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) maintains its resolve to address high inflation and sustain the country’s rapid recovery in the year ahead amid challenges in domestic and global markets. On February 28, 2023, the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) briefed the House Committee on Appropriations on the country’s current continue reading : NEDA SECRETARY MAINTAINS RESOLVE OVER GOVT’S INFLATION MANAGEMENT; SAYS THAT INTERVENTIONS MUST ALIGN WITH PDP

FEBRUARY 22, 2023 — Following the ratification of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement, the government is optimistic that the country will reap the benefits and advantages of the mega-trade deal, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. “With the country’s participation to RCEP, the Philippines has now further strengthened its position as an continue reading : RCEP STRENGTHENS PH POSITION AS ASEAN INVESTMENT HUB – NEDA

As-delivered Statement of NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan on the 4th National Innovation Council Meeting February 21, 2023 Members of the Malacañang Press Corps, Fellow Filipinos, Ladies and gentlemen, Good afternoon to all. This morning, the National Innovation Council held its fourth (4th) meeting since its creation in 2019, marking the first meeting of the continue reading : As-delivered Statement of NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan on the 4th National Innovation Council Meeting

FEBRUARY 20, 2023 — The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) remains steadfast in its support toward the urgent ratification of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement. “We, in NEDA, consider RCEP to be a vehicle that would drive our economy’s sustained growth through regional and global trade as well as through greater investment in continue reading : NEDA AFFIRMS SUPPORT TO RCEP RATIFICATION, PUSHES FOR COMPETITIVE PH AGRI

February 16, 2023 — The recent Philippine delegation’s visit to Japan served as a pivotal step to turn the plans and strategies in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 into concrete actions that will benefit the lives of all Filipinos, said the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “Through our country’s intensified efforts led by President continue reading : STRONGER PH-JAPAN RELATIONS TO SUPPORT PH DEV’T PLAN IMPLEMENTATION—NEDA

QUEZON City— Transforming consumption and production patterns will be vital in accelerating the country’s shift toward a more sustainable and climate-smart economy, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).   In the event Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028: From Plan to Action focusing on the Plan’s Chapter 15: Accelerate Climate Action and Strengthen Disaster Resilience, the NEDA called continue reading : SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION, PRODUCTION KEY TO RESILIENT, CLIMATE-SMART ECONOMY—NEDA

FEBRUARY 8, 2023 – The Philippine labor market continues to record positive gains as more Filipinos pursue and attain high-quality jobs amid the now fully-opened economy, said the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the country’s unemployment rate declined to 4.3 percent in December 2022, from 6.6 percent continue reading : HIGH-QUALITY JOBS TO BOLSTER VIBRANT PH LABOR MARKET — NEDA

February 7, 2023 – As headline inflation rate further accelerated in January 2023, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said higher agricultural productivity, food supply augmentation, and energy security are top priorities of the government to temper upward price pressures. “As part of the administration’s 8-point agenda and the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, the continue reading : HIGHER AGRI PRODUCTION, FOOD AND ENERGY SUPPLY CRUCIAL IN ADDRESSING INFLATION – NEDA

AS-DELIVERED PRESS STATEMENT ON THE 3RD MEETING OF THE NEDA BOARD  Arsenio M. Balisacan NEDA Secretary 3 February 2023 Let me greet everyone, especially our Spokesperson Daphne Paez,  Members of the Malacañang Press Corps, Ladies and gentlemen, good morning.   Apart from the UP-PGH Project that Spokesperson Daphne has mentioned, I would like to share with continue reading : As-delivered Press Statement of NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan on the 3rd Meeting of the NEDA Board

As-delivered Opening Remarks From Plan to Action: Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 Forum   Arsenio M. Balisacan, PhD Secretary National Economic and Development Authority Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City 30 January 2023 | 1:30 PM <Salutations>  His Excellency, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.,  Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile,  Fellow Cabinet Secretaries and co-workers continue reading : As-delivered Opening Remarks of NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan – From Plan to Action: Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 Forum

JANUARY 31, 2023 – The Philippine government is determined to spearhead a whole-of-nation approach in the implementation of strategies and programs laid out in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. Representatives from the government, the private sector and civil society, as well as development partners convened in continue reading : FROM PLAN TO IMPLEMENTATION: EFFECTIVE ROLLOUT OF PH DEV’T PLAN 2023-2028 KEY TO ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION

STATEMENT OF NEDA SECRETARY ARSENIO M. BALISACAN   ON THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR OF 2022 JANUARY 26, 2023    Colleagues in government, friends from the media, fellow Filipinos— Good morning! I am pleased to announce that the Philippine economy’s growth remains robust as the government continues to intensify continue reading : STATEMENT OF NEDA SECRETARY ARSENIO M. BALISACAN   ON THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR OF 2022

JANUARY 6, 2023 — The government will pursue a dynamic labor market that will generate more jobs and high-quality employment as the country recorded its lowest unemployment rate since April 2005, said the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the country’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.2 percent in November continue reading : PH UNEMPLOYMENT HITS LOWEST SINCE APRIL 2005, NEW DEV’T PLAN TO PURSUE HIGH-QUALITY JOBS, DYNAMIC LABOR MARKET

January 5, 2023 – Protecting the purchasing power of Filipinos remains on top of the government’s priorities as domestic and global headwinds continue to be a challenge, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the country’s headline inflation rate marginally increased to 8.1 percent in December continue reading : ADDRESSING INFLATION REMAINS ON TOP OF PH GOV’T PRIORITIES—NEDA

December 19, 2022 – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) assured the public that it will work closely with the implementing agencies, the Legislature, and other stakeholders to carry out the strategies and attain the objectives and targets set in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028. Following the NEDA Board’s approval of the Plan continue reading : NEDA TO WORK CLOSELY WITH IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES, LEGISLATURE, AND STAKEHOLDERS IN ACHIEVING PDP 2023-2028 TARGETS

 Opening Statement Arsenio M. Balisacan, PhD Secretary National Economic and Development Authority   #AskNEDA Media Briefing December 19, 2022 Astoria Plaza, Pasig City | 10:00 AM   Friends from the media, Fellow NEDA officials and colleagues, Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. First, to the media members, I thank you for attending this briefing. I am continue reading : As-delivered Opening Statement of NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan during the AskNEDA Media Briefing

PRESS STATEMENT Arsenio M. Balisacan, PhD Secretary National Economic and Development Authority Saturday News Forum Dapo Restaurant, Quezon City 17 December 2022 | 10:00 AM   Members of the media, Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Yesterday, the President, together with members of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board and the whole Cabinet, met continue reading : As-delivered Press Statement of NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan at the Saturday News Forum Press Briefing

December 17, 2022 — The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board, chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., approved on December 16, 2022 the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, the country’s blueprint for socioeconomic development over the medium term. “Completed in record time – just six months into President Marcos’ term – the PDP is continue reading : NEDA BOARD APPROVES PH DEV’T PLAN 2023-2028, EXTENSION OF TARIFF REDUCTION ON KEY COMMODITIES

Throughout my professional career, I have always considered it a distinct honor and privilege to serve my country, especially at no less than the highest levels of public administration and across several Presidents.   As our nation continues its full recovery and advances on its journey to prosperity, we are confronted with rapidly changing market conditions continue reading : STATEMENT OF NEDA SECRETARY ARSENIO M. BALISACAN ON HIS CONFIRMATION

December 7, 2022 — The Philippines continues to sustain an upbeat labor market, leading towards a strong economic recovery from the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, said the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the country’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.5 percent in October 2022 from 7.4 percent during the continue reading : PH SUSTAINS STRONG RECOVERY, UPBEAT LABOR MARKET – NEDA

December 6, 2022 — The Philippine economy remains robust and will be able to sustain its growth momentum, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. In his presentation during the House Committee on Economic Affairs briefing on Monday, NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan highlighted the focus of the upcoming Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 for continue reading : NEDA CONFIDENT OF ROBUST RECOVERY, SUSTAINED GROWTH WITH NEW PH DEV’T PLAN

DECEMBER 6, 2022 —The Philippine government is committed to providing timely assistance to those hardest hit by inflation and implementing measures that boost agricultural productivity to ensure the country’s food security, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the country’s headline inflation rose to 8.0 percent in continue reading : PH GOV’T TO ALLEVIATE INFLATION WITH CONTINUED TARGETED SUBSIDIES, MEASURES TO BOOST FOOD PRODUCTION — NEDA

Review of the Medium-Term Macroeconomic Assumptions and Fiscal Program for FY 2023 to 2028 December 5, 2022 The Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) reviewed the government’s medium-term macroeconomic assumptions, fiscal program, and growth targets for FY 2023 to 2028 to take into account the latest domestic developments, global economic status, and the administration’s priorities and continue reading : JOINT STATEMENT OF THE DBCC ON THE REVIEW OF THE MEDIUM-TERM MACROECONOMIC ASSUMPTIONS AND FISCAL PROGRAM FOR FY 2023 to 2028

November 28, 2022 – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) underscored the importance of effectively communicating the policies and strategies of the upcoming Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 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 continue reading : NEDA AIMS FOR WHOLE-OF-GOV’T COMMUNICATION APPROACH FOR PDP 2023-2028

Opening Remarks Arsenio M. Balisacan, PhD Secretary National Economic and Development Authority   9th M&E NETWORK FORUM 28 November 2022 | 8:00 A.M. – 5:30 PM   Representative Stella Quimbo, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Counsellor Thanh Le, ADB Director General Emmanuel Jimenez, UNDP Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran, Officials and colleagues from continue reading : AS-DELIVERED OPENING REMARKS OF NEDA SECRETARY ARSENIO M. BALISACAN AT THE 9TH M&E NETWORK FORUM

November 25, 2022 – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) reaffirmed the government’s commitment to significantly reduce poverty and inequality in the Philippines through the upcoming Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028. In his keynote address at the launch of the World Bank Philippines’ report on overcoming poverty and inequality on November 24, NEDA Secretary continue reading : NEW PH DEV’T PLAN TO ADDRESS PERSISTING POVERTY, INEQUALITY AMONG FILIPINOS — NEDA

November 24, 2022 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board approved on November 24 the Executive Order (EO) which will implement tariff modification on certain electric vehicles (EV) and their parts and components, as well as NEDA’s guidelines on processing Public-Private Partnership (PPP) proposals. The NEDA Board also confirmed the Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) approvals continue reading : NEDA BOARD APPROVES EO ON E-VEHICLES TARIFF MODIFICATION, PPP PROCESSING GUIDELINES, CONFIRMS APPROVAL OF SIX PROJECTS

November 15, 2022 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is confident that the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 will be ready for implementation at the start of 2023 which will help the economy sustain its high growth, accelerate poverty reduction, and enable the country to attain its identified medium-term socioeconomic goals.  In a briefing continue reading : IMPLEMENTATION-READY PH DEV’T PLAN TO SUSTAIN HIGH AND INCLUSIVE GROWTH

November 10, 2022 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) highlighted the importance of fostering a high-trust society with a strong sense of community—one of the goals of the AmBisyon Natin 2040—to facilitate nation-building and achieve inclusive development. “Trust – whether in institutions, leadership, and communities – reduces the uncertainties that individuals and businesses face continue reading : FOSTERING A HIGH-TRUST SOCIETY VITAL IN NATION-BUILDING – NEDA

STATEMENT OF NEDA SECRETARY ARSENIO M. BALISACAN   ON THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 2022 NOVEMBER 10, 2022   Colleagues in government, friends from the media, fellow Filipinos— Good morning! I am pleased to announce that the Philippine economy maintains its solid position and positive outlook as the government continues to continue reading : STATEMENT OF NEDA SECRETARY ARSENIO M. BALISACAN ON THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 2022

November 8, 2022 – The Philippine labor market sustained its positive momentum with unemployment rate dropping to new record-low since the onset of the pandemic, while the government remains committed to improving the quality of employment to address the high underemployment in the country, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. As reported by continue reading : PH LABOR MARKET SUSTAINS POSITIVE GAINS, GOV’T COMMITTED TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF EMPLOYMENT

November 4, 2022 The Philippine government is committed to providing immediate relief to cushion the impact of rising inflation, while investing in climate-smart technologies and systems to build the country’s resilience and ensure food security, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the country’s headline inflation rate continue reading : PH GOV’T CONTINUES TARGETED RELIEF TO TAME INFLATION, CLIMATE-SMART AGRI TECH VITAL TO FOOD SECURITY— NEDA

October 28, 2022 Recognizing the private sector’s critical role in reinvigorating job creation and reducing poverty, the government continues to work hard to create a more enabling regulatory and investment climate to support businesses in the country, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. In his remarks at the US-ASEAN Business Council meeting on continue reading : PH GOV’T TO CREATE MORE ENABLING REGULATORY, INVESTMENT CLIMATE FOR BUSINESSES –NEDA

October 27, 2022 Policies against climate change will have a pivotal role in upcoming development plans as these are much needed to achieve inclusive economic growth for the country, according to the National Economic and Development Authority.  “As the Socioeconomic Planning Secretary, I can honestly say that now more than ever, the integration of climate continue reading : INTEGRATING CLIMATE ACTION IN DEV’T PLANNING VITAL TO INCLUSIVE GROWTH – NEDA

Keynote Speech Arsenio M. Balisacan, PhD Secretary National Economic and Development Authority Launch of the World Bank Group’s Philippine Country Climate and Development Report Quezon Room, Seda Vertis North, Quezon City 25 October 2022 | 9:15 A.M. DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, World Bank Country Director Ndiamé Diop, Vice Chairperson and Executive Director of continue reading : As-delivered Keynote Speech of NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan at the Launch of the World Bank Group’s Philippine Country Climate and Development Report

October 19, 2022 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is confident that the government remains on track to achieving its medium and long-term economic goals as it proactively addresses global inflationary pressures that pose risks to the country’s growth and recovery. NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said in a press briefing held at Malacañang continue reading : PH CONFIDENT OF ECONOMIC GROWTH MOMENTUM AMID GLOBAL HEADWINDS – NEDA

October 18, 2022 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) highlighted the crucial roles of public sector leaders and managers in the country’s journey towards robust economic recovery. In his keynote address during the Development Academy of the Philippines’s (DAP) 25th Graduation Ceremony of the Public Management Development Program (PMDP), NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan continue reading : PUBLIC SECTOR LEADERS VITAL IN ATTAINING ROBUST ECONOMIC RECOVERY – NEDA

October 6, 2022 – Prioritizing investment opportunities in the productive sectors and strengthening the country’s human capital will translate to more high-quality and resilient jobs, further enabling a vibrant Philippine labor market, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. As reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority today, the country’s unemployment rate significantly declined to continue reading : INVESTMENTS IN PRODUCTIVE SECTORS, HUMAN CAPITAL TO LEAD MORE QUALITY EMPLOYMENT—NEDA

October 5, 2022 The Philippine government is committed to ensuring sufficient food supply and sustained subsidies to aid Filipinos in accessing affordable goods and services as inflation persists due to domestic and global pressures, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the country’s headline inflation rate continue reading : SUFFICIENT FOOD SUPPLY, SUSTAINED SUBSIDIES CRUCIAL AMIDST PERSISTING GLOBAL INFLATIONARY PRESSURES – NEDA

October 4, 2022 – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said a robust and responsive statistical system is indispensable in formulating sound and impactful public policies and interventions. In his address at the joint opening ceremony of the 33rd National Statistics Month (NSM) and the 15th National Convention on Statistics (NCS) organized by the continue reading : NEDA UNDERSCORES CRITICAL ROLE OF STATISTICS IN PLANNING AND POLICY-MAKING

Inspirational Message Arsenio M. Balisacan, PhD Secretary National Economic and Development Authority   Joint Opening Ceremonies of the 33rd National Statistics Month and the 15th National Convention on Statistics   Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, Quezon City 3 October 2022  Honorable Senator Win Gatchalian, Undersecretary and National Statistician Claire Dennis Mapa, Former National Statistician, my good continue reading : As-delivered Inspirational Message of Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan during the Joint Opening Ceremonies of the 33rd National Statistics Month and the 15th National Convention on Statistics

September 28, 2022 – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is confident that more financially viable and well-structured Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects will be delivered following the publication of the Revised 2022 Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Law last September 27, 2022. NEDA Secretary and BOT IRR Cabinet-level Committee Chair continue reading : PH TO BENEFIT FROM FINANCIALLY VIABLE PPP PROJECTS WITH REVISED BOT LAW IRR — NEDA

Opening Remarks  Arsenio M. Balisacan, PhD  Secretary  National Economic and Development Authority  Philippine Development Plan Forum for the Planners: “ISAPLANO:   Bagong Philippine Development Plan Para Sa Patuloy na Pagsulong”  Astoria Plaza, Pasig City  23 September 2022 | 9:00 A.M.  To our participating planners from Congress and the various Local Government Units who are physically present and continue reading : As-delivered Opening Remarks of Secretary Balisacan during the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) Forum for Planners

MANILA – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) gathered government planning officers on Friday, September 23, 2022, in a culminating event of a series of consultative forums for the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028.  Launched this September with the theme “ISAPLANO: Bagong Philippine Development Plan para sa patuloy na pagsulong,” the PDP forum aims to solicit continue reading : NEDA CONVENES GOV’T PLANNERS TO CAP OFF PDP FORUM SERIES

September 20, 2022 National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan leads the oath-taking of the new Public-Private Partnership Center (PPPC) Executive Director Ma. Cynthia C. Hernandez on September 16, 2022. Ms. Hernandez is an experienced professional with expertise on infrastructure advisory, financial modeling, and valuation of infrastructure and energy projects and transactions. continue reading : SECRETARY BALISACAN LEADS OATH-TAKING FOR NEW PPPC CHIEF

MANILA – The Cabinet-level Committee on the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) approved the proposed amendments to the 2022 IRR of the BOT Law during its meeting held on September 15, 2022. The BOT IRR Committee is chaired by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and co-chaired by the Department of Finance. continue reading : BOT LAW REVIEW COMMITTEE APPROVES AMENDMENTS TO IRR

MANILA – The government remains committed to transparency and participatory processes through active stakeholder engagement for public-private partnerships (PPP). This is to ensure the right balance between public and private interests in PPP policies and projects that will contribute to post-pandemic economic transformation, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. In his opening remarks continue reading : PH GOV’T COMMITTED TO TRANSPARENCY IN PPP — NEDA

September 13, 2022 — Social protection and human capital development will be among top priorities in the short to medium term under the upcoming Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). In his keynote speech at the kick-off ceremony of the 8th Annual Public Policy Conference (APPC), NEDA Secretary Arsenio continue reading : SOCIAL PROTECTION, HUMAN CAPITAL DEV’T TOP PRIORITIES IN UPCOMING PDP — NEDA 

Keynote Message Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan, PhD National Economic and Development Authority 8th Annual Public Policy Conference Philippine Institute for Development Studies 13 September 2022 | 9:00 AM PIDS President Aniceto Orbeta Jr., University of Chicago Professor James Heckman, UP Professor Emeritus and National Scientist Raul Fabella, SWS Chair Emeritus and NAST Academician Mahar Mangahas, continue reading : AS DELIVERED – KEYNOTE MESSAGE OF SECRETARY ARSENIO M. BALISACAN DURING THE 8TH ANNUAL PUBLIC POLICY CONFERENCE

September 12, 2022 – National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan was elected as the Chairperson of the Board of Commissioners of the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) on September 8, 2022. The POPCOM is mandated as the overall coordinating, monitoring, and policy-making body of the nation’s population program, including family continue reading : NEDA SECRETARY BALISACAN ELECTED AS POPCOM BOARD CHAIRPERSON, TACARDON NAMED OIC

MANILA – The Philippine labor market continued to record positive gains as the unemployment rate fell to its lowest since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. As reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority today, the country’s unemployment rate significantly decreased to 5.2 percent in July 2022 from continue reading : PH RECORDS LOWEST UNEMPLOYMENT RATE SINCE COVID-19 ONSET—NEDA

PASIG City – National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan administered the oaths of office of 42 NEDA officials who were recently appointed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Among the officials who took their oaths on September 2, 2022 are Undersecretary Carlos Bernardo O. Abad Santos, who was previously the Assistant continue reading : 42 NEDA OFFICIALS TAKE OATH OF OFFICE

MANILA/JAKARTA – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) highlights the government’s subsidy programs and its interventions to transform the country’s farming and food systems to ease the impact of global inflationary pressures and protect the purchasing power of Filipinos. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the country’s inflation rate eased slightly to 6.3 continue reading : TARGETED SUBSIDIES, VIBRANT AGRICULTURE TO HELP EASE GLOBAL INFLATIONARY PRESSURES—NEDA

September 5, 2022 – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) remains optimistic that the Philippine economy will meet its growth targets this year despite the effects of various inflationary pressures, the country’s limited fiscal space, and the slowdown of global demand. In his speech at the Fellows Meeting of the Foundation for Economic Freedom continue reading : STRONG DOMESTIC CONSUMPTION, INVESTMENT TO SUSTAIN PH ECONOMIC MOMENTUM — NEDA

Ramping Up Philippine Economic Growth and Inclusion: Near and Medium-Term Prospects amid the Headwinds Arsenio M. Balisacan, PhD Secretary National Economic and Development Authority 43rd National Conference of Employers Employers Confederation of the Philippines Manila Ballroom, Marriott Hotel, Pasay City 24 August 2022 | 10:15 A.M. Secretary Benny E. Laguesma, ECOP Chairman Edgardo G. Lacson, continue reading : AS-DELIVERED SPEECH OF NEDA SECRETARY ARSENIO M. BALISACAN AT THE 43RD NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF EMPLOYERS ORGANIZED BY THE EMPLOYERS CONFEDERATION OF THE PHILIPPINES

The Philippine Economy: Prospects and Challenges Arsenio M. Balisacan, PhD Secretary National Economic and Development Authority  Economic Briefing and General Membership Meeting Management Association of the Philippines Bonifacio Hall, Shangri-la at The Fort 19 August 2022 | 12:50 P.M. Governor Philip Medalla, MAP President and my former colleague in the Cabinet Babes Singson, Governors of continue reading : AS-DELIVERED MESSAGE OF NEDA SECRETARY ARSENIO M. BALISACAN AT THE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES ECONOMIC BRIEFING AND GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

August 18, 2022 For the Philippine economy to attain high-income status and eradicate poverty in the long term, it must sustain its high-growth trajectory for at least two more decades, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. In an economic forum of the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (EJAP), NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. continue reading : RAPID GROWTH, HIGH-QUALITY JOBS KEY TO POVERTY REDUCTION AND ATTAINING HIGH-INCOME STATUS — NEDA

MESSAGE Arsenio M. Balisacan, PhD Secretary National Economic and Development Authority Release of 2021 Full-Year Official Poverty Statistics  Philippine Statistics Authority PSA Complex, East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City 15 August 2022 | 10:00 AM   Members of the media, colleagues in government, fellow Filipinos, good morning. In 2018, we achieved our goal of lifting six continue reading : AS-DELIVERED MESSAGE OF NEDA SECRETARY ARSENIO M. BALISACAN ON THE 2021 FULL-YEAR OFFICIAL POVERTY STATISTICS

August 12, 2022 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) underscored the critical role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in helping the government achieve inclusive and sustained growth for the development of the Philippine economy. Serving as Keynote Speaker at a luncheon meeting with the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), NEDA Secretary Arsenio continue reading : NEDA BATS FOR PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS TO ACHIEVE INCLUSIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH IN PH

STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ON THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 2022 NEDA SECRETARY ARSENIO M. BALISACAN AUGUST 9, 2022 Colleagues in government, friends from the media, fellow Filipinos, Good morning! Our country’s recovery from its most significant economic and health challenge remains strong due to improved risk continue reading : STATEMENT OF NEDA SECRETARY ARSENIO M. BALISACAN ON THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 2022

August 8, 2022 MANILA – The country needs a safe and full reopening of the economy to return to a high-growth path and reinvigorate job creation, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. As reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) today, the country’s unemployment rate in June 2022 was recorded at 6.0 percent, continue reading : NEDA EMPHASIZES FULL REOPENING OF PH ECONOMY IN BOLSTERING JOB CREATION

August 5, 2022 MANILA – The government is committed to ensuring food security and affordability, and reducing transport and logistics costs to arrest a further rise of inflation and protect the Filipino consumers, the National Economic and Development Authority said. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the country’s inflation rate for July 2022 rose continue reading : GOV’T TO ENSURE FOOD SECURITY, REDUCE TRANSPORT COSTS TO COMBAT INFLATION — NEDA

August 3, 2022 – The release of targeted subsidies to the most vulnerable Filipino families will cushion the impact of elevated prices of oil and other commodities, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said after the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approved the release of the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) worth PhP4.1 continue reading : TARGETED CASH TRANSFER SUBSIDY TO MITIGATE INFLATION IMPACT — NEDA

August 3, 2022 – The Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 (PDP 2023-2028) shall provide a roadmap towards unlocking sustained and inclusive growth for the Philippine economy despite the challenges brought by health, geopolitical, and other economic shocks. This is according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), which will spearhead the Plan’s formulation, oversee its continue reading : PHILIPPINE DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2028 TO PROVIDE ROADMAP TOWARDS SUSTAINED AND INCLUSIVE GROWTH — NEDA

July 28, 2022 – Tasked to spearhead the formulation of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) will flesh out the 8-point socioeconomic agenda of the Marcos Administration that will address constraints to the country’s inclusive and sustainable growth, NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said. During the 2022 Post-SONA continue reading : NEDA TO FLESH OUT DEVELOPMENT AGENDA FOR ADDRESSING CONSTRAINTS TO INCLUSIVE GROWTH

July 19, 2022 – The interdisciplinary coordination of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) will act as a catalyst in driving economic growth and addressing global risks and challenges, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. During the 44TH Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) held on July 13 and 14, 2022, NEDA’s response to the ASM continue reading : SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND INNOVATION KEY TO DRIVING GROWTH, ADDRESSING GLOBAL CHALLENGES – NEDA

Review of the Medium-Term Macroeconomic Assumptions and Fiscal Program for FY 2022 to 2028 July 8, 2022 The Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) reviewed the government’s medium-term macroeconomic assumptions, fiscal program, and growth targets for FY 2022 to 2028 to take into account the administration’s priorities and fiscal strategy, latest domestic developments, and external pressures. continue reading : JOINT STATEMENT OF THE DBCC ON THE REVIEW OF THE MEDIUM-TERM MACROECONOMIC ASSUMPTIONS AND FISCAL PROGRAM FOR FY 2022 to 2028

July 7, 2022 – Increasing the employability of the current and future workforce will translate to more job creation and better employment outcomes in the medium term, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said.   As reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) today, the country’s unemployment rate improved to 6.0 percent in May 2022 from the 7.7 continue reading : INCREASING EMPLOYABILITY OF WORKFORCE TO FURTHER IMPROVE PH LABOR MARKET — NEDA

July 5, 2022 – The Philippine government is committed to ensuring a stable food supply and mitigating the impact of rising commodity prices amid the global energy crisis, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. As reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) today, the country’s headline inflation rate accelerated to 6.1 percent in continue reading : PH GOV’T STRENGTHENS POLICY INTERVENTIONS ON SUPPLY SUFFICIENCY, AGRI PRODUCTIVITY AND TARGETED RELIEF TO CURB INFLATION—NEDA

July 4, 2022 — The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) hails the appointment of Arsenio M. Balisacan as the country’s Socioeconomic Planning Secretary under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration. In his statement during the NEDA Turnover Ceremony on July 4, 2022, the returning Secretary expressed eagerness in reprising his role as NEDA chief. “I continue reading : NEDA WELCOMES BALISACAN’S RETURN AS PH SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY

MESSAGE Arsenio M. Balisacan, PhD New Socioeconomic Planning Secretary National Economic and Development Authority Turnover Ceremony National Economic and Development Authority Escriva Drive, Ortigas Center, Pasig City 4 July 2022 | 9:00 AM Secretary Karl Chua, Officials and colleagues from NEDA Central and Regional Offices,   the Philippine Statistics Authority,   the Philippine Statistical Research continue reading : AS-DELIVERED MESSAGE OF SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY ARSENIO M. BALISACAN DURING THE NEDA TURNOVER CEREMONY

June 28, 2022 – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) welcomes the issuance of Executive Order (EO) No. 175 promulgating the 12th Regular Foreign Investment Negative List (RFINL). On Monday, President Rodrigo R. Duterte issued the 12th RFINL, which provides details on foreign ownership limitations for key areas or activities, through EO No. 175. continue reading : NEDA WELCOMES THE ISSUANCE OF THE 12th REGULAR FOREIGN INVESTMENT NEGATIVE LIST

June 28, 2022 – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) underscored the importance of the full resumption of face-to-face schooling, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and smart infrastructure in its last #AskNEDA media briefing under the Duterte administration on Monday. Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua opened the media briefing by reiterating NEDA’s top continue reading : NEDA UNDERSCORES IMPORTANCE OF FACE-TO-FACE CLASSES, CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION, AND SMART INFRASTRUCTURE

As-delivered Opening message of Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua #AskNEDA Media Briefing 27 June 2022 Colleagues in government, friends from the media, fellow Filipinos, good morning and welcome to the final #AskNEDA media briefing under my term. In our previous media briefing, we discussed two of NEDA’s four proposed priorities for the next planning period: continue reading : AS-DELIVERED OPENING MESSAGE OF SECRETARY KARL KENDRICK T. CHUA DURING THE JUNE 27, 2022 #ASKNEDA MEDIA BRIEFING

June 10, 2022 — Targeted subsidies and the full resumption of face-to-face schooling will help bring back employment in the hardest-hit sectors, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the country’s unemployment rate decreased from 5.8 percent in March 2022 to 5.7 percent in April 2022, the continue reading : TARGETED SUBSIDIES, FULL SCHOOL REOPENING TO HELP BRING BACK EMPLOYMENT — NEDA

MANILA – Climate change adaptation and mitigation need to be placed at the heart of socioeconomic planning for the country to achieve its 2040 vision of eradicating extreme poverty, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. “Addressing the triple planetary crisis [of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution] has become our top development challenge. continue reading : CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION AND MITIGATION NEED TO BE PLACED AT THE HEART OF SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING – NEDA

June 7, 2022 – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) highlights the issuance of Executive Order (EO) No. 171 and the government’s fuel subsidy program in helping ease the impact of global inflationary pressures. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that headline inflation increased to 5.4 percent in May 2022 from 4.9 percent in the continue reading : EO 171, FUEL SUBSIDIES TO HELP EASE GLOBAL INFLATIONARY PRESSURES — NEDA

Opening Remarks Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua Senate Briefing on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) MAY 30, 2022 Good morning, Senator Win, Secretary Mon, my colleagues and friends in the Senate and the Executive, and everyone viewing us today to understand better what this RCEP is. First of all, I’m grateful for continue reading : AS-DELIVERED OPENING REMARKS OF SECRETARY KARL CHUA ON THE SENATE BRIEFING ON THE REGIONAL COMPREHENSIVE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT (RCEP)

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE OF NEDA-DTI ON THE SENATE REGIONAL COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP (RCEP) AGREEMENT BRIEFING MAY 30, 2022 NEDA, DTI UNDERSCORES IMPORTANCE OF RCEP AGREEMENT WHILE ALSO IMPROVING AGRI PRODUCTIVITY, COMPETITIVENESS MANILA – The ratification of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) is needed to boost the economy in parallel with initiatives for a continue reading : NEDA, DTI UNDERSCORES IMPORTANCE OF RCEP AGREEMENT WHILE ALSO IMPROVING AGRI PRODUCTIVITY, COMPETITIVENESS

May 29, 2022 – The Philippines’ agricultural sector can further improve if we pursue parallel efforts in fixing the structural issues of the sector and join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua, along with Department of Trade and Industry continue reading : NEDA PUSHES FOR RCEP AGREEMENT, JOINS DIALOGUE WITH AGRI STAKEHOLDERS

May 26, 2022 – Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua said that the sin taxes on alcohol, tobacco, e-cigarettes, and sugar-sweetened beverages raised revenues for the Universal Health Care program and insured the country against the impact of the pandemic. Chua shared the country’s experience in pushing for excise tax legislation during the 75th continue reading : SIN TAXES FUNDED UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE PROGRAM, BETTER SOCIAL SERVICES AMID PANDEMIC – NEDA

Review of the Medium-Term Macroeconomic Assumptions and Fiscal Program for FY 2022 to 2025 May 24, 2022 The Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) reviewed the government’s medium-term macroeconomic assumptions, fiscal program, and growth targets for FY 2022 to 2025 to take into account recent domestic trends and external developments. These adjustments are also in line continue reading : DBCC JOINT STATEMENT FOR THE 181ST DBCC MEETING

May 19, 2022 – Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua said that the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) is the best model that we have to help both farmers and consumers. Republic Act No. 11203 or the RTL replaced the quantitative restrictions on imported rice with tariffs of 35 to 40 percent and established the continue reading : RICE TARIFFICATION LAW IS THE BEST MODEL THAT WE HAVE TO HELP BOTH FARMERS AND CONSUMERS — NEDA

  JOINT STATEMENT OF THE DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION’S ECONOMIC MANAGERS ON THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2022 SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY KARL KENDRICK T. CHUA FINANCE SECRETARY CARLOS G. DOMINGUEZ BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT OFFICER-IN-CHARGE TINA ROSE MARIE L. CANDA   May 12, 2022 — Colleagues in government, friends from the media, fellow Filipinos, continue reading : JOINT STATEMENT OF THE DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION’S ECONOMIC MANAGERS ON THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2022

May 9, 2022 — Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua remained optimistic that the Philippine economy will return to its pre-pandemic growth this year as the country continues to build on progress in recovering from COVID-19 from the first half of the administration. During the Philippine Consulate General town hall meeting in New York continue reading : PH ECONOMY POISED TO RETURN TO PRE-PANDEMIC LEVEL THIS YEAR -NEDA

May 6, 2022 — The Philippines tallied a new record-low unemployment rate since the start of the pandemic as the majority of the country shifted to alert level 1 in March 2022, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the country’s unemployment rate fell from 6.4 percent continue reading : PH TALLIES NEW RECORD-LOW UNEMPLOYMENT RATE SINCE PANDEMIC—NEDA

May 5, 2022 – The government is accelerating a comprehensive set of interventions to mitigate the impact of rising commodity prices, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the headline inflation increased from 4.0 percent in March 2022 to 4.9 percent in April 2022. This is the continue reading : GOV’T ACCELERATING INTERVENTIONS TO TEMPER INFLATION —NEDA

April 27, 2022 – The Philippine government remains committed to accelerating inclusive economic growth aided by the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Program of Action, the National Economic and Development Authority said. During the opening of the 55th Session of the Commission on Population and Development in New York on Monday, Socioeconomic Planning continue reading : PH GOV’T REMAINS COMMITTED TO ACCELERATING INCLUSIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH – NEDA

PHILIPPINE STATEMENT    KARL KENDRICK T. CHUA  SECRETARY  NATIONAL ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY    55th SESSION OF THE COMMISSION ON POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT   25-29 APRIL 2022    THEME: POPULATION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, IN PARTICULAR SUSTAINED AND INCLUSIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH    Mr. Chair, Excellencies, the Government of the Philippines strongly reiterates its commitment to accelerate inclusive continue reading : STATEMENT OF SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY KARL KENDRICK T. CHUA ON THE 55TH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION ON POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT

April 22, 2022 — The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) joined the first-ever celebration of the National Innovation Day organized by the National Innovation Council (NIC) on Thursday. In his welcoming remarks, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and NIC Vice-Chair Karl Kendrick T. Chua recognized the role of innovation in the country’s structural transformation and transition continue reading : NEDA CELEBRATES NATIONAL INNOVATION DAY

April 7, 2022 – Increased mobility and easing of restrictions led to significant employment creation in February 2022, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the country’s unemployment rate in February was maintained at 6.4 percent, the lowest since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the continue reading : NEDA BACKS NATIONWIDE SHIFT TO ALERT LEVEL 1 TO IMPROVE EMPLOYMENT OUTCOMES

April 5, 2022 – The government has taken steps to address the inflationary pressures brought about by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that headline inflation increased to 4.0 percent in March 2022 from 3.0 percent in the previous month. The reported inflation rate continue reading : PH GOV’T READY TO ADDRESS INFLATIONARY PRESSURES —NEDA

Philippines’ Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua, who was elected as Chair of United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific’s (ESCAP) 9th APFSD, delivers his opening statement.   April 4, 2022 — Regional cooperation is vital in sustaining growth to achieve the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by continue reading : NEDA CHAIRS 9TH ASIA-PACIFIC FORUM ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, HIGHLIGHTS ROLE OF REGIONAL COOPERATION IN ACHIEVING THE SDGs

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE OF NEDA-DOF-DTI ON THE SIGNING OF EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 166 MARCH 24, 2022 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the Department of Finance (DOF), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) welcome the signing of Executive Order (EO) No. 166. The EO will strengthen the implementation of the Economic Development continue reading : JOINT MEDIA RELEASE OF NEDA-DOF-DTI ON THE SIGNING OF EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 166

March 22, 2022 – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) lauds the enactment of Republic Act No. 11659 or the amendments to the Public Service Act (PSA), which President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed into law yesterday. The amendments to the PSA limit the coverage of public utilities and effectively liberalize key public services by continue reading : NEDA LAUDS ENACTMENT OF AMENDMENTS TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE ACT

March 21, 2022 Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua identified the government’s priorities and interventions to sustain the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and mitigate the impact of the Russia-Ukraine crisis. Speaking in the Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines on Wednesday, Chua cited the government’s efforts to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on continue reading : PH GOV’T ADDRESSES TWIN CRISIS OF COVID-19 RECOVERY AND RUSSIA-UKRAINE CRISIS — NEDA

March 18, 2022 – While the unemployment rate declined, fewer Filipinos were able to work amid the Omicron surge in January 2022, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. As reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority today, the unemployment rate improved from 6.6 percent in December 2021 to 6.4 percent in January 2022, the continue reading : SHIFT TO ALERT LEVEL 1, RESUMPTION OF FACE-TO-FACE CLASSES TO HELP IMPROVE PH EMPLOYMENT OUTCOMES – NEDA

March 17, 2022 Targeted relief for the transport and agriculture sectors and unconditional cash transfers (UCT) for the bottom 50 percent of households will help cushion the impact of inflationary pressures arising from the Russia-Ukraine crisis, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. These form part of the three recommendations Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl continue reading : GOV’T TO CONTINUE TARGETED RELIEF TO VULNERABLE SECTORS AMID INFLATIONARY PRESSURES – NEDA

March 15, 2022 – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is pursuing innovation and regional equity in infrastructure to sustain the country’s growth and recovery in 2022 and beyond. In the #AskNEDA Media Briefing today, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua said that alongside the economic recovery program, NEDA is continuously preparing for continue reading : NEDA PUSHES FOR MORE INNOVATION, REGIONAL EQUITY IN INFRASTRUCTURE TO ACHIEVE NEXT LEVEL OF PH DEVELOPMENT

March 8, 2022 The Economic Development Cluster (EDC) has prepared 14 thematic recommendations to help the country weather the indirect impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In the Talk to the People of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday,  Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez opened the EDC’s presentation with an overview of the impact of the continue reading : SUBSIDIES, STABLE FOOD SUPPLY TO HELP COUNTRY ALLEVIATE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF GLOBAL TENSIONS – EDC

March 4, 2022 – The Philippine government stands ready to help Filipinos from the economic impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. As reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority today, the country’s headline inflation rate remained at 3.0 percent in February 2022. This is below the median analyst forecast continue reading : PH GOV’T FAST-TRACKS MEASURES TO PROVIDE TARGETED SUBSIDIES, ENSURE FOOD SUPPLY AMID GLOBAL TENSIONS—NEDA

March 1, 2022 – The shift to alert level 1 in more parts of the country will generate an estimated PHP 9.4 billion per week of economic activity in gross value-added terms, the National Economic and Development Authority said. During the Talk to the People of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary continue reading : SHIFT TO ALERT LEVEL 1 TO GENERATE PHP 9.4 BILLION OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITY PER WEEK AND BENEFIT 20.3 MILLION WORKERS

February 24, 2022 The Development Budget Coordination Committee is closely monitoring the factors affecting the oil prices in the country. Given recent developments, the government remains ready to provide targeted relief assistance and support to address the impact of the oil price hike for affected sectors, especially Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) drivers, farmers, and fisherfolk. continue reading : DBCC STATEMENT ON THE GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSE TO RISING FUEL PRICES

February 11, 2022– Smarter infrastructure, regional equity, innovation, and climate change are the National Economic and Development Authority’s (NEDA) top priorities to improve productivity over the medium term, according to Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua. In his presentation in the economic briefing and general membership meeting of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) continue reading : NEDA CITES TOP PRIORITIES FOR 2022 AND BEYOND

February 11, 2022 – The vaccination of children aged five to eleven years old will encourage more economic activity, protect families, and support the resumption of face-to-face schooling, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. “More than thirty percent of our population is below eighteen [years old], so the sooner we vaccinate them, the continue reading : EXPANDED PEDIATRIC VACCINATION TO ENCOURAGE MORE ECONOMIC ACTIVITY, ENSURE SAFETY IN RETURN TO FACE-TO-FACE SCHOOLING – NEDA

PRESENTATION OF SECRETARY KARL KENDRICK T. CHUA MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES ECONOMIC BRIEFING FEBRUARY 10, 2022 Good afternoon to the Management Association of the Philippines. And thank you very much for inviting me to this very important forum. The presentation is about revving up towards a full recovery in 2022. Let me try to continue reading : AS DELIVERED PRESENTATION OF SECRETARY KARL KENDRICK T. CHUA DURING THE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES ECONOMIC BRIEFING

February 10, 2022 – The country’s net employment creation in December 2021 signals that the economy is on the right track to recovery, said the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that unemployment slightly increased to 6.6 percent in December 2021 from 6.5 percent in November 2021. However, this continue reading : EMPLOYMENT CREATION REMAINS STRONG AS ECONOMY FURTHER REOPENS – NEDA

February 7, 2022 Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua urged the National Innovation Council (NIC) to work together to promote innovative solutions and raise the country’s overall productivity on Friday during the first council meeting. “Higher productivity will allow us to graduate from our current low middle-income country status to upper-middle income country status continue reading : NEDA CHAIRS FIRST NATIONAL INNOVATION COUNCIL MEETING, HIGHLIGHTS ROLE OF INNOVATION IN ACHIEVING UMIC STATUS IN 2022

February 4, 2022 – The Philippine government continues to strengthen its policies to support the livestock industry and reduce food prices, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. As reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) today, the country’s headline inflation rate continued its downward trend as it further eased to 3.0 percent in continue reading : PH GOV’T PURSUES HOLISTIC LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT TO HELP KEEP PRICES STABLE — NEDA

February 4, 2022 – Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua said on Thursday that a strong competition policy will help strengthen the Philippines’ foundation to achieve upper-middle income country status, and to sustain growth towards high-income country status in one generation. “By fostering a business-friendly environment and a level playing field that welcomes all continue reading : STRONG COMPETITION POLICY TO PROMOTE MORE INNOVATION, CREATE MORE AND BETTER JOBS — NEDA

January 31, 2022 The urgent passage of the three landmark economic liberalization bills into law will be crucial in accelerating growth in 2022 and beyond, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. In his presentation during the #AskNEDA Media Briefing on Monday, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua discussed how these reforms, namely continue reading : TIMELY PASSAGE OF ECON LIBERALIZATION BILLS TO BOOST PH POST-PANDEMIC RECOVERY—NEDA 

JOINT STATEMENT OF THE DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION’S ECONOMIC MANAGERS ON THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR OF 2021 SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY KARL KENDRICK T. CHUA FINANCE SECRETARY CARLOS G. DOMINGUEZ BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT OFFICER-IN-CHARGE TINA ROSE MARIE L. CANDA JANUARY 27, 2022 Colleagues in government, friends from the media, fellow Filipinos, continue reading : JOINT STATEMENT OF THE DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION’S ECONOMIC MANAGERS ON THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR OF 2021

January 24, 2022 – The government and the private sector need to collaborate to help improve the prospects for economic recovery, increase productivity in the country, and respond to climate change, said the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). In his message during the 2022 Inaugural Meeting and Induction Ceremonies of the Financial Executives Institute continue reading : NEDA BARES THREE PRIORITY AREAS FOR PUBLIC-PRIVATE SECTOR COLLABORATION ON PH ECONOMIC RECOVERY

January 7, 2022 The Development Budget Coordination Committee is closely monitoring the impact of the elevated number of COVID-19 cases, especially in the National Capital Region (NCR) and its neighboring provinces. We estimate that the shift from Alert level 2 to Alert level 3 for NCR plus, which includes Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and continue reading : DBCC JOINT STATEMENT ON THE SURGE OF COVID-19 CASES

MANILA – The Philippine labor market showed significant improvements in November 2021 as the country recorded its lowest unemployment rate since April 2020, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the country’s unemployment rate decreased from 7.4 percent in October to 6.5 percent in November, the lowest continue reading : PH RECORDS LOWEST UNEMPLOYMENT RATE SINCE THE START OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC—NEDA

January 5, 2022 The Philippines recorded its lowest monthly inflation rate for 2021, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. As reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) today, the headline inflation rate eased to 3.6 percent in December from 4.2 percent in November 2021. The decline was primarily driven by slower food inflation, continue reading : PH RECORDS LOWEST 2021 MONTHLY INFLATION RATE IN DECEMBER—NEDA

Statement on the 2021 first semester official poverty statistics Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua December 17, 2021 Members of the media, colleagues in government, fellow Filipinos, good morning. Recent developments At the start of the Duterte administration in 2016, we pursued the zero-to-ten point socioeconomic agenda to help us achieve the Ambisyon Natin continue reading : STATEMENT ON THE 2021 FIRST SEMESTER OFFICIAL POVERTY STATISTICS

MANILA — Innovation is needed in the most basic sectors to attain the country’s 2040 vision of eradicating extreme poverty and becoming a high-income country, said the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “The country’s economic performance has exceeded expectations in 2021. We expect to recover to the pre-pandemic level in early 2022. However, as continue reading : INNOVATION IN BASIC SECTORS TO SERVE AS COUNTRY’S ENGINE FOR GROWTH — NEDA

December 15, 2021 The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has achieved its target of 50 million registrations for the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) in 2021, despite the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. As of December 10, 2021, the PSA has registered 50,014,382 Filipinos to the demographic and biometric data collection. In partnership with the continue reading : GOV’T ACHIEVES 2021 TARGET OF 50 MILLION PHILSYS REGISTRATIONS – NEDA

Review of the Medium-Term Macroeconomic Assumptions and Fiscal Program for FY 2021 to 2024 December 14, 2021 The Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) has revisited the government’s medium-term macroeconomic assumptions, fiscal program, and growth targets for FY 2021 to 2024 in line with recent domestic and external  developments. Our accelerated vaccination drive has enabled the continue reading : DBCC REVIEW OF THE MEDIUM-TERM MACROECONOMIC ASSUMPTIONS AND FISCAL PROGRAM FOR FY 2021 TO 2024

THE OCTOBER 2021 LABOR FORCE SURVEY RESULTS JOINT STATEMENT OF THE DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION’S ECONOMIC MANAGERS SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY KARL KENDRICK T. CHUA FINANCE SECRETARY CARLOS G. DOMINGUEZ BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT OFFICER-IN-CHARGE TINA ROSE MARIE L. CANDA DECEMBER 7, 2021   We are on the right track to a strong and early recovery. Once more, our continue reading : OCTOBER 2021 LABOR FORCE SURVEY RESULTS JOINT STATEMENT OF THE DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION’S ECONOMIC MANAGERS

MANILA – The Philippines’ inflation rate continued to decelerate for the third straight month in November, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Tuesday that the headline inflation rate further eased to 4.2 percent in November from 4.6 percent in October. The decline in the overall year-on-year continue reading : INFLATION EASES FOR THE THIRD STRAIGHT MONTH DESPITE HIGHER PORK PRICES – NEDA

December 3, 2021 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has proposed a 10-point policy agenda to accelerate the country’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and prepare the country for future pandemics. During his talk at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) on Wednesday, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua emphasized the need to continue reading : NEDA OUTLINES 10-POINT POLICY AGENDA TO BOOST PH ECONOMIC RECOVERY

MANILA – Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua bared the government’s reproductive health and family planning programs on Monday at the International Inter-Ministerial Conference on Population and Development organized jointly by the Partners in Population and Development (PPD) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Speaking before foreign ministers and senior government officials from continue reading : RH, FAMILY PLANNING PROGRAMS CRUCIAL TO ERADICATE EXTREME POVERTY BY 2040—NEDA

November 30, 2021 Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua said on Friday that the effective management of COVID-19 risks will allow the economy to recover to the pre-pandemic level in early 2022. During the virtual Philippine Economic Briefing for the Foreign Chambers of Commerce, Chua listed the interventions that enabled the effective management of continue reading : NEDA CITES KEY INTERVENTIONS FOR A FASTER PH ECONOMIC RECOVERY

November 30, 2021 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said that in order to attain the AmBisyon Natin 2040, the government needs to continuously innovate and make its systems more resilient against future crises through foresight planning. “Today’s event is crucial as it demonstrates our resolve to chart a better future through foresight planning. continue reading : FORESIGHT PLANNING, INNOVATION TO DRIVE COUNTRY’S LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT—NEDA

MANILA — The Philippine government’s National Action Plan (NAP) targets a balance between the management of COVID-19 and the safe reopening of the economy, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. During the #AskNEDA Media Briefing on November 22, 2021, NEDA Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Rosemarie G. Edillon presented a scorecard for the continue reading : NEDA UPDATES ON NAP PHASE IV, IATF-APPROVED SCORECARD

Press Release from the Permanent Delegation of the Philippines to UNESCO November 18, 2021 The Philippines was elected by the UNESCO General Conference as member of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Council (IGC) of the Management of Social Transformations (MOST) Programme for the term 2021-2023. MOST is one of the major programmes of UNESCO under the Social and continue reading : PH ELECTED AS MEMBER OF THE UNESCO INTERGOVERNMENTAL COUNCIL (IGC) OF THE MANAGEMENT OF SOCIAL TRANSFORMATIONS (MOST) PROGRAMME

November 23, 2021 As the agency works on the country’s economic recovery program, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is also gearing up to look beyond the pandemic and prepare for the future. “We are working on two things: the current problem, and the future. For the remainder of my term, I have instructed continue reading : NEDA GEARS UP FOR POST-PANDEMIC PLANNING

JOINT STATEMENT OF THE DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION’S ECONOMIC MANAGERS ON THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 2021 SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY KARL KENDRICK T. CHUA FINANCE SECRETARY CARLOS G. DOMINGUEZ BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT OFFICER-IN-CHARGE TINA ROSE MARIE L. CANDA  NOVEMBER 9, 2021   Colleagues in government, friends from the media, fellow Filipinos, good morning. continue reading : JOINT STATEMENT OF THE DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION’S ECONOMIC MANAGERS ON THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 2021

November 5, 2021 The Philippine government continues to implement policies to ensure affordable food prices and support the transport sector, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. As reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) today, the headline inflation rate eased to 4.6 percent in October 2021 from 4.8 percent in September 2021. This continue reading : PH GOV’T CONTINUES POLICIES TO EASE FOOD INFLATION, SUPPORT TRANSPORT SECTOR – NEDA

November 5, 2021 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) affirmed its commitment to work with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on Thursday during the 1st BARMM Planner’s Congress. Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua said that NEDA will continue supporting the BARMM government in addressing challenges, resolving issues, and implementing continue reading : NEDA AFFIRMS CONTINUOUS SUPPORT FOR BARMM

November 4, 2021 Unemployment slightly increased in September 2021 as the country’s economic centers remained under stringent quarantines and as weather disturbances affected agriculture, but employment prospects remain promising as the country shifts to granular lockdowns, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said.   As reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority today, unemployment increased from 8.1 percent in August continue reading : PH UNEMPLOYMENT SLIGHTLY INCREASES, GRANULAR LOCKDOWNS TO HELP BRING BACK MORE EMPLOYMENT – NEDA

JOINT NEDA AND PPP CENTER MEDIA RELEASE DUTERTE ADMIN SEEKS TO AMEND THE BOT IRR November 2, 2021 The Duterte administration seeks to amend the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Law.[1] To pursue the amendments of the BOT IRR, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte designated Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua continue reading : DUTERTE ADMIN SEEKS TO AMEND THE BOT IRR

October 28, 2021 Philippine economic growth has begun to recover in the first three quarters of 2021, and its sustainability will depend on the people’s collective actions, said the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). During the online forums of The Manila Times and the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines on October 27 and continue reading : TARGETED REOPENING OF ECONOMY, SCHOOLS TO SUSTAIN PH ECONOMIC GROWTH – NEDA

DBCC Joint Statement on the Grant of Fuel Subsidies for Affected PUV Drivers October 25, 2021 We, the members of the Development Budget Coordination Committee, are committed to support our transportation sector, amidst the increasing oil prices. The government shall release P1.0 billion to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to provide cash continue reading : DBCC Joint Statement on the Grant of Fuel Subsidies for Affected PUV Drivers

As-delivered Presentation Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua Public Hearing of the Committee on Finance (Subcommittee “A”) Proposed 2022 Budget of the following: National Economic and Development Authority and attached agencies October 13, 2021  I will begin the presentation on the budget proposal of NEDA and the attached agencies. For this presentation, Mr. Chair, continue reading : As-delivered Presentation of Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua during the Public Hearing of the Committee on Finance (Subcommittee “A”) on Proposed 2022 Budget of NEDA and attached agencies

October 5, 2021 The inflation rate slightly decelerated in September 2021, aided by the government’s policies to ease food prices, said the National Economic and Development Authority. Based on the report of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) today, the headline inflation rate slowed down to 4.8 percent in September 2021 from 4.9 percent in August continue reading : INFLATION SLIGHTLY EASES IN SEPTEMBER, CALIBRATED GOV’T INTERVENTIONS NEEDED TO FURTHER BRING DOWN FOOD PRICES – NEDA

October 2, 2021 Accelerating the vaccination roll-out, managing risks better, and implementing the economic recovery program are the government’s three key strategies to reach the country’s growth targets for 2021 and 2022, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said.   In his presentation during Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque’s press briefing for the Malacañang Press Corps (MPC) on September 30, continue reading : NEDA HIGHLIGHTS VACCINATION ROLL-OUT, RISK MANAGEMENT, RECOVERY PROGRAM AS DRIVERS OF PH RECOVERY

THE AUGUST 2021 LABOR FORCE SURVEY RESULTS JOINT STATEMENT OF THE DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION’S ECONOMIC MANAGERS   SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY KARL KENDRICK T. CHUA FINANCE SECRETARY CARLOS G. DOMINGUEZ BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT OFFICER-IN-CHARGE TINA ROSE MARIE L. CANDA SEPTEMBER 30, 2021   The August 2021 Labor Force Survey results show improvements in the labor market as continue reading : AUGUST 2021 LABOR FORCE SURVEY RESULTS JOINT STATEMENT OF THE DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION’S ECONOMIC MANAGERS

September 27, 2021 The Philippines’ active official development assistance (ODA) portfolio reached USD 30.7 billion in 2020, a 46.6 percent increase from the previous USD 20.9 billion in 2019, said the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). Based on NEDA’s recently released ODA Portfolio Review Report for CY 2020, the active ODA portfolio consisted of 30 program loans, continue reading : PH ODA REACHES USD 30.7 BILLION IN 2020

September 25, 2021 Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua said the estimated long-run total cost of the COVID-19 pandemic and quarantines for present and future generations of Filipinos is estimated at 41.4 trillion pesos. “Over the past six months, NEDA, with assistance from our development partners and attached agencies, has been estimating the total continue reading : COVID-19 PANDEMIC TO COST PHP 41.4 T FOR THE NEXT 40 YEARS – NEDA

September 16, 2021 Establishing effective water supply and sanitation (WSS) sector institutions and strengthening the regulatory environment are needed to address the future increase in water consumption and address gaps in sanitation services, the National Economic and Development Authority said.   In a speech during the virtual launch of the Philippine Water Supply and Sanitation Master continue reading : NEDA LAUNCHES PH WATER MASTER PLAN, SUPPORTS CREATION OF WATER DEPARTMENT AND REGULATORY BODY

September 14, 2021 Reforms that enable structural transformation and strengthen human capital development are the foundations of a more resilient economy in a post-pandemic world, said the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA). In his keynote speech during the opening program of the 7th Annual Public Policy Conference (APPC) hosted by the Philippine Institute of Development Studies continue reading : AGRICULTURE AND HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT KEY TO A MORE RESILIENT ECONOMY– NEDA

September 8, 2021 The replication of the Regional Geographic Information Network (RGIN) Geoportal Project in pilot Regions 1, 6, 8, 9, 12, and 13 will help improve research and development and craft evidence-based policies in the country, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. In a speech during the virtual launch of the Geoportal continue reading : RGIN GEOPORTAL PROJECT TO HELP MINIMIZE INFORMATION GAPS, CRAFT EVIDENCE-BASED POLICIES – NEDA

September 8, 2021 The Duterte administration accomplished several reforms that took decades to be enacted. These helped the country attain its lowest poverty rate in 2018, and will pave the way for the achievement of its 2040 vision, said the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). In his presentation during the Talk to the People continue reading : DUTERTE ADMIN ENACTED LONG-STANDING REFORMS TO PROVIDE A BETTER LIFE FOR ALL FILIPINOS – NEDA

TOP ECONOMIC OFFICIALS HIGHLIGHT BRIGHT PROSPECTS OF PHILIPPINE ECONOMY BEFORE JAPANESE INVESTORS Over 300 Japanese investors attend virtual Philippine Economic Briefing September 7, 2021 The Philippines’ top economic officials highlighted the country’s nascent economic recovery and bright medium- and long-term growth prospects before more than 300 guests from Japanese corporate and financial institutions. During the continue reading : TOP ECONOMIC OFFICIALS HIGHLIGHT BRIGHT PROSPECTS OF PHILIPPINE ECONOMY BEFORE JAPANESE INVESTORS

September 7, 2021 The Philippine government will continue to ensure a stable food supply to ease prices of fish, vegetables, and pork and address the recent uptick in inflation, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the headline inflation rate increased to 4.9 percent in August 2021 continue reading : PH GOV’T STRENGTHENS POLICY INTERVENTIONS ON FISH, VEGETABLE, AND PORK PRICES TO CURB INFLATION – NEDA

THE JULY 2021 LABOR FORCE SURVEY RESULTS JOINT STATEMENT OF THE DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION’S ECONOMIC MANAGERS SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY KARL KENDRICK T. CHUA FINANCE SECRETARY CARLOS G. DOMINGUEZ BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT OFFICER-IN-CHARGE TINA ROSE MARIE L. CANDA SEPTEMBER 7, 2021 The labor force continues to recover as we build on the 11.8 percent economic growth recorded continue reading : JULY 2021 LABOR FORCE SURVEY RESULTS JOINT STATEMENT OF THE DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION’S ECONOMIC MANAGERS

August 27, 2021 The ability of the Philippines to move up to high-income country status hinges on the long-term development of the agriculture and manufacturing sectors, said the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). In his keynote speech during the Department of Trade and Industry – Board of Investments’ Manufacturing Summit held on August 26, continue reading : MANUFACTURING CAN PAVE PH GROWTH PATH TO HIGH-INCOME COUNTRY STATUS – NEDA

Review of the Growth Assumptions for FY 2021 August 18, 2021 The Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) revised its growth assumptions for FY 2021 from 6.0 to 7.0 percent to 4.0 to 5.0 percent in light of the reimposition of stricter mobility restrictions in various areas of the country to effectively address the heightened risks continue reading : DBCC REVIEWS GROWTH ASSUMPTIONS FOR FY 2021

JOINT STATEMENT OF THE DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION’S ECONOMIC MANAGERS ON THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 2021 SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY KARL KENDRICK T. CHUA FINANCE SECRETARY CARLOS G. DOMINGUEZ BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT OFFICER-IN-CHARGE TINA ROSE MARIE L. CANDA AUGUST 10, 2021 Colleagues in government, friends from the media, fellow Filipinos, good morning. We continue reading : JOINT STATEMENT OF THE DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION’S ECONOMIC MANAGERS ON THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 2021

August 5, 2021 The Philippine government is proactively ensuring stable and affordable food prices, especially amid the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila and stricter quarantines throughout the country due to the COVID-19 Delta variant, said the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported today that continue reading : PH GOV’T ENSURES STABLE FOOD PRICES AMID ECQ – NEDA 

SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY KARL KENDRICK T. CHUA FINANCE SECRETARY CARLOS G. DOMINGUEZ BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT OIC TINA ROSE MARIE L. CANDA AUGUST 3, 2021 The labor force survey results for June 2021 show the limits of job creation without major relaxations in quarantine restrictions, especially in the National Capital Region. With the emergence of the continue reading : THE JUNE 2021 LABOR FORCE SURVEY RESULTS JOINT STATEMENT OF THE DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION’S ECONOMIC MANAGERS

July 27, 2021 Data science, analytics, and digital transformation can help make better policies and deliver better services as the Philippines heads to a new and better normal, said the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “I have always believed and advocated for digital transformation within the government in order to strengthen policy-making and service continue reading : PH DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION URGENTLY NEEDED FOR BETTER POLICY-MAKING, SERVICE DELIVERY – NEDA

July 27, 2021 The government remains committed to pursuing long-standing structural reforms for the country’s recovery from COVID-19 pandemic and continuing socioeconomic development, said the National Economic and Development Authority. In his 6th State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Rodrigo Roa Duterte named the amendments to the Public Service Act, the Retail Trade Liberalization continue reading : GOV’T REMAINS COMMITTED TO INSTITUTIONALIZING REFORMS IN THE LAST YEAR OF DUTERTE ADMIN – NEDA

July 14, 2021 The 2020 Census of Population and Housing (CPH) will help inform the country’s policies and strategies moving forward, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. “Demographic data is a basic and crucial input in the plans and projects of both public and private sectors. Hence, the government conducts the census every continue reading : PH CENSUS BASIS FOR POLICIES, RECOVERY STRATEGIES – NEDA

July 10, 2021 Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua invited the youth to register for the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) and contribute solutions to accelerate the growth of digital economy in the country. “Ang ating karanasan sa gitna ng pandemya ay nagbigay-diin sa kahalagahan ng ligtas, mabisa, at inklusibong banking at social services, lalo continue reading : NEDA CHIEF INVITES YOUTH TO PARTICIPATE IN ‘GAME-CHANGING’ PHILSYS

July 9, 2021 With 37.2 million Filipinos taking the initial step towards registering for the Philippine Identification System or PhilSys, the government is on track to reaching its 50-70 million target registrations by the end of the year, said the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). From zero registrations on the onset of the pandemic continue reading : GOV’T MARKS MID-YEAR 2021 WITH OVER 37 MILLION PHILSYS REGISTRATIONS

July 6, 2021 Policy interventions to stabilize commodity prices have begun to take effect as headline inflation decelerated in June 2021, said the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported today that headline inflation rate slowed down to 4.1 percent. This comes after three months of a steady 4.5 percent continue reading : INFLATION DECELERATES IN JUNE 2021 AS GOV’T POLICY INTERVENTIONS TAKE EFFECT

THE MAY 2021 LABOR FORCE SURVEY RESULTS JOINT STATEMENT OF THE DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION’S ECONOMIC MANAGERS: SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY KARL KENDRICK T. CHUA FINANCE SECRETARY CARLOS G. DOMINGUEZ BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT SECRETARY WENDEL E. AVISADO JULY 1, 2021 Recent data continues to highlight the strong link between quarantine restrictions and labor market outcomes. More stringent quarantines continue reading : MAY 2021 LABOR FORCE SURVEY RESULTS JOINT STATEMENT OF THE DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION’S ECONOMIC MANAGERS

June 23, 2021 The government’s economic recovery package must be accelerated to support businesses and enable them to retain or employ new workers, said the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “Our recovery program has been in place since last year and implementing this will help the economy recover and businesses to get back to continue reading : NEDA AFFIRMS GOVERNMENT SUPPORT TO BUSINESSES AMID COVID-19 CRISIS

June 21, 2021 A strong macro-fiscal foundation is vital for economies to weather shocks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said during the virtual 2021 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Structural Reform Ministerial Meeting hosted by New Zealand on June 16, 2021. “When building a house, we first need to continue reading : STRONG MACRO-FISCAL FOUNDATION SERVED AS INSURANCE FOR THE PANDEMIC – NEDA

June 19, 2021 As the third pillar of the government’s recovery strategy, the timely rollout of the vaccination program will facilitate the gradual re-opening of the economy and the country’s recovery, said the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The government is focusing on high-risk and densely populated areas like the National Capital Region (NCR) continue reading : TIMELY ROLLOUT OF VACCINATION TO FACILITATE ECONOMIC RECOVERY, BRING BACK MISSED JOYS – NEDA

June 15, 2021 The gradual lifting of quarantine restrictions and continuous vaccination rollout will help the Philippine economy recover by 6 to 7 percent in 2021 and return to pre-pandemic levels by 2022, said the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “The main difference between last year’s quarantine and this year is that we did continue reading : Q2 RECOVERY EXPECTED WITH GRADUAL LIFTING OF QUARANTINE RESTRICTIONS, CONTINUOUS VACCINATION ROLLOUT – NEDA

THE APRIL 2021 LABOR FORCE SURVEY RESULTS JOINT STATEMENT OF THE DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION’S ECONOMIC MANAGERS SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY KARL KENDRICK T. CHUA FINANCE SECRETARY CARLOS G. DOMINGUEZ BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT SECRETARY WENDEL E. AVISADO JUNE 8, 2021 Introduction The first quarter of 2021 showed us encouraging results as we control the spread of COVID-19 and continue reading : APRIL 2021 LABOR FORCE SURVEY RESULTS JOINT STATEMENT OF THE DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION’S ECONOMIC MANAGERS

Food inflation moderates in May IMPACT OF PORK TARIFF REDUCTION AND MAV INCREASE TO BE SEEN IN JUNE 2021 – NEDA June 4, 2021 The temporary reduction in tariffs and the increase in the minimum access volume (MAV) for pork, implemented in mid-May, is expected to bring in benefits starting June 2021, said the National continue reading : IMPACT OF PORK TARIFF REDUCTION AND MAV INCREASE TO BE SEEN IN JUNE 2021 – NEDA

As-delivered Opening Statement of Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua Commission on Appointments (CA) Hearing 2 June 2021|1:00 PM Good afternoon, Honorable Senate President Sotto, Honorable Congressman Zamora, Chairperson Honorable Congressman Cagas, Presiding Chair Honorable Senator Recto, and all honorable members of the Commission on Appointments. I am honored this day to appear before the distinguished continue reading : As-delivered Opening Statement of Secretary Chua during Commission on Appointments Hearing

May 28, 2021 With the expected increase in the supply of vaccines beginning June 2021, the A4 priority group for the COVID-19 vaccination roll out has been expanded to include those who work outside their homes and government employees, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. The A4 group was formerly focused on economic continue reading : GOV’T EXPANDS A4 PRIORITY GROUP LIST, VACCINATION ROLL OUT TO FOCUS ON AREAS WITH HIGHEST RISK

May 12, 2021 The country’s strong economic position before the pandemic and improving economic data in recent months point to an economy on the mend, according to the Philippine government’s economic managers, consisting of Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua, Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez, and Budget Secretary Wendel E. Avisado. As reported by continue reading : PH ECONOMY SHOWING SIGNS OF RECOVERY IN Q1 2021 – ECON MANAGERS

JOINT STATEMENT OF THE DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION’S ECONOMIC MANAGERS   ON THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE  FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2021:  SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY KARL KENDRICK T. CHUA FINANCE SECRETARY CARLOS G. DOMINGUEZ BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT SECRETARY WENDEL E. AVISADO MAY 11, 2021   Recent developments  Colleagues in government, friends from the media, fellow Filipinos, good continue reading : JOINT STATEMENT OF THE DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION’S ECONOMIC MANAGERS ON THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2021

May 6, 2021 Rising labor force participation and falling unemployment have enabled millions of Filipinos to regain their jobs and incomes in March 2021, according to the country’s economic managers. In a joint official statement, the Philippine government’s economic managers consisting of Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua, Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez, and Budget Secretary continue reading : PH RECORDS LOWEST UNEMPLOYMENT RATE SINCE COVID-19 PEAK – ECON MANAGERS   

THE MARCH 2021 LABOR FORCE SURVEY RESULTS JOINT STATEMENT OF THE DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION’S ECONOMIC MANAGERS SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY KARL KENDRICK T. CHUA FINANCE SECRETARY CARLOS G. DOMINGUEZ BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT SECRETARY WENDEL E. AVISADO MAY 6, 2021   Labor force survey (LFS) results The labor market continued to see gains in March 2021 following the continue reading : THE MARCH 2021 LABOR FORCE SURVEY RESULTS JOINT STATEMENT OF THE DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION’S ECONOMIC MANAGERS

May 5, 2021 The temporary reduction of pork tariffs and the increase of the minimum access volume (MAV) for imported pork are essential to immediately curb the rising pork inflation for the benefit of some 100 million Filipinos, the National Economic and Development Authority said. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the country’s headline continue reading : INCREASED PORK IMPORTATION URGENTLY NEEDED TO TEMPER RISING MEAT INFLATION – NEDA

May 5, 2021 PRESIDENT DUTERTE LAUDS IMPLEMENTATION  OF NATIONAL ID PROGRAM   NEDA, PSA increasing online registration capacity  ­  President Rodrigo Roa Duterte expressed his support for the implementation of the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) or the National ID program during the televised COVID-19 Concerns and Talk to the Nation on May 3, 2021.   The President also continue reading : PRESIDENT DUTERTE LAUDS IMPLEMENTATION OF NATIONAL ID PROGRAM

May 4, 2021 The Philippine government is recalibrating its COVID-19 response to better manage risks and fast-track solutions on contact-tracing and the national ID deployment, said the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “Instead of shutting down the entire economy, we only close down the sectors or the areas with the higher risk and allow continue reading : GOV’T MANAGING RISKS, FAST-TRACKING CONTACT TRACING EFFORTS AND NATIONAL ID – NEDA

May 4, 2021 The government’s roadmap to economic recovery entails effectively managing COVID-19 risks to empower individuals and firms to thrive in the new normal, said the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “Managing the current risks brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and other economic shocks will be crucial in continuously improving labor market continue reading : MANAGING COVID-19 RISKS NEEDED TO IMPROVE LABOR MARKET CONDITIONS – NEDA

April 27, 2021 The Philippine government strongly commits to protect and advance the gains of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action to ensure human development and food security across all levels of society, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. “Population planning and food continue reading : PH GOV’T COMMITS TO ENSURE HUMAN DEVELOPMENT, FOOD SECURITY IN THE COUNTRY – NEDA

April 22, 2021 Innovation in agriculture and human capital will facilitate the Philippines’ structural transformation to upper middle-income status, said the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “We continue to persevere to achieve our 2040 vision where no one is poor and everyone is living in a more comfortable middle-class society. The Philippines has great continue reading : PH STRUCTURAL TRANSFORMATION HINGES ON INNOVATION IN AGRICULTURE AND HUMAN CAPITAL – NEDA

April 16, 2021 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) supports the temporary increase in the minimum access volume (MAV) for pork from 54,210 to 404,210 metric tons, coupled with lower tariffs, to help fill the supply deficit, reduce food prices, and ensure our food supply is adequate and affordable. “Every Filipino who eats pork, continue reading : TEMPORARY INCREASE IN PORK MAV, LOWER IMPORT TARIFFS TO ENSURE ADEQUATE AND AFFORDABLE FOOD SUPPLY – NEDA

As-delivered Opening Remarks Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua Senate Committee of the Whole Hearing on Pork Importation April 15, 2021 (10:00 AM) Mr. [Senate] President, senators, colleagues in government, stakeholders, good morning. Thank you for inviting NEDA to this hearing to present our position on this urgent measure that will help ensure that continue reading : AS-DELIVERED OPENING REMARKS BY ACTING SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY KARL KENDRICK CHUA – SENATE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE HEARING ON PORK IMPORTATION

April 13, 2021 The Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) or the national ID program is instrumental for the country’s human capital development amid the COVID-19 pandemic, said the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “The Philippine government is looking forward to implementing three use cases for PhilSys in the immediate term: first, ensuring efficient and effective continue reading : NATIONAL ID TO ACCELERATE SOCIAL PROTECTION PROGRAMS, FINANCIAL INCLUSION, NATIONAL VACCINATION – NEDA

April 6, 2021 The government is committed to stabilizing prices by augmenting food supply and ensuring that the supply chains of goods, especially food, will be unhampered during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) period, said the National Economic and Development Authority. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the country’s headline inflation rate fell to continue reading : GOV’T ENSURES SUPPLY, PRICE STABILITY OF GOODS IN ECQ – NEDA

April 5, 2021 A more intensified implementation of the Prevent, Detect, Isolate, Treat, and Recover (PDITR) strategy is key for the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to be more effective in reducing COVID-19 cases, said the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “The latest data shows that we are at a critical juncture. Our collective actions continue reading : AMID NEW VIRUS VARIANTS, NEDA PUSHES FOR FURTHER IMPROVEMENT IN PDITR IMPLEMENTATION TO MAXIMIZE EFFECTIVENESS OF ECQ EXTENSION

March 30, 2021 Improvements were seen in the number of people who were able to recover their jobs or earn a living as more of the economy was gradually reopened late last year and in early 2021, according to the country’s economic managers. The Philippine government’s economic managers, consisting of Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl continue reading : PH ECONOMIC MANAGERS HIGHLIGHT RECOVERY OF MORE JOBS, SENSITIVITY OF LABOR MARKET TO QUARANTINES

THE FEBRUARY 2021 LABOR FORCE SURVEY RESULTS   JOINT STATEMENT OF THE DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION’S ECONOMIC MANAGERS:   ACTING SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY KARL KENDRICK T. CHUA FINANCE SECRETARY CARLOS G. DOMINGUEZ BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT SECRETARY WENDEL E. AVISADO   MARCH 30, 2021   Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic and the quarantines have claimed many lives and caused continue reading : JOINT STATEMENT OF THE DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION’S ECONOMIC MANAGERS: THE FEBRUARY 2021 LABOR FORCE SURVEY RESULTS

March 29, 2021 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) thanks President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and the Congress for enacting Republic Act No. 11534, or the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act, which will provide one of the country’s largest stimulus measures ever for the benefit of micro, small, and medium enterprises continue reading : NEDA WELCOMES THE PASSAGE OF THE CREATE ACT

March 26, 2021 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) assures the public that the Philippine government’s priority is to ensure people’s well-being and safety from COVID-19, while giving them opportunities to earn a living and address their needs. “The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases has taken a careful continue reading : GOV’T KEEN ON BALANCED, HOLISTIC SOLUTIONS TO THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 – NEDA

March 22, 2021 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) supports the localized quarantine measures in areas showing high transmission rates as directed by Resolution No. 104 of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases. “We recognize the risks associated with the recent spike in COVID-19 cases but reverting back continue reading : LOCALIZED QUARANTINE MEASURES, MANAGEMENT OF BOTH COVID-19 AND NON-COVID-19 RISKS TO SAVE MORE LIVES – NEDA

March 9, 2021 The latest labor force survey (LFS) data show that across sectors, the country is gradually getting back the jobs lost due to the pandemic. However, the smaller progress in the past quarter suggests the need to address remaining restrictions before the economy can get closer to normal, according to the country’s economic continue reading : MORE JOBS RESTORED WITH SAFE REOPENING OF ECONOMY, ADDRESSING REMAINING RESTRICTIONS STILL NEEDED – PH ECONOMIC MANAGERS

THE JANUARY 2021 LABOR FORCE SURVEY RESULTS   JOINT STATEMENT OF THE DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION’S ECONOMIC MANAGERS:   ACTING SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY KARL KENDRICK T. CHUA FINANCE SECRETARY CARLOS G. DOMINGUEZ BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT SECRETARY WENDEL E. AVISADO   MARCH 9, 2021   Introduction We started 2020 with very good prospects. The country was likely to continue reading : JOINT STATEMENT OF THE DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION’S ECONOMIC MANAGERS ON JANUARY 2021 LABOR FORCE SURVEY RESULTS

March 8, 2021 Promoting cycling and building protected bike lanes can augment public transportation and help people safely get to work during the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. “The COVID-19 pandemic has hurt the economy, especially the transport sector. The community quarantines and physical distancing regulations that help protect lives continue reading : CYCLING, PROTECTED BIKE LANES CAN AUGMENT PUBLIC TRANSPORT SHORTAGE DURING PANDEMIC – NEDA

March 5, 2021 While the inflation rate increased from 4.2 percent in January to 4.7 percent in February 2021, the inflation target remains at 2 to 4 percent as the government intensifies efforts to address higher food prices, said the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The faster inflation in February 2021 was mainly driven continue reading : GOV’T INTENSIFIES EFFORTS TO ADDRESS INFLATION – NEDA

March 4, 2021 MANILA – Empowering local government units (LGUs) to develop and implement post disaster rehabilitation and recovery plans and programs is crucial as they are in the forefront of recovery initiatives, said the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “The year 2020 started with the eruption of Taal volcano, and ended with consecutive continue reading : NEDA URGES TO STRENGTHEN PH POST-DISASTER RECOVERY PLANNING

March 2, 2021 The approval of the Common Legislative Agenda (CLA) for the 18th Congress by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) Executive Committee (ExCom) is a welcome development for the country’s efforts to bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic, said the National Economic and Development Authority, which sits as the LEDAC secretariat. “The LEDAC-ExCom continue reading : ENABLING ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT, MEDICAL AND FISCAL RESILIENCY TOPS LEDAC COMMON LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

February 18, 2021 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) sees the importance of expanding public transportation capacity and active transport support to provide mobility for employees going to their workplaces. While economic activity has gradually increased since the peak of the community quarantines in the second quarter of 2020, Google Mobility data as of continue reading : NEDA PUSHES FOR ACTIVE TRANSPORT SUPPORT, PROMOTES INTERNAL BIKE SHARING SYSTEM

February 11, 2021 The national and local government need to continue working together to manage risks and roll out the COVID-19 vaccines, said the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “Our actions today will have a tremendous impact on the economy in the future. I think we are in a unique position right now to continue reading : STRONGER NATIONAL, LOCAL GOV’T COLLABORATION NEEDED TO MANAGE RISKS AND PROTECT THE POOR AMID THE PANDEMIC – NEDA

February 05, 2021 The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the country’s headline inflation rate accelerated to 4.2 percent in January 2021, from 3.5 percent in the previous month. This is the fastest inflation rate in two years since the 4.4 percent inflation recorded in January 2019. Despite the higher inflation rate in January, the National Economic continue reading : GOVERNMENT PROACTIVELY ADDRESSING HIGHER INFLATION – NEDA

February 05, 2021 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) launched the Updated Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022. This report remains anchored on the government’s zero to ten-point socioeconomic agenda and geared towards the achievement of our long-term vision: Isang matatag, maginhawa, at panatag na buhay para sa lahat. In addition, the Updated PDP responds to the continue reading : NEDA LAUNCHES UPDATED PHILIPPINE DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017-2022

#AskNEDA Briefing on Updated Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 Opening remarks of Acting Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua February 4, 2021    Preliminaries Members of the Plan Steering Committee, I understand Secretary Dar of DA, Secretary Lopez of DTI, and Secretary Esperon of the NSC are with us, good morning. To other members of the Plan continue reading : OPENING REMARKS OF ACTING SECRETARY KARL KENDRICK T. CHUA DURING THE #ASKNEDA BRIEFING ON THE UPDATED PHILIPPINE DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017-2022

02 February 2021 Logistics reforms and pro-competition regulations are needed to steer the Philippine economy towards recovery, the National Economic and Development Authority said. On January 29, 2021, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) together with the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC), launched two reports under the OECD’s Fostering Competition in ASEAN Project – continue reading : LOGISTICS REFORMS, PRO-COMPETITION REGULATIONS CRUCIAL FOR ECONOMIC RECOVERY – NEDA

Keynote Message Karl Kendrick T. Chua, Ph.D. Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary OECD Logistics Study Launch Event 29 January 2021   His Excellency Daniel Pruce, British Ambassador to the Philippines; Mr. Antonio Gomes, Mr. Frédéric Jenny, and our partners from the OECD; Mr. Aladdin Rillo of the ASEAN Secretariat; Chairman Arsenio M. Balisacan and our colleagues continue reading : KEYNOTE MESSAGE OF ACTING SECRETARY KARL KENDRICK T. CHUA AT THE OECD LOGISTICS STUDY LAUNCH EVENT

January 28, 2021 With economic performance continuing to improve from the peak of the quarantines in the second quarter to the last quarter of 2020, the outlook for 2021 is better. However, the recovery hinges on effective management of COVID-19 risks, a calibrated reopening of the economy, roll-out of the vaccine, and the speedy passage continue reading : Q4 GDP CONTRACTION CONTINUES TO EASE, CALIBRATED REOPENING, KEY REFORMS NEEDED TO SUSTAIN RECOVERY MOMENTUM – NEDA

JOINT STATEMENT OF THE DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION’S ECONOMIC MANAGERS  ON THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE  FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL-YEAR OF 2020  28 January 2021 Introduction  Colleagues in government, friends from the media, fellow Filipinos, good morning. We entered 2020 with the prospects of becoming an upper middle-income country two years ahead of our 2022 target. Earlier in continue reading : JOINT STATEMENT OF THE DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION’S ECONOMIC MANAGERS ON THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL-YEAR OF 2020 

Opening Message Acting Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua Launch of 2020 Human Development Report January 22, 2021 Preliminaries UNDP Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran, our partners from UNDP, colleagues in NEDA and the government, other development partners, and stakeholders, a pleasant morning! The 2020 HDR (Next Frontier: Human Development and the Anthropocene) We congratulate UNDP continue reading : Opening Message of Acting Secretary Chua during the Launch of 2020 Human Development Report

18 January 2021 After experiencing one of the longest lockdowns necessary to capacitate the Philippine health system, the country needs to safely allow economic activities driven by the country’s young population, the country’s Chief Economist said. In the National Economic Recovery Forum attended by over 500 university and college students and organized by the Junior continue reading : PH YOUNG POPULATION COULD DRIVE ECONOMIC RECOVERY, AS NEDA CHIEF INVITES YOUTH TO JOIN GOV’T – NEDA

January 09, 2021 MANILA – Philippine trade performance in November 2020 showed encouraging signs that the country is well-positioned to take advantage of improvements in external demand and that the government’s efforts to reinvigorate businesses is gaining traction, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that after eight continue reading : EXPORTS GROWTH SIGNALS RECOVERY FOR PH TRADE – NEDA

January 05, 2021 Despite upside risks, the Philippines’ full-year inflation rate for 2020 settled below the midpoint of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) target range for the year, the National Economic and Development Authority said. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that in December 2020, the country’s headline inflation rate accelerated to 3.5 percent, continue reading : 2020 FULL-YEAR INFLATION SETTLES BELOW MIDPOINT OF GOV’T TARGET

December 30, 2020 Reverting back to Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) could cost NCR and its adjacent regions some 2.1 billion pesos in wages a day. Meanwhile, every day of General Community Quarantine (GCQ) costs these regions around 700 million pesos in wages. These losses and setbacks point to the need to work together to continue reading : LOSSES AND SETBACKS IN 2020 OFFER LESSONS TO RECOVER TOGETHER IN 2021 – NEDA

December 20, 2020 MANILA – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is encouraging consumers and the working population to respond to a new survey on confidence in the safe and gradual opening of the economy. Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua reiterated during NEDA’s year-end media briefing that to really recover, the continue reading : NEW CONSUMER AND EMPLOYEE SURVEY TO GUIDE POLICIES FOR 2021 ECONOMIC BOUNCE-BACK–NEDA

2020 YEAR-END STATEMENT    KARL KENDRICK T. CHUA  Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary   #AskNEDA 2020 Year-end Press Briefing  December 17, 2020 | 11:00 A.M.    Dear friends from the media and colleagues from NEDA, let me first greet you all a merry Christmas.  STRONG START   Despite this whirlwind of a year, we started 2020 with a continue reading : 2020 YEAR-END STATEMENT OF ACTING SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY KARL KENDRICK T. CHUA

December 10, 2020 The government will be prioritizing the safe opening of the economy, as well as connectivity and logistics reforms to bring down cost and improve competitiveness of the trade sector amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Economic and Development Authority said.   The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the country’s merchandise trade continue reading : SAFE OPENING OF THE ECONOMY, CONNECTIVITY, AND LOGISTICS REFORMS NEEDED TO BOOST PH TRADE SECTOR – NEDA

DECEMBER 4, 2020 – Transport services, as well as agricultural products such as meat and vegetables, are the top contributors to November 2020 inflation. This is due to the restrictions on public transport as a result of COVID-19, persistence of African Swine Fever, and damage and losses in high value crops following the onslaught of continue reading : RECENT TYPHOONS AND TRANSPORT RESTRICTIONS POSE UPWARD INFLATION PRESSURES – NEDA

JOINT DBCC STATEMENT Review of the Medium-Term Macroeconomic Assumptions and Fiscal Program for FY 2020 to 2022 December 3, 2020   We, the members of the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC), met to review the government’s medium-term macroeconomic assumptions, fiscal program, and growth targets. We have revised macroeconomic assumptions and targets to take into account continue reading : JOINT DBCC STATEMENT: Review of the Medium-Term Macroeconomic Assumptions and Fiscal Program for FY 2020 to 2022

December 03, 2020 The Philippine labor market in October 2020 showed further signs of recovery as economic activities and mobility with strict adherence to safety and health protocols continued to resume, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. The Philippine Statistics Authority’s latest Labor Force Survey (LFS) showed that the country’s unemployment rate improved to continue reading : PH LABOR MARKET SHOWS FURTHER SIGNS OF RECOVERY – NEDA

November 27, 2020 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) lauds the passage of Senate Bill 1357 or the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act on second and third reading yesterday. “CREATE will help small and medium enterprises become more competitive and productive to support the recovery of our economy,” said Acting continue reading : PASSAGE OF CREATE TO HASTEN COUNTRY’S ECONOMIC RECOVERY – NEDA

November 10, 2020 The Philippines can return to a solid growth and development trajectory if we enable the economy to recover by efficiently managing risks, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. In a joint statement of the economic managers during the press conference on the performance of the Philippine economy for the third continue reading : MANAGING RISKS WHILE LETTING ECONOMY RECOVER KEY TO PH SOLID GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT – NEDA

PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE Q3 2020   PERFORMANCE OF THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY    JOINT STATEMENT   OF THE DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION’S ECONOMIC MANAGERS:    ACTING SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY KARL KENDRICK T. CHUA  FINANCE SECRETARY CARLOS G. DOMINGUEZ  BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT SECRETARY WENDEL E. AVISADO    10 November 2020  Introduction  Colleagues in government, friends from the media, continue reading : JOINT STATEMENT OF THE DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION’S ECONOMIC MANAGERS ON THE Q3 2020 PERFORMANCE OF THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY 

November 05, 2020 The country’s inflation continued to settle within target in October 2020, though upside risks such as the adverse impact of inclement weather and the lingering presence of the African Swine Fever (ASF) remain, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the country’s headline inflation continue reading : INFLATION STILL WITHIN GOV’T TARGET IN OCTOBER 2020

November 5, 2020 The significant improvement in the country’s trade performance in September 2020 suggests that the country’s approach to gradually reopen the economy, along with the strict observance of health protocols, puts us on the right track towards economic recovery, the National Economic and Development Authority said.   The Philippine Statistics Authority reported yesterday that the country’s merchandise continue reading : GRADUAL REOPENING, STRICT HEALTH PROTOCOLS, STRUCTURAL REFORMS, KEY TO REVIVING PH TRADE

MANILA – The Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) benefits all Filipinos. At the same time, it enhances productivity and overall competitiveness of our country’s rice sector. “When the government began its campaign to reform the rice sector, the goal was to improve food security for all and give rice farmers better support,” Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary continue reading : RICE TARIFFICATION BENEFITS ALL FILIPINOS, ENHANCES PRODUCTIVITY AND COMPETITIVENESS OF RICE SECTOR – NEDA

October 10, 2020 Gradual and calibrated re-opening of the economy, as well as regulatory reforms and technological innovations, are needed for the country’s trade and overall economic recovery, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that the country’s merchandise trade performance registered a sharp contraction of 21 percent in continue reading : GRADUAL AND CALIBRATED RE-OPENING, STRUCTURAL REFORMS NEEDED FOR PH TRADE RECOVERY – NEDA

October 7, 2020 The overall inflation rate recorded in September 2020 remains low and stable, but some upside risks remain, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. The country’s overall inflation slightly eased to 2.3 percent in September 2020 from 2.4 percent in the preceding month, which brings the year-to-date inflation to 2.5 percent. continue reading : INFLATION REMAINS LOW AND STABLE, BUT UPSIDE RISKS REMAIN

MANILA, October 5, 2020— Rapid adoption of digital technologies can help the Philippines overcome the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, recover from the crisis, and achieve its vision of becoming a middle-class society free of poverty, according to the report released today by the World Bank and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). Titled continue reading : HARNESSING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES CAN HELP PHILIPPINES OVERCOME IMPACT OF PANDEMIC, HASTEN RECOVERY

INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE (as delivered) Karl Kendrick T. Chua, Ph.D. Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary 31st National Statistics Month Opening Ceremony 1 October 2020 Secretary Gregorio B. Honasan II, National Statistician Dennis S. Mapa, fellow workers in government, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. I am happy to join today the statistical community to celebrate the 31st National continue reading : Inspirational Message of Acting Secretary Chua – 31st National Statistics Month Opening Ceremony

September 17, 2020 Whole-of-society cooperation and maintaining the minimum health standards will ensure gradual resumption in livelihood and poverty reduction as the economy safely opens up, the National Economic and Development Authority said. In an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel Dateline Philippines on September 11, 2020, Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua said continue reading : NEDA SEES PROGRESS IN RECOVERY OF LIVELIHOOD AS PH ECONOMY SAFELY OPENS

SEPTEMBER 16, 2020 – Innovation in government is needed to recover and build resilience from crises, according to Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua in the virtual opening ceremony of the 6th Annual Public Policy Conference (APPC) of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) held on September 15, 2020.    Noting risks to the country’s growth continue reading : INNOVATION IN GOV’T CRUCIAL FOR PH RESILIENCE AND ECONOMIC RECOVERY – NEDA

September 10, 2020 MANILA – The country’s merchandise trade performance continued to show signs of recovery in July 2020, the National Economic and Development Authority said. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the country’s total merchandise trade growth remained in negative territory at -18.6 percent in July 2020 against the same period last year. On continue reading : PH TRADE CONTINUES TO SHOW SIGNS OF RECOVERY IN JULY 2020

September 10, 2020 The National Economic and Development Authority aims to promote a whole-of-society approach to strengthen the linkages between government and non-government agencies and organizations, development priorities, and resource allocation to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).   “With the disruptions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to further intensify the implementation of strategies to ensure continue reading : NEDA CALLS FOR MEMBERSHIP IN STAKEHOLDER CHAMBER TO ATTAIN SDGs

Transcript of NEDA Acting Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua’s Statement at the DBCC Budget Briefing on the FY 2021 Proposed Budget September 04, 2020   Good afternoon, Chairman Yap. Deputy Speaker LRay, Deputy Minority Leader Abante, Vice Chair Sy-Alvarado. Mr. Chair, the Philippines entered 2020 with a very strong position. Prior to COVID, our strong economic continue reading : TRANSCRIPT OF NEDA ACTING SECRETARY KARL KENDRICK CHUA’S STATEMENT AT THE DBCC BUDGET BRIEFING ON THE FY 2021 PROPOSED

September 4, 2020 The Philippine manufacturing sector showed signs of improvement for the third consecutive month in July 2020. This suggests a turn-around in economic activity, the National Economic and Development Authority said. While volume and value indices contracted, they both did at slower rates compared to the previous month, as reported today by the continue reading : PH MANUFACTURING SECTOR SHOWS SIGNS OF RECOVERY FOR THIRD CONSECUTIVE MONTH – NEDA 

September 4, 2020 – Improving supply chain efficiency in agriculture is needed to ensure a low and stable inflation in the country amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and impending typhoons, the National Economic and Development Authority said. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the country’s headline inflation decelerated to 2.4 percent in August 2020 continue reading : NEDA URGES IMPROVING AGRI SUPPLY CHAIN EFFICIENCY FOR LOW, STABLE INFLATION

September 3, 2020 The labor market is improving, but the government needs to continue its efforts in containing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and supporting affected workers and firms to revive the economy, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) says. As reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the July round of the continue reading : PH UNEMPLOYMENT RATE EASES IN JULY FROM APRIL 2020

STATEMENT OF NEDA ACTING SECRETARY ON THE  JULY 2020 LABOR FORCE SURVEY AND IMPLICATION  3 September 2020, 9:30 AM    Introduction  Colleagues in government, friends from the media, fellow countrymen, good morning.    Looking back  Back in March 2020, we made the very difficult decision of placing a large part of the economy under the continue reading : STATEMENT OF NEDA ACTING SECRETARY ON THE JULY 2020 LABOR FORCE SURVEY AND IMPLICATION 

CORRECTION: The NEDA media release last August 31, 2020 incorrectly said that “…ODA loans and grants amounting to USD 10.94 billion have been added to the country’s total ODA portfolio…” The USD 10.94 billion actually refers to the amount indicated in the 3rd pillar of the Four-Pillar Socioeconomic Strategy Against Covid-19 (projected ODA of USD continue reading : (CORRECTION) Re: August 31 NEDA Media Release: PH ODA REACHES USD21.62 BILLION IN 2019; ADD’L FUNDING FOR COVID-19 AT USD10.94 BILLION IN 2020

August 25, 2020 The government is continuously working on programs that will help severely affected sectors to cope with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Economic and Development Authority said.  “We are starting to see a U-turn in the trajectory of economic activity and manufacturing production. While we are not yet in the continue reading : BAYANIHAN 2, INFRA AMONG KEY AREAS IN REVIVING PH ECONOMY 

August 08, 2020 Navigating the pandemic and thriving in the new normal require a whole-of-society approach, which is vital in the country’s recovery plan, the National Economic and Development Authority said.   “The government needs the utmost cooperation of the public, the business sector, and civil society in restarting socioeconomic activities while preventing the spread of continue reading : NEDA-LED TASK GROUP PREPARES ¨RECHARGE PH¨, WHOLE-OF-SOCIETY APPROACH PARAMOUNT IN RECOVERY PLAN – NEDA

STATEMENT    KARL KENDRICK T. CHUA ACTING SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY 2020 Q2 PERFORMANCE OF THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY August 6, 2020   Colleagues in government, friends from the media, fellow Filipinos, good morning. Our country is facing the biggest crisis in nearly eight decades. How we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and how united we are continue reading : STATEMENT OF NEDA ACTING SECRETARY KARL KENDRICK T. CHUA ON THE 2020 Q2 PERFORMANCE OF THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY

August 5, 2020 MANILA – The country’s merchandise trade performance continued its gradual recovery in both exports and imports in June 2020, the National Economic and Development Authority said. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the country’s total merchandise trade further eased its negative trajectory in June 2020 with a slower decline of 19.9 continue reading : PH TRADE SECTOR CONTINUES GRADUAL RECOVERY

August 5, 2020 MANILA – The national and local governments need to strengthen risk management systems to ensure an unhampered and sufficient supply and delivery of essential commodities that will support a stable inflation for the country, the National Economic and Development Authority said. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the country’s headline inflation continue reading : RISK MANAGEMENT, RESILIENCE KEY TO SUSTAINING STABLE INFLATION OUTLOOK IN 2020 – NEDA

August 5, 2020 The Philippine manufacturing sector exhibited slight improvements in its performance in June 2020, suggesting signs of recovery, the National Economic and Development Authority said. As economic activities remain limited, the manufacturing sector contracted in both volume and value of production terms but at a slower rate than the previous month. In its continue reading : MANUFACTURING SECTOR NUMBERS IN JUNE 2020 SIGNAL RECOVERY – NEDA

STATEMENT OF UNDERSECRETARY ROSEMARIE G. EDILLON  AT THE #ASKNEDA MEDIA BRIEFING July 30, 2020 | 01:00PM Our friends from the media, colleagues from government, especially our partners at the World Bank, magandang hapon sa ating lahat. At the outset, I, on behalf of the NEDA, would like to thank the World Bank for this partnership. These continue reading : STATEMENT OF UNDERSECRETARY ROSEMARIE G. EDILLON  AT THE #ASKNEDA MEDIA BRIEFING | JULY 30, 2020

July 16, 2020 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) supports the recent move of the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) of the Philippines to explore digital platforms in allowing investors to access investments in retail treasury bonds (RTB). “The launch of BONDS.PH app comes at a very opportune time. When the country is in continue reading : NEDA SUPPORTS DIGITAL PLATFORMS TO ACCESS RETAIL TREASURY BONDS

July 14, 2020 Trade growth is expected to gain momentum in the coming months as quarantine measures ease, the National Economic and Development Authority said. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported last July 10 that the country’s total merchandise trade registered a slower decline of 38.7 percent in May 2020, after a steep 59.5 percent decline continue reading : NEDA SEES PH TRADE RECOVERY

#ASKNEDA MEDIA BRIEFING  STATEMENT OF ACTING SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY KARL KENDRICK T. CHUA July 10, 2020 | 10:30AM Colleagues in government, friends from the media, fellow Filipinos, a pleasant morning to all of you. Welcome to another #AskNEDA Media Briefing, where we will be discussing recent economic developments and our digital readiness in the new continue reading : STATEMENT OF ACTING SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY KARL KENDRICK T. CHUA AT THE #ASKNEDA MEDIA BRIEFING | July 10, 2020

July 7, 2020 The manufacturing sector is showing signs of recovery in May 2020 and is expected to continue its rebound as the Philippine economy gradually reopens, the National Economic and Development Authority said. The recovery is seen in the increase in capacity utilization, as reported today by the Philippine Statistics Authority in its Monthly continue reading : SIGNS OF MANUFACTURING RECOVERY SEEN AS PH ECON REOPENS – NEDA

July 7, 2020 Ensuring price stability through greater use of technology and supporting the agriculture value chain is necessary to help build consumer confidence and support the gradual recovery of the domestic economy, the National Economic and Development Authority said. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported today that the country’s headline inflation accelerated to 2.5 continue reading : NEDA: DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY AND SUPPORTING THE AGRICULTURE VALUE CHAIN KEY TO STABLE PRICES AMID THE PANDEMIC

June 26, 2020 Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua said that the government will continue to craft well-targeted policies to optimize the use and further develop the digital economy of the country in the webinar: ‘Digital Readiness for the New Normal’ hosted by the Carlos P. Romulo Foundation and the Makati Business Club continue reading : PHILSYS CAN UNLOCK PH DIGITAL ECONOMY POTENTIAL – NEDA

June 16, 2020 Following the latest results of the Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) labor force survey (LFS), more innovative and flexible learning programs are needed to respond to the challenges of preserving and creating jobs amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. “Workers now need to adapt to the changes continue reading : INNOVATIVE AND FLEXIBLE TRAINING NEEDED TO RETOOL AND UPSKILL LABOR FORCE – NEDA

June 16, 2020 The government needs to intensify its support for agricultural research and development (R&D) programs of public research institutions and state universities and colleges, the National Economic and Development Authority said. “We must emphasize and promote the commercial viability of making healthy, safe, nutritious, medicinal or therapeutic, and well-packaged agricultural food products. The continue reading : NEDA URGES INTENSIFIED AGRICULTURAL R&D TO IMPROVE FOOD SECURITY

June 10, 2020 Structural and logistics reforms are necessary to support ongoing government efforts in ensuring a quick rebound of the country’s trade sector, the National Economic and Development Authority said. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the country’s total merchandise trade contracted by 59.8 percent, reaching USD 6.1 billion in April 2020, its continue reading : STRUCTURAL, LOGISTICS REFORMS NEEDED FOR PH TRADE RECOVERY – NEDA

STATEMENT  ACTING SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY KARL KENDRICK T. CHUA  #ASKNEDA MEDIA BRIEFING June 5, 2020 | 12:30-1:30pm via Zoom   Colleagues in government, friends from the media, fellow countrymen, good afternoon.   Recent developments Today, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) released the latest data on three economic indicators: consumer price inflation, manufacturing performance, and the continue reading : STATEMENT OF ACTING SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY KARL KENDRICK T. CHUA AT THE #ASKNEDA MEDIA BRIEFING | JUNE 5, 2020

June 1, 2020 Efficient and affordable e-commerce can help sustain economic activities and drive growth as the country continues to manage COVID-19 risks and transitions to the new and better normal, the National Economic and Development Authority said. “Online shopping and marketing platforms will play bigger role in the new normal as businesses and consumers continue reading : E-COMMERCE SEEN TO SUSTAIN PH ECONOMY AND DRIVE GROWTH

May 29, 2020 The Inter-Agency Task Force Technical Working Group for Anticipatory and Forward Planning (IATF-TWG for AFP) recently released the online copy of the We Recover as One report. The report details a comprehensive set of measures to mitigate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and enable the economy to recover and transition to a continue reading : NEDA ‘WE RECOVER AS ONE’ REPORT DETAILS ROAD TO NEW NORMAL

May 23, 2020 The NEDA-Regional Development Group (RDG) launched on May 21, 2020 ICT tools that will be useful in troubleshooting problems in the supply chain for goods and production inputs and in planning supply chain-related interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic, and potentially post-pandemic. The ICT tools are called Supply Chain Analytics (SCAn) Dashboard and continue reading : NEDA LAUNCHES SUPPLY CHAIN ANALYTICS ICT TOOLS TO HELP ADDRESS COVID-19 RESPONSE DISRUPTIONS

May 13, 2020 Responding to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Philippine economy, the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) has adjusted the country’s macroeconomic indicators and fiscal program for fiscal years (FY) 2020 to 2022. These adjustments reflect the Duterte administration’s priorities of saving lives and protecting communities, while providing support to vulnerable continue reading : DBCC REVISITS MEDIUM-TERM MACROECONOMIC ASSUMPTIONS AND FISCAL PROGRAM AMID THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

National Economic and Development Authority Acting Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua   First Quarter 2020 National Accounts Press Conference Speech  May 7, 2020   To our colleagues from the Philippine Statistics Authority, fellow workers in government, friends from the media, and fellow Filipinos, good morning to all of you.  Our country has faced significant socio-economic risks and shocks continue reading : STATEMENT OF ACTING SECRETARY KARL KENDRICK CHUA ON THE FIRST QUARTER 2020 NATIONAL ACCOUNTS PRESS CONFERENCE

May 06, 2020 The COVID-19 pandemic around the world and the resulting restrictions in production supply chains and global trade flow led to the decline in Philippine trade in March 2020. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the country’s total merchandise trade dropped to US$11.44 billion – its lowest level in two years. This continue reading : PH TRADE DROPS IN MARCH 2020 DUE TO COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS – NEDA

May 05, 2020 The headline inflation rate for April 2020 was estimated at 2.2 percent, which reflects relatively stable prices for Filipino families. Inflation rates over the past three months show a continuous downtrend trend, consistently staying within the government’s target range of 2.0 to 4.0 percent. “The steady inflation outlook over the past several continue reading : PH INFLATION REMAINS STEADY; PRICE STABILITY TO SUPPORT ECONOMIC RECOVERY

April 8, 2020 As the country continues to grapple with the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the National Economic and Development Authority said the government must intensify trade sector reforms for the economy to overcome the challenges of a huge global economic slowdown. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the country’s total merchandise continue reading : NEDA URGES INTENSIFYING EFFORTS TO BOOST PH TRADE SECTOR

April 7, 2020 The government needs to prioritize support for the production of essential goods and personal protective equipment during the country’s fight against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the National Economic and Development Authority said. The Philippine Statistics Authority today reported in its Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (MISSI) that the total manufacturing index continue reading : PRIORITY SUPPORT FOR ESSENTIAL GOODS PRODUCTION A MUST – NEDA

April 7, 2020 The government must be proactive in addressing supply bottlenecks and implementing price control measures on necessities following the spread of COVID-19, said the National Economic and Development Authority. The country’s headline inflation decelerated for the second month to 2.5 percent in March 2020, from 2.6 percent in February 2020 and 3.3 percent continue reading : PH GOV’T MUST ADDRESS SUPPLY, PRICE ISSUES AMID COVID-19 SPREAD – NEDA

April 5, 2020 Policies are now being identified to help the country’s economy adjust to the “new normal,” the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. “The Inter-agency Task Force Technical Working Group for Anticipatory and Forward Planning (IATF-TWG-AFP), chaired by NEDA, is currently preparing to provide recommendations to rebuild confidence and adjust to the continue reading : PH GOV’T READIES POLICIES FOR THE NEW NORMAL – NEDA

March 29, 2020 Local government units (LGUs) outside the National Capital Region must effectively implement better strategies to contain the spread of COVID-19 in their respective localities, the National Economic and Development Authority said. “COVID–19 is a novel coronavirus, which means that there is a lot that we do not know about it.  Extensive monitoring continue reading : NEDA URGES LGUs OUTSIDE NCR TO BETTER COMBAT COVID-19

March 28, 2020 As the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act is expected to expedite the implementation of measures to address the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, the National Economic and Development Authority is now preparing a plan to rebuild business and consumer confidence and avoid a prolonged economic recession. NEDA said the Bayanihan Act, recently signed by President Rodrigo Duterte, continue reading : NEDA PREPARES ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN AS BAYANIHAN ACT FAST-TRACKS RESPONSE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC

March 24, 2020 Well-coordinated measures guided by a comprehensive plan are crucial to contain the spread of the COVID-19 and to mitigate its social and economic impact, the National Economic and Development Authority said. “This public health emergency brought about by COVID-19 shows us how crucial it is for us to have a whole-of-government and continue reading : SEAMLESS COORDINATION, COMPREHENSIVE PLAN NEEDED TO MITIGATE IMPACT OF COVID-19 – NEDA

STATEMENT Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia and the entire NEDA are taking the necessary precautions and risk management measures on the possible further spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). As of today, March 12, 2020, there is no confirmed case of COVID-19 recorded in NEDA. Secretary Pernia has gone on self-quarantine as a precautionary measure continue reading : Official NEDA Statement | March 12, 2020

March 11, 2020 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board’s Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CabCom) approved the Philippine Customs Modernization Project on March 6, 2020. The project aims to improve the Bureau of Customs’ efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency by streamlining and upgrading systems, procedures, and operational activities with the use of information and communications continue reading : NEDA ICC-CABCOM APPROVES CUSTOMS MODERNIZATION PROJECT

March 11, 2020 To ensure a quick rebound of the country’s external sector, the government should implement measures that streamline processes to facilitate trade amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the National Economic and Development Authority said. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that the country’s total merchandise trade grew by 4.1 percent, reaching USD15.1 billion in January 2020. January’s trade continue reading : NEDA URGES STREAMLINING OF PROCESSES TO FACILITATE TRADE AMID COVID-19

March 6, 2020 The Philippine labor market continued to record positive gains as underemployment rate fell to its lowest in a decade on top of an increased employment rate, the National Economic and Development Authority said. The January round of the Labor Force Survey (LFS) of the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that the country’s underemployment continue reading : UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE DROPS TO NEW RECORD LOW IN 10 YEARS

March 5, 2020 Concerns over coronavirus disease (COVID-2019) affecting tourism and travel activities in the country could dampen production of consumer-related manufactures such as food and beverages, the National Economic and Development Authority said. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported in its Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (MISSI) that the total manufacturing index declined in continue reading : MARKET SAFEGUARDS NEEDED AS COVID-19 CONCERNS POSE RISKS TO FACTORY OUTPUT – NEDA

March 5, 2020 The government needs to remain vigilant and well-positioned against possible risks to inflation in the country, said the National Economic and Development Authority. Headline inflation eased to 2.6 percent in February 2020, lower than the 2.9 percent recorded in the previous month and the 3.8 percent inflation in February 2019. This brings continue reading : GOV’T NEEDS TO BE VIGILANT AGAINST RISKS TO INFLATION OUTLOOK – NEDA

February 27, 2020 The National Economic and Development Authority welcomed the enactment of Republic Act No. 11467, which will increase excise taxes on alcohol products, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), and heated tobacco products (HTPs). The salient feature of the law will split excise tax revenues between the implementation of the Universal Health Care Act of 2019 continue reading : ‘SIN’ TAXES TO HELP FILIPINOS LIVE LONG AND HEALTHY LIVES

KEYNOTE REMARKS   ERNESTO M PERNIA, PhD Secretary of Socioeconomic Planning   2nd Business Intelligence and Data Analytics (BIDA) Short Course A project funded by the Australian Government Multipurpose Hall, Asia-Pacific College (APC) 3 Humabon Place, Magallanes, Makati City February 24, 2020 Good morning, everyone. These are all very young people who will be the future continue reading : KEYNOTE REMARKS OF SECRETARY ERNESTO M. PERNIA – 2ND BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE AND DATA ANALYTICS (BIDA) SHORT COURSE

February 21, 2020 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said on Friday that the amendments to the Public Service Act of 1936, will significantly reduce equity restrictions in several service industries and encourage participation of foreign investors, thereby fostering more competition in the Philippine market. “We expect this bill to improve the country’s attractiveness continue reading : PUBLIC SERVICE ACT TO BOOST PH MARKET COMPETITIVENESS – NEDA

KEYNOTE SPEECH delivered by Undersecretary Adoracion M. Navarro National Economic and Development Authority Government of the Philippines High-Level Session on “Reshaping Economic Development through Empowerment of Women in Science” 5th International Day of Women and Girls in Science Assembly 12 February 2019; 3:00 pm – 4:40 pm UN Headquarters, New York Thank you for the continue reading : AS DELIVERED: KEYNOTE SPEECH OF NEDA UNDERSECRETARY ADORACION M. NAVARRO AT THE 5TH INTERNATIONAL DAY OF WOMEN AND GIRLS IN SCIENCE ASSEMBLY | UN HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK

February 17, 2020 The National Economic and Development Authority is confident the government will sustain its infrastructure undertaking momentum as it continues to make definite progress in the different phases of project processing. ​“Since the start of the current administration, the NEDA Board has approved projects at a quicker pace. The economic and infrastructure team continues to continue reading : PH GOV’T CONFIDENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE MOMENTUM – NEDA

STATEMENT delivered by Undersecretary Adoracion M. Navarro National Economic and Development Authority Government of the Philippines General Discussion during the 58th Session of the Commission for Social Development 11 February 2019; 3-6 pm UN Headquarters, New York Thank you, Madam Chair. Good afternoon. The Philippines takes this opportunity to reaffirm to the global community its continue reading : STATEMENT OF UNDERSECRETARY ADORACION M. NAVARRO AT THE 58TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS COMMISSION FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

February 11, 2020 The Philippine government should step up its efforts against downside risks brought by health- and climate-related hazards that can affect the trade sector, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported today that the country’s total merchandise trade picked up by 2.4 percent in December 2019, continue reading : GOV’T SHOULD STEP UP TRADE EFFORTS AMID HEALTH AND CLIMATE THREATS – NEDA

The credit rating upgrade for the Philippines by R&I will enhance the country’s investment climate and creditworthiness. Wider fiscal space enables the country not only to spend more on infrastructure but also invest in ‘suprastructure’—quality education and Science & Technology Innovation ecosystem required for the Philippines to become a globally competitive knowledge economy.

February 05, 2020  The government remains vigilant as upside risks have emerged from several unexpected phenomena and despite a stable inflation outlook for 2020, said the National Economic and Development Authority. The country’s headline inflation accelerated to 2.9 percent in January 2020 from 2.5 percent in the preceding month. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas projects continue reading : PH CANNOT BE COMPLACENT AMID STABLE INFLATION OUTLOOK – NEDA

February 05, 2020 The government should continue supporting initiatives towards digital solutions in the private sector to boost manufacturing growth and bounce back from its decline in 2019, the National Economic and Development Authority said. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported in its Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (MISSI) that the total manufacturing index declined continue reading : NEDA: DIGITAL SOLUTIONS CRUCIAL TO SPUR MANUFACTURING GROWTH  

January 29, 2020 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board confirmed the Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) approvals of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 4, EDSA Greenways Project, and six other new projects worth PhP547.6 billion. “These projects are the building blocks of our people’s dreams and aspirations. As such, we intend to roll out continue reading : NEDA BOARD APPROVES MRT 4, EDSA GREENWAYS, AND 6 OTHER PROJECTS

January 27, 2020 The National Economic and Development Authority said that the country needs to increase public participation in its anti-corruption initiatives to curtail corruption in the country. The Philippines placed 113th out of 180 countries in the 2019 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), dropping 14 spots from its position in 2018. This translates to a percentile continue reading : CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT KEY TO STAMPING OUT CORRUPTION – NEDA

STATEMENT ERNESTO M. PERNIA, PhD Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Press Conference on the Performance of the Philippine Economy for the Fourth Quarter and Full-Year of 2019 January 23, 2020 | 10:00 a.m. Hampton Conference Hall, Second Floor, Astoria Plaza, Pasig City     Our partners from the Philippine Statistics Authority; Colleagues in government; Friends from the continue reading : STATEMENT OF SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY ERNESTO M. PERNIA AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL-YEAR OF 2019

January 14, 2020 The National Economic and Development Authority expects the country’s poverty rate to be halved by the end of the current administration’s term in 2022. “This would be the first time in history that the poverty rate will be halved in just six years, a significant contribution and achievement of this administration,” Socioeconomic continue reading : POVERTY IN PH EXPECTED TO BE HALVED BY 2022 – NEDA

January 10, 2020 Diversifying and managing the use of energy sources in the Philippines should be further strengthened to avoid potential supply shocks amid a slow recovery of global trade, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. This statement is in line with today’s report of the Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA) that total merchandise continue reading : NEDA URGES MORE USE OF ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES IN PH AMID SLOW GLOBAL TRADE RECOVERY

January 7, 2020 An industrial policy propelled by innovation is needed to drive the country’s manufacturing growth amid the bleak near-term outlook of the sector, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. While majority of the manufacturing subsectors grew in production volume and value, the total manufacturing index posted negative growth in November 2019, continue reading : NEDA CALLS FOR INDUSTRIAL POLICY PROPELLED BY INNOVATION

January 7, 2020 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is pleased with the news that the full-year inflation for 2019 settled at 2.5 percent, which is well within the government target of 2.0 to 4.0 percent. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported today that the country’s headline inflation for December 2019 further accelerated, as continue reading : 2019 FULL-YEAR INFLATION SETTLES WITHIN GOV’T TARGET

January 2, 2020 The National Economic and Development Authority Board’s Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CabCom) recommended 12 projects amounting to PhP557.44 billion (excluding the amount for the unsolicited proposals) for NEDA Board approval. “The approval of these projects is a pivotal step in fulfilling our thrust of fostering growth centers in the regions and expanding continue reading : ICC-CABCOM ENDORSES 12 PROJECTS FOR NEDA BOARD APPROVAL

December 18, 2019 A stronger culture of planning in the country is needed to fully synchronize planning, investment programming, budgeting and implementation, the National Economic and Development Authority said. “In order to achieve the national economic and patrimony goals stated in our Constitution, the planning, programming and budget linkage in the government needs to be continue reading : NEDA CALLS FOR STRONGER PLANNING CULTURE IN PH GOV’T

MESSAGE Carlos Bernardo O. Abad Santos Assistant Secretary for Policy and Planning National Economic and Development Authority 84th Anniversary Celebration Strengthening the Culture of Planning In the Philippines Pasig City December 18, 2019   Let me start by greeting my fellow NEDAns – happy 84th anniversary to our beloved institution. To our guests, Mr. Alberto continue reading : SPEECH OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY CARLOS BERNARDO O. ABAD SANTOS AT THE 2019 SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING WEEK CELEBRATION AND 84TH FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY OF NEDA

2019 YEAR-END STATEMENT ERNESTO M. PERNIA, PhD Socioeconomic Planning Secretary December 18, 2019, 10:00 AM NEDA Central Office Grounds, Pasig City   Ladies and gentlemen, present and continuing members of the NEDA family represented here by Chito Sobrepeña of the Metrobank Foundation, representative of Mayor Joy Belmonte of Quezon City, friends from the media, beloved continue reading : 2019 YEAR-END STATEMENT OF SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY ERNESTO M. PERNIA

MESSAGE Jose Miguel R. Dela Rosa Undersecretary for Corporate Affairs AWARDING CEREMONY OF THE SEARCH FOR OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEERS 2019 South Wing Lobby, House of Representatives Batasan Pambansa, Quezon City 16 December 2019 Salutations… It is a pleasure to be with volunteers who represent the heart and soul of our country. Today, we are one with continue reading : AS DELIVERED MESSAGE OF UNDERSECRETARY JOSE MIGUEL DELA ROSA AT THE AWARDING CEREMONY OF THE SEARCH FOR OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEERS 2019

December 13, 2019 MANILA – The National Economic and Development Authority was awarded on Thursday as one of the top requested and performing agencies in the eFOI portal (www.foi.gov.ph) and was recognized for its exceptional contribution to the development and progress of the Freedom of Information (FOI). Pursuant to FOI Memorandum Circular No. 3, s. continue reading : NEDA AWARDED AS FOI CHAMPION

December 13, 2019 The inter-agency Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) approved the creation of the Sub-Committee on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during a meeting held on December 11, 2019. As part of the country’s commitment to support the SDGs, the sub-committee will monitor progress on the SDGs in the Philippines, review SDG-related programs and policies, continue reading : DBCC APPROVES CREATION OF SUB-COMMITTEE ON SDGs

We, the members of the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC), held a meeting to revisit the macroeconomic assumptions and medium-term fiscal and growth targets of the government. This is in light of recent developments, both domestic and external, as well as in preparation for the proposed 2021 National Expenditure Program (NEP).

December 10, 2019 Exploring alternative production strategies, participating in international trade fairs, and implementing consistent branding strategies are needed to increase the presence of Philippine products in the global market, the National Economic and Development Authority said. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the country’s total trade in October 2019 reached US$15.9 billion from continue reading : NEDA URGES IMPROVING EXPORT MARKET STRATEGIES TO BOLSTER PH TRADE PERFORMANCE

WELCOME MESSAGE Ernesto M. Pernia, PhD Secretary of Socioeconomic Planning Southeast Asia (SEA) Planning Community of Practice 3rd Technical Workshop Alignment and Coordination of National and Subnational Planning Part II Henann Resort, Panglao, Bohol December 10-12, 2019   Honorable Delegates from our fellow ASEAN states – Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam continue reading : AS DELIVERED WELCOME MESSAGE OF SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY ERNESTO M. PERNIA AT THE SOUTHEAST ASIA PLANNING COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE 3RD TECHNICAL WORKSHOP IN PANGLAO, BOHOL

STATEMENT NEDA OIC ADORACION NAVARRO   PRELIMINARY REPORT OF THE 2018 FULL-YEAR OFFICIAL POVERTY STATISTICS OF THE PHILIPPINES December 6, 2019 | Century Park Hotel Manila   Members of the Philippine Statistics Authority, Colleagues from NEDA, Friends from the media, Ladies and gentlemen, Good morning. We are pleased that the official poverty statistics for the continue reading : AS DELIVERED STATEMENT ON THE OFFICIAL POVERTY STATISTICS OF THE PHILIPPINES FOR THE FULL-YEAR 2018

December 5, 2019 The country’s labor market continues to thrive, with increased employment level and lower unemployment rates in October 2019, the National Economic and Development Authority said. The October round of the Labor Force Survey (LFS) of the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that all major sectors – agriculture, industry and services – posted employment continue reading : PH LABOR MARKET REMAINS VIBRANT BUT GAINS NEED TO BE SUSTAINED – NEDA

December 5, 2019 Government should ensure sufficient food supply and manage upside risks such as the impact of Typhoon Tisoy and the African Swine Fever (ASF) to handle inflation, the National Economic and Development Authority said. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the country’s headline inflation accelerated to 1.3 percent. ‘This is mainly driven continue reading : SUFFICIENT FOOD SUPPLY, DISASTER RECOVERY & REHAB EFFORTS VITAL IN MANAGING INFLATION – NEDA 

December 5, 2019 The extension in the validity of the 2019 national budget and the timely passage of the 2020 General Appropriations Act (GAA) are needed to sustain the implementation of construction-related activities and help drive growth in the manufacturing sector, the National Economic and Development Authority said. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that the continue reading : VALIDITY EXTENSION, TIMELY PASSAGE OF 2020 BUDGET NEEDED TO DRIVE MANUFACTURING GROWTH – NEDA

November 29, 2019 MANILA – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board approved seven new projects on November 29 amounting to PhP187.34 billion, which include three projects from Department of Transportation (DOTr), three projects of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and one  to be implemented by the Department of Health (DOH). “Five continue reading : NEDA BOARD CONFIRMS ICC APPROVAL OF PHP187.34-B NEW PROJECTS

KEYNOTE SPEECH Ernesto M. Pernia, PhD Secretary of Socioeconomic Planning Data Driven Philippines: The 2019 PH Data Analytics Summit November 21, 2019 Mr. Francis Del Val, President, COBENA; Other guests and officials of COBENA; The Analytics Association of the Philippines and the Internet and Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines or IMMAP; Distinguished guests and continue reading : KEYNOTE SPEECH OF SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY ERNESTO M. PERNIA AT THE DATA DRIVEN PHILIPPINES: THE 2019 PH DATA ANALYTICS SUMMIT

SPEECH Ernesto M. Pernia, PhD Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Culture and Music: Integral Part of Inclusive Development DOST-NRCP Visayas Policy Forum Valuing Music Heritage as Learning, Entertaining and Sustainable Resources SAFAD Theatre, University of San Carlos Talamban, Cebu City November 20, 2019   Co-workers in Government; Distinguished guests and speakers; Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. First, continue reading : SPEECH OF SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY ERNESTO M. PERNIA AT THE DOST-NRCP VISAYAS POLICY FORUM

November 22, 2019 CEBU – The National Economic and Development Authority urged the government to bank on the innate creativity of Filipinos to promote and preserve Filipino culture, and help boost the country’s creative economy. “The innate creativity in Filipinos cannot be denied. The government sees this characteristic of the Filipino people—this passion for the continue reading : INVEST IN FILIPINO CREATIVITY TO PROMOTE CULTURE, HELP BOOST ECONOMY  – NEDA

November 19, 2019 8th MONITORING AND EVALUATION FORUM PUTS “WE” IN M&E GOVERNMENT, M&E PARTNERS COMMIT TO MORE ROBUST USE OF EVIDENCE IN THIS YEAR’S FORUM The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) led the community of monitoring and evaluation practitioners across sectors today (November 19, 2019), at continue reading : 8th MONITORING AND EVALUATION FORUM PUTS “WE” IN M&E

OPENING REMARKS SECRETARY ERNESTO M. PERNIA Socioeconomic Planning Secretary 8th M&E Network Philippines Forum “WE in M&E: Standing United to Strengthen National Capacity for Evidence-Based Decision Making” November 19-20, 2019   Honorable Secretary Wendel E. Avisado, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Enrico Gaveglia, Distinguished resource speakers, Fellow public servants, Development professionals, Our partners in civil society, the continue reading : OPENING REMARKS OF SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY ERNESTO M. PERNIA DURING THE 8TH M&E NETWORK PHILIPPINES FORUM

November 15, 2019 Smart policy responses and better coordination between and among government agencies will help curb employment losses in the agricultural sector, the National Economic and Development Authority said. The results of the study Rural Labor Migration: An Analysis of the Loss of the Labor in the Agriculture Sector in the Philippines, which was continue reading : SMART POLICY RESPONSES, BETTER COORDINATION AMONG GOV’T AGENCIES NEEDED TO IMPROVE AGRI EMPLOYMENT — NEDA

Philippine Statement of Commitment during the Nairobi Summit on ICPD 25 on November 13, 2019  As delivered by Ernesto M. Pernia, PhD, Secretary of Socioeconomic Planning National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Philippines   The Philippines is one with the world in renewing with vigor our commitments to the International Conference on Population and Development  Programme continue reading : PHILIPPINE STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT DURING THE NAIROBI SUMMIT ON INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT (ICPD)

NAIROBI – The Philippine government reinforced its international commitments to improve programs in reproductive health in the country, and presented the milestones and policies already in place leading to real outcomes. “We are one with the world in renewing with vigor our commitments to the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action continue reading : PH GOV’T SHARES MILESTONES, STRENGTHENS COMMITMENTS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AT NAIROBI SUMMIT

November 7, 2019 The National Economic and Development Authority Board’s Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CabCom) approved on November 6, 2019, four infrastructure projects. In particular, the ICC-CabCom approved the following: the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) and the Camarines Sur High-Speed Highway Projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH); the Davao Public continue reading : ICC-CABCOM OKs FOUR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

STATEMENT ERNESTO M. PERNIA, PhD Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Press Conference on the Performance of the Philippine Economy for the Third Quarter of 2019 November 7, 2019; 10:00 a.m. Hampton Conference Hall, Second Floor, Astoria Plaza, Pasig City   Our Partners from the Philippine Statistics Authority, Colleagues in government, Friends from the media, Ladies and gentlemen, continue reading : Statement of Socioeconomic Planning Secretary on the Performance of the Philippine Economy for the Third Quarter of 2019

November 6, 2019 Government should take advantage of recovering exports to selected markets while also sustaining the improvement of infrastructure to uplift the trade sector, the National Economic and Development Authority said. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the country’s total trade in September 2019 declined by 7.5 percent, as both imports and exports continue reading : EXPORT ‘BRIGHT SPOTS’, IMPROVED GOV’T INFRA SPENDING TO LIFT PH TRADE GROWTH

November 5, 2019 The upcoming holiday season and strong macroeconomic conditions are seen to contribute to the improved performance the manufacturing sector for the last quarter of 2019, the National Economic and Development Authority said. Despite total manufacturing index recording negative growth in September 2019 as stated in the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Monthly Integrated Survey continue reading : HOLIDAY SEASON, FAVORABLE MACROECONOMIC CONDITIONS SEEN TO DRIVE Q4 FACTORY GROWTH – NEDA

November 5, 2019 The National Economic and Development Authority expects 2019 full-year inflation to settle within the government’s target of 2.0 to 4.0 percent as inflation continued to decelerate for the fifth straight month in the year. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the country’s headline inflation eased to 0.8 percent in October 2019, continue reading : INFLATION SEEN WITHIN TARGET FOR 2019

November 4, 2019 The National Economic and Development Authority once again leads the nation in celebrating the annual Economic and Financial Literacy Week (EFLW), focusing on the importance of having Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) in the country’s development direction. This year’s theme, “Our planet’s health, the future’s wealth”, calls for concerted efforts towards building an inclusive continue reading : NEDA HIGHLIGHTS SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION IN THE ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL LITERACY WEEK 2019

October 21, 2019 The Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) Policy and Coordinating Council (PSPCC), chaired by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), met on Friday, October 18, to discuss the early results of pilot test registration held in September and identify potential bottlenecks and issues to be addressed. During the meeting held at the NEDA continue reading : SPEEDING UP ROLL-OUT OF PHILSYS REQUIRES DATA CENTERS ALREADY IN PLACE – NEDA

October 14, 2019 MANILA – The National Economic and Development Authority said that identifying the Filipino culture and common values is essential in creating well-targeted plans and effective policies that can bring about positive changes in the country. Earlier this year, NEDA commissioned a National Values Survey, a nationwide study covering 10,200 respondents aged 18 continue reading : UNDERSTANDING PH CULTURE IS KEY TO CREATE POSITIVE CHANGES – NEDA

NEDA URGES REDOUBLING EFFORTS TO BOOST EXPORT PRODUCTS HASTEN LEGISLATIVE REFORMS, DEEPEN RELATIONS WITH TRADE PARTNERS, AGENCY SAYS  October 10, 2019 The government should redouble efforts to support export products where the country has comparative advantage so the trade sector recovers and picks up more steam, the National Economic and Development Authority said. The Philippine continue reading : NEDA URGES REDOUBLING EFFORTS TO BOOST EXPORT PRODUCTS

October 9, 2019 Government efforts to streamline and simplify transaction periods and requirements for government services paved the way to the country’s climb in the 2018 Worldwide Governance Indicators, the National Economic and Development Authority said. The Philippines improved its percentile rank in terms of Regulatory Quality (56.73 from 55.77 in 2017). This exceeded the continue reading : SIMPLIFIED GOV’T TRANSACTIONS LEAD TO IMPROVED PH’s WGI – NEDA

October 9, 2019 The National Economic and Development Authority urged government agencies to consciously put people – clients and workers alike – at the center of their frontline services to further the ease of doing business and government service delivery.  “Citizens and businesses appreciate it when frontline service providers care about providing what their clients continue reading : NEDA CALLS FOR PEOPLE-CENTERED GOV’T FRONTLINE SERVICES

October 4, 2019 A speedy implementation of infrastructure projects is seen to help sustain demand for construction-related manufactures towards the end of the year, the National Economic and Development Authority said. In the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries for August 2019, the Volume of Production Index (VoPI) was down by 9.3 continue reading : DIGITAL SOLUTIONS, COMPLETION OF INFRA PROJECTS TO REVIVE FACTORY OUTPUT — NEDA

October 4, 2019 The National Economic and Development Authority expects inflation to further ease in the near term due to higher supply of rice in the country allowed by the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL). The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the country’s headline inflation slowed further to 0.9 percent in September 2019, the lowest continue reading : RICE TARIFFICATION LAW PROVES IT IS BENEFICIAL —NEDA

October 3, 2019 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) urged government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) to implement structural measures to further promote fair competition in the market. NEDA said GOCCs must examine their mandates and manuals of operations to ensure that competitive neutrality is maintained as they discharge their proprietary and commercial functions. Competitive continue reading : NEDA URGES GOCCs TO PROMOTE COMPETITIVE NEUTRALITY

October 2, 2019 Women are more likely to withdraw from the labor force in their peak childbearing age of 25 to 29 years old, a new study commissioned by the National Economic and Development Authority showed. The results underline the need for policy reforms that would counter stereotyped gender norms and discrimination in the workplace, continue reading : NEW NEDA STUDY IDENTIFIES REASONS BEHIND FILIPINO WOMEN’S LOW LABOR PARTICIPATION RATE

October 1, 2019 ICC-CABCOM APPROVES UNSOLICITED NAIA PROJECT The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board’s Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CabCom), approved one Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) project, six new projects, and the extension of financing of other projects. On September 27, 2019, the ICC gave its greenlight to a PPP project, the Unsolicited Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Proposal: continue reading : ICC-CABCOM APPROVES UNSOLICITED NAIA PROJECT

September 25, 2019 The National Economic and Development Authority’s review of submitted unsolicited proposals requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, considering all the laws that these projects must comply with and their potential impact on various facets of development. “NEDA always ensures that these unsolicited proposals in our pipeline are carefully selected and thoroughly reviewed. continue reading : UNSOLICITED PPP PROPOSALS UNDERGO RIGOROUS, HOLISTIC REVIEW – NEDA

September 11, 2019   MANILA – Citing the Philippine Development Plan’s “malasakit” pillar involving good governance, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) urges all government agencies to be relentless in the enforcement of anti-corruption initiatives with intensified citizen engagement. Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Rosemarie G. Edillon said corruption impedes investments, growth of businesses, continue reading : CREDIBLE ANTI-CORRUPTION EFFORTS NEEDED TO GAIN PEOPLE’S TRUST- NEDA

September 10, 2019 MANILA – Building strategic relationships with key trading partners, addressing issues in and boosting the competitiveness of agriculture and manufacturing sectors must be prioritized for Philippine trade to withstand global challenges, the National Economic and Development Authority said on Tuesday.   The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the country’s total trade continue reading : STRENGTHEN AGRI, MANUFACTURING TO BUILD PH TRADE RESILIENCY – NEDA

September 5, 2019   MANILA – A speedy implementation of public works towards the second semester of 2019 is seen to prop up demand and help boost the country’s manufacturing growth, said the National Economic and Development Authority. In the Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (MISSI) of the Philippine Statistics Authority, the manufacturing sector’s continue reading : ACCELERATING INFRA PROJECTS NEEDEDTO DRIVE MANUFACTURING GROWTH – NEDA

September 5, 2019   MANILA— The National Economic and Development Authority expects the Rice Liberalization Act to further bring down the price of rice as inflation slows down to its lowest rate in 35 months. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the country’s headline inflation eased to 1.7 percent in August 2019, bringing the continue reading : RICE DEFLATION CONTINUES FOR 4TH CONSECUTIVE MONTH

September 5, 2019 MANILA – The country’s labor force continued to improve, recording increased employment and lower underemployment in July 2019, the National Economic and Development Authority said. The July round of the Labor Force Survey (LFS) of the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that employment growth rate increased by 5.7 percent in July 2019, from continue reading : PH EMPLOYMENT NUMBERS CONTINUE TO IMPROVE IN JULY 2019

KEYNOTE SPEECH Assistant Secretary Roderick M. Planta on behalf of ERNESTO M. PERNIA Socioeconomic Planning Secretary ASEP FINALE PHASE ONE:  A RETROSPECTIVE Rizal Park Hotel, Manila September 4, 2019   [Salutations] Colleagues in government; Friends from the private sector; Participants from the civil society, the academe, and other institutions, good morning. I am delighted to continue reading : Keynote Speech at the ASEP Finale Phase One:  A Retrospective

August 28, 2019 MANILA -The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) retained its ISO 9001:2015 Certification after it successfully hurdled the first Surveillance Audit on August 8, 2019. The certification is for the Appraisal of Program/Project Proposals and Facilitation of the Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) Action at the Central Office, which affirms the agency’s programming continue reading : NEDA HURDLES SURVEILLANCE AUDIT, MAINTAINS ISO CERTIFICATION

August 14, 2019 MANILA – The National Economic and Development Authority urged government agencies to ensure that policies, regulations, and other interventions promote market efficiency and do not inhibit competition and innovation. “Businesses and consumers benefit from greater efficiency and market competition. Government processes, rules and regulations, as well as issuances, should not be overly continue reading : REGULATIONS MUST PROMOTE EFFICIENCY AND COMPETITIVENESS— NEDA

August 13, 2019 MANILA – The National Economic and Development Authority will celebrate its 84th anniversary on December 23, after it retraced its roots to the creation of the National Economic Council (NEC). The agency’s new anniversary was determined after it was concluded that the NEDA Board originated from the NEC, which was established on continue reading : NEDA HONORS 84 YEARS OF DEVELOPMENT PLANNING

August 09, 2019 MANILA – Aside from reducing traffic congestion, the completion of projects under the Build, Build, Build program will drastically cut transport cost in Metro Manila from PhP3.5 billion per day in 2017 to PhP2.13 billion per day in 2022, according to the National Economic and Development Authority Board’s Committee on Infrastructure (INFRACOM). continue reading : BUILD, BUILD, BUILD TO CUT TRANSPORT COST  TO OVER PHP2-B IN 2022 – INFRACOM

STATEMENT ERNESTO M. PERNIA, PhD Socioeconomic Planning Secretary   Press Conference on the Performance of the Philippine Economy in the Second Quarter of 2019 August 08, 2019; 10:00 am Hampton Conference Hall, Second Floor, Astoria Plaza, Pasig City   Our Partners from the Philippine Statistics Authority, Colleagues in government, Friends from the media, Ladies and continue reading : Statement on the Performance of the Philippine Economy in the Second Quarter of 2019

The National Economic and Development Authority expects inflation to settle within the government’s target of 2.0 to 4.0 percent this year as it further slides to its slowest rate in 31 months. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the country’s headline inflation eased to 2.4 percent in July 2019, bringing the year-to-date inflation to continue reading : JULY INFLATION SLOWEST IN 31 MONTHS

July 30, 2019 MANILA – The NEDA Board’s National Land Use Committee (NB-NLUC) is calling on Congress to immediately enact the National Land Use Act (NaLUA), as proposed by NLUC, to ensure the sustainable and efficient use of the country’s land and physical resources. In its Special Meeting chaired by Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. continue reading : NATIONAL LAND USE COMMITTEE CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE ENACTMENT OF LAND USE LAW

July 25, 2019 MANILA— The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is hopeful that the measure institutionalizing and empowering the agency will pass in the 18th Congress and enable the former to fully carry out its mandate and help sustain the country’s progress over the long-term. “We would like to thank Senator Sherwin Gatchalian Albay continue reading : PASSAGE OF NEDA BILL CRUCIAL IN PH DEVELOPMENT – NEDA

July 19, 2019 UN HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK CITY—The Philippines presented its second Voluntary National Review (VNR) on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) before the United Nations this week during the 2019 High-level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development in New York City. The 2019 HLPF, convened by the UN Economic and Social Council, conducted a continue reading : NEDA REPORTS PH ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN SDG IMPLEMENTATION

July 10, 2019 MANILA— The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has approved the application for affiliation of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) as a reserve unit of the Philippine Air Force (PAF). The application, which was unanimously approved by members of AFP’s Affiliated Reserve Unit Organization Board during its July 3, 2019 continue reading : NEDA’S APPLICATION FOR PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE AFFILIATION APPROVED

July 18, 2019 We, the members of the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC), held our 176th meeting today, to revisit the government’s macroeconomic assumptions, medium-term fiscal program, and growth targets in time for the submission of the 2020 President’s Budget. Macroeconomic Assumptions  In view of recent domestic and external developments, we adopted the following macroeconomic continue reading : JOINT STATEMENT ON THE 176TH DBCC MEETING: REVIEW OF THE MACROECONOMIC ASSUMPTIONS AND FISCAL PROGRAM FOR THE 2020 PRESIDENT’S BUDGET

July 17, 2019 NEW YORK CITY—The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) welcomes the passage of the Philippine Innovation Act, which was recently signed into law by President Duterte. “The signing of the Innovation Act is much welcome news. This is a landmark legislation as it is key to building our country’s Science and Technology continue reading : NEDA WELCOMES PASSAGE OF PH INNOVATION ACT

July 11, 2019 MANILA – Despite the Philippines’ recent decline in trade performance, imports and exports of goods are expected to be better in the second half of 2019 due to the country’s economic outlook remaining positive for the year, the National Economic and Development Authority said. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported today that continue reading : PH TRADE SEEN TO RECOVER IN SECOND HALF OF 2019 – NEDA

July 5, 2019 Inflation in June 2019 eased to its slowest pace in 22 months, but we still need to caution against upside risks, including weather-related shocks and uncertainties in the global oil market. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the country’s headline inflation declined to 2.7 percent in June 2019 mainly due to continue reading : STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ON JUNE 2019 INFLATION

July 05, 2019 MANILA – A stronger push for policies and programs that improve food production and public spending and that capacitate MSMEs is needed to strengthen manufacturing growth, the National Economic and Development Authority said. In its Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (MISSI), the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the performance of continue reading : ROBUST GOV’T POLICIES NEEDED TO BOLSTER MANUFACTURING GROWTH – NEDA

July 04, 2019 MANILA— With rice tariffication in place, bulking up investments in research and development in agriculture and investing in irrigation, among others, can markedly increase rice yields and farm productivity in the long run, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. NEDA, in partnership with the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), continue reading : NEDA STUDIES WAYS TO BOOST FARM PRODUCTIVITY WITH RICE TARIFFICATION

June 27, 2019 MANILA— The National Economic and Development Authority sees the potential of establishing more “creative hubs” as a way to boost creative industries and to support the country’s economic growth. “We need more creative hubs where we can develop pools of creative talents and create opportunities for them. While Filipino creativity seems to continue reading : ‘CREATIVE HUBS’ TO SPUR FILIPINO CREATIVE INDUSTRIES – NEDA

For 10 years now, Christine Porciuncula, an entrepreneur from Valenzuela City, has been battling end-stage renal disease. While she says the mental stress stemming from her condition is challenging enough, getting by with her erratic income is another story. Much of her budget is used to cover medical expenses. Money easily goes down the drain continue reading : EXPLAINER: Universal Health Care Law and what it means to PH development

June 11, 2019 The National Economic and Development Authority continues to push for critical legislative agenda to make the Philippine export industry more attractive and competitive. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the country’s total merchandise trade declined by 1.0 percent to USD14.5 billion in April 2019 from USD14.7 billion in April 2018, as continue reading : REFORMS NEEDED TO SUSTAIN EXPORTS RECOVERY – NEDA

June 05, 2019 Government must take proactive and long-term solutions to address the El Niño phenomenon, which caused consumer prices to inch up last month, the National Economic and Development Authority said. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that headline inflation rate edged up slightly to 3.2 percent in May 2019 after posting a 16-month continue reading : EL NIÑO CAUSES SLIGHT INFLATION UPTICK IN MAY 2019

June 05, 2019 An estimated 1.3 million jobs were created over the past 12 months, the latest Labor Force Survey (LFS) showed, allowing the Philippines to log an employment rate of 94.9 percent, the highest among all April rounds of the LFS since 2009. The employment rate is the proportion of employed workers in the continue reading : PH LABOR MARKET UPBEAT BUT GAINS NEED TO BE SUSTAINED – NEDA         

June 4, 2019 BANGKOK – The National Economic and Development Authority highlighted the progress of the Philippines in achieving three Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through strong partnerships with the business sector, civil society, and the international community. In a statement before the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Socioeconomic continue reading : NEDA SHARES TO UN BODY PH MILESTONES IN ACHIEVING SDGs

June 4, 2019 A strong whole-of-government approach is necessary to boost manufacturing growth amid the sector’s sluggish performance, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. Results of the Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (MISSI) for the month of April showed that the Volume of Production Index (VoPI) fell by continue reading : NEDA: STRONG WHOLE-OF-GOV’T APPROACH NEEDED TO LIFT MANUFACTURING GROWTH

May 30, 2019 TOKYO—The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) reiterated on Wednesday that the government is redoubling efforts in implementing the country’s population and family planning program, referred to as the National Program on Population and Family Planning (NPPFP). According to Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia, a significant measure, among many others, was the issuance continue reading : GOV’T REDOUBLING EFFORTS ON FAMILY PLANNING PROGRAM TOWARDS DEVELOPMENT

May 30, 2019 The economic growth of the regions remains robust, albeit along with widening disparities,  which the government continues to address, the National Economic and Development Authority said. Based on Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data, 12 regions exceeded the GDP growth rate of 6.2 percent in 2018. Among all regions, Bicol region posted the continue reading : GOV’T MUST DOUBLE EFFORTS TO ADDRESS REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT GAPS— NEDA

OPENING REMARKS   ADORACION M. NAVARRO Undersecretary for Regional Development   #AskNEDA Media Briefing  May 30, 2019 | 10:15 – 10:35 PM  NEDA Board Room, NEDA Central Office Ortigas, Pasig City Friends from the media, Co-workers in NEDA, Ladies and gentlemen, Good morning. On behalf of Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia, I am pleased to welcome continue reading : AS DELIVERED: Opening Remarks of OIC Adoracion M. Navarro to the #AskNEDA Media Briefing on May 30, 2019

May 28, 2019 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) welcomes Dr. Dennis S. Mapa, who will be serving as the new National Statistician and head of the Philippine Statistical Authority (PSA), an attached agency of NEDA. He is preceded by former National Statistician Dr. Lisa Grace S. Bersales, whose term ended last April 22. continue reading : NEDA WELCOMES NEW NATIONAL STATISTICIAN

May 24, 2019 Following discussions in the last two weeks, the Economic Development Cluster (EDC) has agreed on a strategy to catch up on economic growth given the four-year low GDP growth rate in the first quarter of 2019. “A catch-up plan is imperative. The EDC estimates that the government under spent by close to PhP100 continue reading : ECONOMIC CLUSTER DISCUSSES CATCH-UP PLAN FOR 2019

WELCOME MESSAGE ERNESTO M. PERNIA, PhD Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Planning Community of Practice 2nd Technical Workshop Alignment and Coordination of National and Subnational Plans Makati Diamond Residences, Makati City May 22-23, 2019 Honorable Mara Warwick, Country Director for Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. Delegates from our fellow ASEAN states – Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, continue reading : Welcome Message of Socioeconomic Planning Secretary during Planning Community of Practice 2nd Technical Workshop

May 21, 2019 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board’s Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CabCom) on May 17 approved proposals for changes in three ongoing projects. Chaired by Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III, the ICC-CabCom approved changes in the Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLEX) Project, Phase I; the National Irrigation Sector Rehabilitation and continue reading : ICC-CABCOM OKS CHANGES IN THREE PROJECTS

We, the economic managers, remain committed to the pursuit of sustained and inclusive growth through fast implementation of the government’s programs and projects to make up for lower-than-planned state spending in the first quarter due to the delay in passage of the 2019 budget. Today, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported that the Philippine economy grew continue reading : Economic Team’s Joint Statement on Q1 2019 GDP Growth

STATEMENT ERNESTO M. PERNIA, PhD Socioeconomic Planning Secretary   Press Conference on the Performance of the Philippine Economy for the First Quarter of 2019 May 09, 2019; 10:00 am Hampton Conference Hall, Second Floor, Astoria Plaza, Pasig City   Our Partners from the Philippine Statistics Authority, Colleagues in government, Friends from the media, Ladies and continue reading : STATEMENT OF SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY ERNESTO M. PERNIA AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2019

May 8, 2019 The National Economic and Development Authority urges local producers to continue to diversify products and earnestly look for new markets, especially abroad, to ratchet up Philippine exports. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the country’s total merchandise trade grew by 3.5 percent to USD14.9 billion in March 2019, as imports’ sustained continue reading : PRODUCERS URGED TO DIVERSIFY PRODUCTS, FIND NEW MARKETS TO BOOST EXPORTS

May 7, 2019 Manufacturing production is expected to be buoyed by stronger domestic demand and business optimism despite the recent decline in performance, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said on Tuesday. In its Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (MISSI) for March 2019, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the Volume of continue reading : INFRA, BUSINESS OPTIMISM SEEN TO DRIVE MANUFACTURING GROWTH IN Q2 2019 – NEDA

May 7, 2019 The government continues to rein in the overall price increases in the country with headline inflation rate easing to a 16-month low in April 2019, the National Economic and Development Authority said. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that headline inflation further slowed to 3.0 percent in April from 3.3 percent in March. This was slightly below the median market continue reading : INFLATION EASES TO 16-MONTH LOW IN APRIL 2019

April 30, 2019 With 11 years left before the 2030 deadline, the National Economic and Development Authority seeks to ramp up the contributions of various stakeholders to meet the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), NEDA launched on April 30 a website on the SDGs to continue reading : NEDA HOPES TO BOOST SDGs ENGAGEMENT WITH WEBSITE LAUNCH

WELCOME REMARKS SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY ERNESTO M. PERNIA SDGs Website Launch Marco Polo, Ortigas United Nations Resident Coordinator Ola Almgren, Our partners in UNICEF, Colleagues in NEDA, Friends from the media, Ladies and gentlemen, Good morning. We are glad that you are here with us today for the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals website. In continue reading : WELCOME REMARKS OF SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY ERNESTO M. PERNIA AT THE SDGs WEBSITE LAUNCH

April 24, 2019 MANILA—The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is encouraging farmers to increase their production of special varieties of rice to respond to the increasing demand in the international market now that restrictions on exports have been repealed. NEDA reminded rice farmers and traders that the recent rice law, or Republic Act 11203, continue reading : TRADERS, FARMERS URGED TO SCALE UP EXPORTS OF SPECIAL RICE VARIETIES

April 16, 2019 Bulk of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) will be used to modernize rice farms and support the government’s goal of increasing the sector’s productivity, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. Republic Act No. 11203 mandates the establishment of RCEF, which guarantees the rice sector PhP 10-billion financial support annually continue reading : PHP5-B OF RCEF TO GO TO RICE FARM MECHANIZATION

April 11, 2019 The Philippine government remains firm in improving relations with trading partners to weather headwinds in the global export market, the National Economic and Development Authority said on the release of the country’s trade figures for February 2019. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the country’s total merchandise trade grew by 1.2 continue reading : NEDA: GOV’T REMAINS STEADFAST IN ITS TRADE PARTNERSHIP EFFORTS

STATEMENT NEDA-OIC ADORACION NAVARRO POVERTY STATISTICS FOR THE FIRST HALF OF 2018 Eton Centris Cyberpod Three, EDSA, Quezon City 9:00 AM | April 10, 2019   Members of the Philippine Statistics Authority, Colleagues from NEDA, Friends from the media, Ladies and gentlemen, Good morning. I will be delivering NEDA’s statement on behalf of Socioeconomic Planning continue reading : STATEMENT ON THE POVERTY STATISTICS FOR THE FIRST HALF OF 2018

April 5, 2019 Policymakers have finally signed the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 11203, threshing out details on the effective rollout of the new law liberalizing the importation, exportation, and trading of rice. The law also lifts the quantitative import restriction on rice. With the issuance of Joint Memorandum Circular No. 01-2019 continue reading : IRR OF RICE LAW SIGNED

April 5, 2019 Headline inflation  further eased in March 2019, but government is still on the lookout for risks that can cause price pressures in the coming months, the National Economic and Development Authority said. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that inflation decelerated to 3.3 percent in March 2019, extending a downtrend that began in continue reading : INFLATION SLOWS FOR A 5TH STRAIGHT MONTH IN MARCH

April 5, 2019 An expected increase in domestic demand this summer, election-related spending, and the downward trend in prices of goods would likely help the manufacturing sector recover from the slump recorded earlier this year, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), in its latest Monthly Integrated Survey of continue reading : SUMMER, ELECTION SPENDING TO LIFT MANUFACTURING IN Q2 2019 – NEDA  

  April 04, 2019 The Philippine government is conducting a second review of the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in its bid to track the country’s progress. The government’s second Voluntary National Review (VNR) will be presented at the High-Level Political Forum continue reading : PH TO REPORT SDGS PROGRESS TO UN IN JULY

April 04, 2019 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) on Thursday announced the launch of a website on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to better track the Philippines’ progress and to share information on initiatives in the attainment of these goals. The site contains information on accomplishments relating to the promotion and attainment of continue reading : NEDA TO LAUNCH SDGs WEBSITE

Statement of Honorable Ernesto M. Pernia,  Secretary of Socioeconomic Planning, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) during the 52nd Session of the Commission on Population and Development in UN Headquarters, New York City, 1-5 April 2019   Mister Chair, The Philippine delegation extends its warmest felicitations to you and members of your bureau for your continue reading : PH Country Statement during the 52nd Session of the Commission on Population and Development

April 03, 2019 UN HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK CITY—Firm policies on population and development are already in place in the Philippines that should enable the government to meet its medium-term demographic-economic goals. This was according to Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia, who read the country statement during the 52nd Session of the United Nations Commission on continue reading : PH TO UN BODY: FIRM POLICIES ON POPULATION & DEVELOPMENT IN PLACE

March 29, 2019 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) encouraged all concerned agencies to take a holistic and proactive approach to mitigating the impacts of El Niño. NEDA said that agencies should focus on the five critical areas identified in the Roadmap for Addressing the Impacts of El Niño, or RAIN framework, namely: a) continue reading : NEDA CALLS FOR HOLISTIC, PROACTIVE MEASURES TO EL NIÑO

March 22, 2019 BUENOS AIRES – The Philippine government, through the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), committed to stronger collaboration with fellow developing countries as a United Nations conference celebrated the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action (BAPA) for South-South cooperation. Recognized as a pioneering effort, the BAPA is a continue reading : PH SUPPORTS STRONGER COOPERATION AMONG DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

March 15, 2019 The roll out of the National ID is on schedule with mass registration expected next year, the National Economic and Development Authority said following the approval of the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) Implementation Plan. The Implementation Plan, which the PhilSys Policy and Coordination Council adopted late February, details the four phases of continue reading : GOV’T ON TRACK WITH NATIONAL ID IMPLEMENTATION

March 13, 2019 We, the members of the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC), held a meeting to revisit the macroeconomic assumptions and medium-term fiscal and growth targets of the government. This is in light of recent developments, both domestic and external, as well as in preparation for the proposed 2020 National Expenditure Program (NEP). The continue reading : JOINT STATEMENT ON THE 175TH DBCC MEETING: REVIEWING THE MACROECONOMIC ASSUMPTIONS AND FISCAL PROGRAM OF THE GOVERNMENT

March 13, 2019 According to estimates of the National Economic and Development Authority, a reenacted budget until April 2019 will bring down full-year GDP growth to 6.1 to 6.3 percent. “On the other hand, if the budget is passed in August, expect growth to be around only 4.9 to 5.1 percent. Worse, with a full-year continue reading : NEDA ESTIMATES IMPACT OF REENACTED BUDGET

March 12, 2019 The Philippine government should step up efforts to strengthen relations with trade partners to further increase market access amid easing global demand, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said on the release of the country’s trade figures for January. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the country’s merchandise trade grew continue reading : NEDA: GOV’T SHOULD STEP UP TRADE PARTNERSHIP EFFORTS

March 7, 2019 Implementing well-thought-out and sustainable policies is needed to improve employment growth in the agriculture sector and overall employment in the country, according to the National Economic and Development Authority. The January 2019 round of the Labor Force Survey (LFS) of the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that the country’s registered total employment of continue reading : SUSTAINABLE AGRI POLICIES VITAL TO IMPROVING EMPLOYMENT SITUATION – NEDA

March 06, 2019 MANILA – The National Economic and Development Authority said that the government will carry out the full and intensified implementation of the National Program on Population and Family Planning (NPPFP), which was approved by President Rodrigo R. Duterte last March 04, during the 35th Cabinet Meeting. The NPPFP, a major component of the continue reading : GOV’T TO STRENGTHEN POPULATION, FAMILY PLANNING PROGRAM

March 6, 2019 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) signed an agreement creating a multi-agency group to address concerns of urban poor communities in the country. Signed in the presence of the NEDA Board’s Social Development Committee – Cabinet Level on February 28, the agreement continue reading : NEDA-HUDCC SIGN MOA TO IMPROVE URBAN POOR RESILIENCE

KEYNOTE MESSAGE Dr. Ernesto M. Pernia, PhD Secretary of Socioeconomic Planning Harnessing the Fourth Industrial Revolution: Creating Central Visayas’ Future Today Bohol Tropics, Tagbilaran City, Bohol March 6, 2019 First of all, warmest congratulations and thanks to the organizers of this conference. Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) President Dr. Celia Reyes, Bohol Island State continue reading : KEYNOTE SPEECH OF SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY ERNESTO M. PERNIA AT THE FOURTH INDUSTRY REVOLUTION FORUM IN BOHOL

March 5, 2019 We, the economic managers, are pleased by the report that the country’s inflation rate slid further to 3.8 percent in February as price levels start to normalize and settle back to the government’s target. This is appreciably lower than the 4.4 percent rate in January, which shows the government’s resolve coupled with continue reading : JOINT STATEMENT ON FEBRUARY 2019 INFLATION BY THE ECONOMIC TEAM (NEDA-DOF-DBM)

February 28, 2019 Rice tariffication will directly benefit both farmers and the poor through lower rice prices and increased government assistance to the agricultural sector, the National Economic and Development Authority said. Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia further said that the newly-signed Rice Tariffication Law provides for the establishment of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement continue reading : ​RICE TARIFFICATION A WIN FOR FARMERS AND THE POOR – NEDA

March 5, 2019 An easing of inflationary pressures, especially on food following the recent signing of the law that modernizes the rice industry in the country, bodes well for overall manufacturing growth, the National Economic and Development Authority said as manufacturing output figures for January 2019 were released. The Philippine Statistic Authority (PSA), in its continue reading : NEDA: EASING INFLATION TO IMPROVE MANUFACTURING

February 28, 2019 Budget Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno said on Tuesday that PhP5 billion has already been released under the 2018 national budget to protect farmers from possible adverse effects of the lifting of the Minimum Access Volume (MAV) on rice. Last December 2018, a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) amounting to PhP 5 billion continue reading : JOINT MEDIA RELEASE: P5 BILLION ALREADY RELEASED TO PROTECT RICE FARMERS

February 27, 2019 OSAKA—Three major policy reforms that are already undergoing legislative process will assist foreign investment in the Philippines, said the National Economic and Development Authority. “Besides our growth story that tells of the Philippine economy’s higher growth trajectory, there are several policy reforms already in place to accommodate more foreign investors in the continue reading : NEDA HIGHLIGHTS THREE POLICY REFORMS THAT WILL ASSIST FOREIGN INVESTMENT

February 22, 2019 The newly enacted Universal Health Care Act will improve people’s quality of living through expanded healthcare coverage for all Filipinos, the National Economic and Development Authority said. “We, at NEDA, are elated by the signing into law of the Universal Health Care Act. Through this law, we are making history in truly continue reading : NEW LAW IS BIGGEST REFORM IN PH HEALTH SYSTEM- NEDA

February 19, 2019 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is taking the lead in crafting the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the recently signed Rice Tariffication Act or RA 11203, ensuring the country’s smooth and timely transition to a new rice regime. “We laud the signing of the historic Rice Tariffication Act. This continue reading : NEDA LEADS CRAFTING OF RICE TARIFFICATION LAW’S IRR

February 18, 2019 The Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CabCom) approved last Thursday the Philippine Competition Commission’s (PCC) “Capacity Building to Foster Competition Project.” The PCC project has a total project cost of PhP1.322 billion, of which PhP1.217 billion will be funded through a loan from the Asian Development Bank. The capacity building project is aimed continue reading : ICC-CABCOM APPROVES PCC CAPACITY BUILDING PROJECT

February 12, 2019 As external challenges remain in the region, merchandise trade growth in the Philippines and in most Asian economies softened in December 2018, the National Economic and Development Authority said. “Merchandise trade in all the monitored Asian economies continued to weaken in the last month of 2018 as the region began to feel continue reading : External headwinds dampen trade performance in December

February 5, 2018 We, the economic managers, are glad to report that the country’s inflation rate in January further slowed down to 4.4 percent. This gives us an auspicious start in our efforts this year to keep inflation manageable and bring it back to the government’s target range of 2 to 4 percent for 2019. January’s inflation outturn continue reading : JOINT STATEMENT ON JANUARY 2019 INFLATION BY THE ECONOMIC TEAM (NEDA-DOF-DBM)

February 5, 2019 Slow demand after the holiday season led to the contraction of manufacturing output in December 2018, the National Economic and Development Authority said. The Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (MISSI) of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the Volume of Production Index (VoPI) and the Value of Production Index (VaPI) for continue reading : FACTORY OUTPUT DECLINES AS HOLIDAY SEASON ENDS – NEDA

February 1, 2019 The National Economic and Development Authority said gains in anti-corruption initiatives by the government drove the improvement in the Philippines’ ranking in the 2018 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). The Philippines climbed 12 spots (99th out of 180 countries) this year. This translates into a percentile rank of 45.0 (vs. 38.3 in 2017), continue reading : NEDA LAUDS CONSISTENT ANTI-CORRUPTION EFFORTS IN DRIVING INCREASE OF CPI RANK

January 31, 2019 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said that after the Rice Tariffication Bill is signed into law, the government is looking into opening up the sugar sector next. “The sugar liberalization idea came up at the recent Economic Development Cluster (EDC) meeting last January 14 on rice tariffication and, in general, continue reading : ECON DEV’T CLUSTER SEES SUGAR LIBERALIZATION NEXT AFTER RICE TARIFFICATION

 January 4, 2019 We, the economic managers, welcome the news that the country’s inflation rate came to a seven-month low at 5.1 percent in December 2018 sharply down from November’s 6.0 percent. This signifies that the mitigating measures already in force are broadly effective. Slower price increases in food and non-alcoholic beverages and transportation continued continue reading : JOINT STATEMENT ON FULL-YEAR 2018 INFLATION FROM THE ECONOMIC TEAM (NEDA-DOF-DBM)

January 28, 2019 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) presented on Monday an overview of the government’s accomplishments in 2018, being the oversight agency for the implementation of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022. In its presentation of the initial results from the Socioeconomic Report (SER) 2018, a progress report on the PDP, NEDA continue reading : NEDA CRAFTS 2018 SOCIOECONOMIC REPORT, CITES ACHIEVEMENTS

JOINT STATEMENT OF THE ECONOMIC TEAM ON THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY FOR Q4 AND FULL-YEAR 2018 January 24, 2019 Philippine economic growth remained stable as it grew 6.1 percent in the fourth quarter of 2018 from the revised 6.0 percent recorded in the third quarter. This steady performance—the seventh consecutive year that the continue reading : JOINT STATEMENT OF THE ECONOMIC TEAM ON THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY FOR Q4 AND FULL-YEAR 2018

January 22, 2019 MANILA – The creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BAR) would open up high growth prospects for the region and the rest of the country, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. The first part of the plebiscite in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Cotabato City, and Isabela City took place continue reading : CREATION OF BANGSAMORO REGION TO SPUR GROWTH – NEDA

January 30, 2019 The National Economic and Development Authority, through its Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI), has completed its report following a thorough investigation into the sexual harassment complaint filed against one of its officials. This is part of the agency’s commitment to act swiftly on complaints, especially those involving respect and dignity in continue reading : STATEMENT: Update on the complaint filed against a NEDA official

January 10, 2019 Improving the implementation of government’s mid-term export strategies is needed to sustain merchandise trade growth, the National Economic and Development Authority said. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported today that the country’s total merchandise trade grew by 4.1 percent, reaching USD15.0 billion in November 2018. This is the slowest pace since the continue reading : NEDA: RAMP UP IMPLEMENTATION OF PH EXPORT PLAN TO SUSTAIN TRADE GROWTH

January 09, 2019 MANILA—The immediate enactment into law of the rice tariffication bill is fundamental in the government’s efforts to stabilize food prices and overall inflation rate, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. Reiterating the urgency of the bill’s signing into law, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said that through rice tariffication continue reading : MORE SOURCES OF CHEAPER RICE WITH RICE TARIFFICATION- NEDA

January 7, 2019 MANILA – The Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force adopted the Medium-Term Boracay Action Plan (BAP) on December 21, 2018, formally laying out proposed programs for the island’s rehabilitation. The BAP will install safeguards from ecological degradation and sustain tourism activities in Boracay. These programs and activities will be implemented following Boracay’s six-month closure continue reading : INTER-AGENCY TASK FORCE ADOPTS BORACAY ACTION PLAN

January 4, 2019 Manufacturing output sustained its growth and marked its eleventh consecutive month in positive territory in November 2018, the National Economic and Development Authority said. The Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (MISSI) of the Philippine Statistics Authority today reported that manufacturing’s Volume of Production Index (VoPI) rose by 1.0 percent while its continue reading : PH MANUFACTURING SUSTAINS GROWTH FOR 11TH MONTH IN 2018

January 3, 2019 As a primary advocate of the Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710), NEDA champions the protection of women’s rights and expects its officials and employees to conduct themselves to the highest standards of ethics and integrity. NEDA firmly believes that every person, regardless of gender or social status, must be treated with continue reading : STATEMENT ON THE COMPLAINT FILED AGAINST A NEDA OFFICIAL

December 28, 2018 Japan remained the top provider of Official Development Assistance (ODA) to the Philippines as of September, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) reported Friday. Its loans and grants stood at USD 5.98 billion, accounting for 41.20 percent of the country’s total active ODA portfolio. It was followed by the World Bank continue reading : JAPAN REMAINS TOP ODA SOURCE AS OF END-SEPT 2018

December 24, 2018 MANILA–The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board approved, on December 21, the report on the negotiation results of the Concession Agreement (CA) for the Bulacan International Airport project. The CA is between the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and San Miguel Holdings Corporation (SMHC). The Bulacan International Airport project—an unsolicited public-private partnership continue reading : NEDA BOARD APPROVES NEGOTIATION REPORT ON BULACAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

December 21, 2018 ​The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in partnership with International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) on Friday launched a book tackling the future of Philippine agriculture with climate change as a threat to growth. The book titled, “The Future of the Philippine Agriculture Under a Changing Climate: Policies, Investments and Scenarios” continue reading : ​NEDA, IFPRI LAUNCH BOOK ON PH AGRICULTURE, CLIMATE CHANGE

December 20, 2018 The National Economic and Development Authority Board – Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CabCom) approved for NEDA Board confirmation, two new projects and changes in two previously-approved projects. The ICC-CabCom also confirmed the Rate of Return (RoR) for one Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project. On December 19, the ICC-CabCom approved the Regional Fish Port continue reading : ICC-CABCOM APPROVES FISH PORT PROJECT, PH-KOREA PROJECT FACILITY

December 19, 2018 A family of 10 cramped in a half-finished house in Barangay Commonwealth in Quezon City, the Aguases live on a meager income of P12, 000 a month. Stretching their monthly budget for expenses on food, utilities, transportation, and education is a usual challenge, Aida Aguas, 46, mother of eight, says. Having eight continue reading : NEDA EXPLAINER: REAPING DEMOGRAPHIC DIVIDEND

December 14, 2018 MANILA— The National Economic and Development Authority vowed to beef up the implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) Law following the signing of Executive Order No. 71, which puts back the Commission on Population (PopCom) under NEDA. President Rodrigo Duterte signed EO No. 71 on Thursday which renames the continue reading : NEDA WELCOMES RETURN OF POPCOM UNDER ITS WING

YEAR-END STATEMENT ERNESTO M. PERNIA, PhD Socioeconomic Planning Secretary 2018 Media Appreciation Dinner December 13, 2018, 7:00 PM NEDA DIOC, Pasig City Our dear friends from the media, colleagues from NEDA, ladies and gentlemen, good evening. Thank you all for coming to our Media Appreciation Dinner. This evening is for all of you who have continue reading : 2018 YEAR-END STATEMENT OF SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY ERNESTO M. PERNIA

The economic managers are pleased to report that inflation rate has markedly slowed to 6.0 percent in November 2018, suggesting the efficacy of anti-inflationary measures taken by the government and pointing to continuing reduction going forward. Today, the Philippine Statistics Authority announced that year-on-year inflation eased to 6.0 percent in November from 6.7 percent in October 2018, the lowest rate since the 5.7 percent rate in July.  In fact, continue reading : ECONOMIC MANAGERS’ JOINT STATEMENT ON THE NOVEMBER 2018 INFLATION

December 12, 2018 KIGALI—The National Economic and Development (NEDA) shared the Philippines’ experience in implementing its family planning program when it represented the country last month at the 2018 International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP) held in Kigali, Rwanda. Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said multi-sectoral support is needed, considering the case of the continue reading : NEDA SHARES PH EXPERIENCE IN FAMILY PLANNING POLICY AT INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

MANILA – The National Economic and Development Authority reiterates the need for the government to stay the course and be bolder in supporting the country’s key and emerging exports sectors to boost overall trade growth. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported today that the country’s total trade in October 2018 grew by 14.0 percent, reaching continue reading : NEDA: PH EXPORTS NEED STEADY SUPPORT

The National Economic and Development Authority committed to greening its systems and practices with the signing of the NEDA Climate Change Strategy. The strategy details NEDA’s plans to promote sustainable development among agency personnel and its external stakeholders. This is in support of Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week, pursuant to Proclamation 1667, Series continue reading : NEDA ADOPTS GREEN STRATEGY, SIGNS DECLARATION ON CLIMATE CHANGE

December 5, 2018 The country’s underemployment rate fell to its lowest in over a decade, indicating the improvement of the quality of work nationwide, the National Economic and Development Authority said. Based on the October round of the Labor Force Survey (LFS) of the Philippine Statistics Authority, underemployment rate dropped to 13.3 percent in October continue reading : UNDEREMPLOYMENT DROPS TO LOWEST IN OVER A DECADE

MANILA – Strong consumer demand and an optimistic business outlook will sustain the growth of factory output for the rest of the year, the National Economic and Development Authority said. The Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (MISSI) of the Philippine Statistics Authority for October 2018 reported that manufacturing’s Volume of Production Index (VoPI) rose continue reading : MANUFACTURING SEEN TO SUSTAIN GROWTH IN Q4

The economic managers are pleased to report that inflation rate has markedly slowed to 6.0 percent in November 2018, suggesting the efficacy of anti-inflationary measures taken by the government and pointing to continuing reduction going forward. Today, the Philippine Statistics Authority announced that year-on-year inflation eased to 6.0 percent in November from 6.7 percent in continue reading : ECONOMIC MANAGERS’ JOINT STATEMENT ON THE NOVEMBER 2018 INFLATION

November 26, 2018 MANILA – The National Economic and Development Authority gathered monitoring and evaluation (M&E) practitioners around the country to refine proposed guidelines on the official framework for evaluating government programs and projects. Guidelines for the National Evaluation Policy Framework (NEPF) will spell out, among others, procedures, tools, and templates that managers in government continue reading : M&E should be institutionalized in public sector – Pernia

November 26, 2018 MANILA – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) signed on Thursday last week a joint memorandum circular putting more teeth into the regulation of reclamation activities. The joint memorandum circular, with Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia and PRA General Manager and Chief Executive Officer continue reading : CIRCULAR ON RECLAMATION PROJECTS TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT –NEDA

November 22, 2018 MANILA—The Philippines’ new poverty index that complements the existing income-based poverty measurement, will help improve the design of development programs of the government, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. “We congratulate the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) for developing the multi-dimensional poverty statistics and releasing the results last week. This will continue reading : NEDA LAUDS PH NEW POVERTY INDICATOR

November 9, 2018 The Investment Coordination Committee – Cabinet Committee approved on November 6 the change in scope and increase in cost of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) System. The total cost of the NSCR, a project of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Philippine National Railways (PNR), increased to PhP777,551.07 million from PhP440,881.05. It continue reading : ICC APPROVES CHANGE IN SCOPE AND COST OF NORTH-SOUTH COMMUTER RAILWAY SYSTEM

STATEMENT ERNESTO M. PERNIA Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Press Conference on the Performance of the Philippine Economy For the Third Quarter of 2018 November 8, 2018 | 10:00 a.m. Astoria Plaza, Ortigas Center, Pasig City Colleagues from the Philippine Statistics Authority; Co-workers in government; Friends from the media; Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. As the Philippine continue reading : STATEMENT OF SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY ERNESTO M. PERNIA AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 2018

November 7, 2018 The country’s total merchandise trade grew stronger in September 2018 due to robust imports of capital goods, which is vital for the long-term growth of the domestic economy, the National Economic and Development Authority said. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the country’s total trade grew by 13.5 percent in September 2018, continue reading : IMPORTS DRIVE PH TRADE GROWTH IN SEPTEMBER

The National Economic and Development Authority expects that the implementation of the recently approved 11th Regular Foreign Investment Negative List (RFINL) will further  grease manufacturing activity in the country over the medium term. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported a Volume of Production Index (VoPI) reading of 4.0 percent and 3.7 percent for Value of Production Index (VaPI) continue reading : ​RFINL TO DRIVE UP MANUFACTURING SECTOR – NEDA

November 6, 2018 Following nine consecutive months of increase in the prices of goods, the government’s economic team is glad to report to the public that the country’s inflation rate is pointing towards a downward path. The Philippine Statistics Authority said that, while the year-on-year headline inflation in October 2018 was steady at 6.7 percent, continue reading : JOINT STATEMENT ON THE OCTOBER 2018 INFLATION BY THE ECONOMIC TEAM (NEDA-DOF-DBM)

October 31, 2018 MANILA – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) welcomes President Rodrigo Duterte’s signing of Executive Order No. 65, dated October 29, 2018, promulgating the Eleventh Regular Foreign Investment Negative List (RFINL). “We are very happy to see the 11th RFINL finally approved and signed. This will help raise the country’s competitiveness, and allow continue reading : NEDA WELCOMES SIGNING OF 11TH RFINL

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CabCom) approved on Thursday two projects for the rehabilitation and recovery of Marawi City. These include the Rehabilitation and Development Plan (RDP) for a Greater Marawi – Stage 2, as well as the proposed programs and projects under the Bangon Marawi Comprehensive Rehabilitation continue reading : ICC-CABCOM OKAYS TWO PROJECTS FOR MARAWI REHABILITATION AND RECOVERY, FIVE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

KEYNOTE MESSAGE ERNESTO M. PERNIA Socioeconomic Planning Secretary 2018 PAASE Meeting National Institute of Physics, University of the Philippines  Diliman, Quezon City 24    October 2018, 9:40 a.m.   Distinguished officials and members of the Philippine-American Academy of Science & Engineering (PAASE), co-workers in the government, delegates, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Special salutations to our PAASE continue reading : Keynote Message of Secretary Ernesto Pernia during the 2018 PAASE Meeting in UP Diliman

October 23, 2018 MANILA – The government must continually advance investments in research and development, (R&D) and innovation initiatives to foster modern industry and agriculture, the National Economic and Development Authority said. “We must pay greater attention to technology and innovation, human capital, global trade and investment for us to catch up with the current continue reading : R&D, INNOVATION TO RAISE PH ECONOMY’S GROWTH POTENTIAL – NEDA

October 17, 2018 MANILA – Programs on human capital development, specifically Early Childhood Development, are important to address poverty in the country, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said “A human being’s development starts at pregnancy when the mother starts to care for her child at the fetal stage. This is why we need continue reading : PH NEEDS MORE PROGRAMS ON EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVT – NEDA

BALI, INDONESIA— Government interventions are in place to address trade finance gaps in the Philippines as part of global efforts to narrow the global trade finance gap, which is at around USD1.5 trillion every year, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. At the sidelines of the 2018 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary continue reading : GOV’T INTERVENTIONS IN PLACE TO MAKE FINANCING MORE INCLUSIVE – NEDA

Amid global challenges, government must continue supporting key and emerging export sectors to maintain the country’s trade growth, the National Economic and Development Authority said. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that the country’s total trade grew for the fifth consecutive month in August 2018 by 7.8 percent, reaching USD15.8 billion. Imports and exports grew by continue reading : EXPORTS SUSTAIN GROWTH FOR THIRD STRAIGHT MONTH BUT SUPPORT FOR EMERGING EXPORT SECTORS NEEDED – NEDA

We, the government’s Economic Team, understand that many are feeling the hit of a faster inflation rate, particularly those who toil so hard just to keep up. We assure everyone that we are working swiftly to temper the rise in the prices of goods and offer relief to those most affected. We remain committed to continue reading : JOINT STATEMENT ON THE SEPTEMBER 2018 INFLATION BY THE ECONOMIC TEAM (NEDA-DOF-DBM)

October 05, 2018 MANILA— The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) told a high-level assembly at the United Nations that the Philippines is in the process of adopting the multidimensional poverty index (MPI) in measuring and reporting on poverty. In her speech at a side event during the 73rd United Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters in continue reading : NEDA WANTS BETTER MEASUREMENT OF POVERTY

October 1, 2018 MANILA—The Philippines is still safe from falling into the “middle-income trap” so long as the higher levels of economic productivity are achieved, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. Speaking at a high-level ministerial meeting during the 73rd United Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York, NEDA Undersecretary for continue reading : NEDA CALLS FOR MEASURES TO AVOID “MIDDLE-INCOME TRAP” AT UN MEETING

October 01, 2018 MANILA – Despite the downward adjustments in the growth outlook from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Fitch Solutions, Inc., the government remains bullish about the country’s economic prospects. “We understand the concerns of ADB and Fitch, but we remain confident about the strength and stability of the country’s macroeconomic fundamentals,” said continue reading : NEDA STILL BULLISH ON PH GROWTH OUTLOOK

September 28, 2018 MANILA – The declaration of a State of Calamity in Ompong– and habagat-hit areas will help manage expectations on inflation, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. “We are getting ready to respond to the possible impact of the calamity on our macroeconomic targets. The declaration of a State of Calamity in the continue reading : PROCLAMATION 593 TO HELP MANAGE INFLATION – NEDA

September 28, 2018 MANILA – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) assured British businesses that the government is working to ease foreign investment restrictions through the 11th Regular Foreign Investment Negative List (RFINL). “Compared with our neighbors, the Philippines seems to be the most restrictive in terms of foreign direct investments. We have many continue reading : NEDA ENCOURAGES UK INVESTORS WITH 11TH FINL

September 27, 2018 The government is committed to speeding up key economic reforms to further improve productivity in all sectors, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. In response to the report released by the World Bank titled “Growth and Productivity in the Philippines: Winning the Future,” NEDA said these reforms include the full continue reading : INNOVATION AND ECON REFORMS KEY TO HIGHER PRODUCTIVITY — NEDA

September 26, 2018 The National Economic and Development Authority emphasized to the business sector the importance of housing and urban development in reducing poverty in the country. “Besides rapid population growth, urbanization, and rural-urban migration, the housing needs of our country remain a challenge. We have to harness housing as a platform to reduce poverty continue reading : SUFFICIENT HOUSING NEEDED TO ADDRESS POVERTY – NEDA

September 23, 2018   MANILA—The NEDA Board Committee on Infrastructure or INFRACOM recently approved the third batch of projects for funding under the Project Development and other Related Studies (PDRS) Fund. The third batch of project feasibility studies, with an estimated cost of PhP155 million, include the following: Water Supply Project in Selected LGUs for continue reading : INFRACOM APPROVES THIRD BATCH OF PDRS FUND PROJECTS

KEYNOTE MESSAGE  ERNESTO M. PERNIA, PhD Secretary of Socioeconomic Planning  4th Annual Public Policy Conference (APPC) 2018 EDSA Shangri-la, Mandaluyong City 19 September 2018, 09:00 am   PIDS President Celia Reyes; Senior Fellows and Fellows, and other Staff of PIDS; Distinguished guests and speakers; Fellow workers in government; Friends from the media; Ladies and gentlemen, good continue reading : Keynote Message of Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia during the PIDS 4th Annual Public Policy Conference

SPEECH  ERNESTO M. PERNIA, PhD Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Philippine Economic Briefing September 18, 2018 | Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Assembly Hall Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. Allow me to thank the organizers of this event for inviting me today. I find this an excellent opportunity to share with you the exciting growth story of the continue reading : Speech of Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia during the Philippine Economic Briefing on September 18, 2018

September 18, 2018 MANILA—The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) will lead the planning for the rehabilitation of regions devastated by Typhoon Ompong last week.   As Vice-chair for Rehabilitation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, NEDA takes the lead in formulating the Rehabilitation and Recovery Program (RRP) for areas struck by continue reading : NEDA READY TO LEAD CRAFTING OF RECOVERY PLAN FOR OMPONG-HIT AREAS

September 17, 2018 The National Economic and Development Authority was awarded the ISO 9001:2015 Certification for its Quality Management System (QMS) on a part of its investment programming process, recognizing the agency’s commitment to efficient public service. The ISO certificate affirms the agency’s investment programming services—particularly the Appraisal of Program/Project Proposals and Facilitation of the continue reading : NEDA AWARDED WITH ISO 9001:2015 CERTIFICATION

September 13, 2018 MANILA—An Executive Order (EO) that will remove administrative and non-tariff barriers on the importation of food items to temper inflation has been submitted by the Economic Development Cluster (EDC) to the office of the President for implementation starting this month. Recommended to the President before Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, the EO will zero continue reading : EDC SUBMITS EO TO REMOVE FOOD IMPORTATION BARRIERS TO ADDRESS INFLATION

September 11, 2018 MANILA –  Trade grew for a fourth consecutive month in July 2018, the fastest since January 2018, the National Economic and Development Authority said. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that the country’s total trade grew by 17.5 percent, reaching USD15.2 billion in July 2018. This growth was buoyed by a hefty increase continue reading : EXPORTS RECOVER, TRADE CONTINUES GROWTH IN JULY 2018

  September 05, 2018 The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the headline inflation rate accelerated to 6.4 percent year-on-year (YOY) in August 2018, faster than the previous month’s 5.7 percent and the 2.6 percent of the same period last year. This brings the year-to-date inflation to 4.8 percent, beyond the upper-band of the government’s continue reading : JOINT STATEMENT OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CLUSTER ON AUGUST 2018 INFLATION

September 5, 2018 MANILA— A committed effort from agencies in the agriculture sector to boost output and introduce policy reform is needed to bring down prices of agricultural products, the National Economic and Development Authority said. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that overall price levels spiked by 6.4 percent year-on-year in August 2018, a continue reading : NEDA CALLS FOR AGRI REFORM TO LOWER FOOD PRICES

September 05, 2018 MANILA – The country’s labor force continued to grow, recording increased employment and lower unemployment in July 2018, the National Economic and Development Authority said. The Labor Force Survey (LFS) of the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that employment rate rose to 94.6 percent in July 2018, from 94.4 percent in July 2017. This continue reading : EMPLOYMENT UP, UNEMPLOYMENT DOWN IN JULY 2018

September 5, 2018 The National Economic and Development Authority expects manufacturing growth to be sustained throughout the third quarter of 2018 after the sector’s performance yielded positive results in July. The Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (MISSI) for July 2018 of the Philippine Statistics Authority showed both the Volume of Production Index (VoPI) and Value continue reading : FACTORY OUTPUT SEEN TO SUSTAIN GROWTH IN Q3 OF 2018

August 31, 2018 The switch to a federal system of government should be carried out in five phases spanning 15 years to avoid disruption to the economy’s growth momentum, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. In a presentation at the cabinet-level Economic Development Cluster (EDC) meeting on Wednesday, NEDA Undersecretary for Policy and continue reading : NEDA PITCHES 15-YEAR ROADMAP FOR FEDERALISM SHIFT

OPENING STATEMENT Ernesto M. Pernia, PhD Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Senate Hearing on Senate Bill No. 1938 or “The National Economic and Development Act of 2018” Senate Session Hall, 2nd Floor, Senate Building, Pasay City 28 August 2018, 9:00 AM Senate President Vicente “Tito” C. Sotto, Senator Sherwin “Win” T. Gatchalian, Honorable members of the Senate continue reading : OPENING STATEMENT OF SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY ERNESTO M. PERNIA AT THE SENATE HEARING ON SB NO. 1938 OR “THE NEDA ACT OF 2018”

August 24, 2018 MANILA—Concerned government agencies, together with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) as the primary implementing agency, are ready to enforce the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) Act, starting off with the crafting of its implementing rules and regulations (IRR). The PhilSys Act or Republic Act No. 11055, which creates a central identification platform for all citizens continue reading : GOV’T READY AS PH ID SYSTEM LAW TAKES EFFECT

August 17, 2018   MANILA—The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CabCom) approved on Thursday the MRT Line 3 Rehabilitation Project, which will restore the 18-year-old rail system that connects the north and south ends of Metro Manila. The project, executed by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), is part of continue reading : NEDA ICC-CABCOM OKAYS REHABILITATION OF MRT 3

August 15, 2018 MANILA— Projects and programs funded by Official Development Assistance (ODA) through loans and grants made significant contributions to the Philippines’ efforts in achieving targets laid out in the medium-term development plan, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. In its 2017 ODA Portfolio Review Report, NEDA outlined how 27 programs and continue reading : ODA PROJECTS IN 2017 ADVANCE PH DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES

STATEMENT ERNESTO M. PERNIA Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Press Conference on the Performance of the Philippine Economy For Second Quarter of 2018 August 9, 2018 | 10:00 a.m. Astoria Plaza, Ortigas Center, Pasig City Colleagues from the Philippine Statistics Authority, Coworkers in government, Friends from the media, Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. As reported by the continue reading : STATEMENT OF SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY ERNESTO M. PERNIA DURING THE PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY FOR Q2 2018

August 08, 2018 MANILA –  Promotion and development of Philippine exports should be more aggressive to help in continuing the country’s strong trade performance as recorded in June 2018, the National Economic and Development Authority said. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the country’s total trade grew by 13.5 percent, reaching USD14.8 billion in June continue reading : STRONG TRADE GROWTH CONTINUES IN JUNE 2018

August 07, 2018   MANILA – The manufacturing sector is expected to sustain its double-digit growth recorded in the first half of the year, the National Economic and Development Authority said. The Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (MISSI) of the Philippine Statistics Authority showed both the Volume of Production Index (VoPI) and Value of Production continue reading : FACTORY OUTPUT REGISTERS DOUBLE-DIGIT GROWTH IN FIRST HALF

August 7, 2018 ADDRESS SUPPLY CONSTRAINTS TO TEMPER INFLATION –NEDA, DBM, DOF   MANILA— The Government’s Economic Team, composed of the  Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Finance (DOF), and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), said stronger government measures, most especially in improving agriculture productivity and, in the short term, a strategic trade continue reading : DOF-NEDA-DBM Joint Statement on July 2018 Inflation Report

The NEDA Board Investment Coordination Committee – Cabinet Committee (ICC-CabCom) approved on July 27 improvements amounting to PhP13.5 billion for three regional projects, further strengthening the government’s commitment to regional growth. Changes in scope and cost were discussed for the Davao City Bypass Construction Project; Panguil Bay Bridge Project; and Flood Risk Management Project in continue reading : ICC OKs PhP 13.5-B IMPROVEMENTS IN REG’L PROJECTS

August 3, 2018 MANILA—Coming from their Regional Development Plans (RDPs), regions must enhance growth drivers and tap new ones to reach or even exceed medium-term development targets, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. Latest release of gross regional domestic product (GRDP) data show that three regions had exceeded their GRDP target for 2022 continue reading : REGIONS MUST WORK ON NEW GROWTH DRIVERS TO REACH DEV’T TARGETS-NEDA

August 1, 2018 The shift to annual cash-based budgeting will hasten the delivery and completion of government programs and projects, including the government’s infrastructure push, that will largely benefit the Filipino people, the National Economic and Development Authority said. Speaking at the economic managers’ briefing on the proposed PhP3.757 trillion 2019 National Budget at the House continue reading : CASH-BASED BUDGET SYSTEM BENEFICIAL TO “BUILD, BUILD, BUILD” -NEDA

August 1, 2018 In its bid to bring information about good governance closer to the public, including resources related to enforcing the Ease of Doing Business law, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has launched its first ever Good Governance website. “We are pleased to announce that the new Good Governance website is now continue reading : NEDA LAUNCHES GOOD GOVERNANCE WEBSITE

July 26, 2018 Investments for infrastructure projects are distributed equitably across all regions over the medium term, a testament to the administration’s resolve to spur regional development, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. Under the Public Investment Program (PIP) 2017-2022, which contains the government’s list of priority programs and projects, investment requirements of continue reading : INFRA INVESTMENTS EQUITABLY DISTRIBUTED ACROSS REGIONS – NEDA

July 25, 2018 MANILA – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is preparing to launch by the first quarter of 2019 another nationwide survey – the second since it first crafted the AmBisyon Natin 2040 – that will reflect the Filipino people’s changing needs and life goals. In NEDA’s pilot episode of its maiden continue reading : NEDA ‘TUNOG NG PROGRESO’ RADIO SHOW KICKS OFF, HIGHLIGHTS AMBISYON NATIN 2040

July 24, 2018 Following President Duterte’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA), the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) on Tuesday renewed its call to Congress to pass the rice tariffication bill, a viable solution to temper inflation and improve the agriculture sector. In his address on Monday, President Duterte asked Congress to deem continue reading : NEDA: MOVE TOWARDS RICE TARIFFICATION URGENT

July 24, 2018 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has released its first report pursuant to Republic Act 10708, also known as the Tax Incentives Management and Transparency Act (TIMTA), saying that the country’s economic zones would have fared better had needed reforms been in place earlier on. Signed into law on December 9, continue reading : FIRST NEDA REPORT ON TAX INCENTIVES LAW SAYS ECONOMIC ZONES COULD HAVE FARED BETTER

July 19, 2018 The government’s capability to implement foreign-assisted programs and projects has improved in 2017 on account of implementing agencies’ better financial performance, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. According to NEDA’s 2017 Official Development Assistance (ODA) Portfolio Review Report, all indicators of the government’s absorptive capacity for ODA loans— disbursement level, continue reading : DISBURSEMENTS OF ODA PICK UP IN 2017; JAPAN REMAINS TOP ODA SOURCE

July 19, 2018 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said the government is united and resolute in maintaining a strong business environment to sustain and accelerate economic growth. Citing a report by Fitch Ratings affirming the favorable growth outlook, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said the BBB rating with a stable outlook is continue reading : NEDA ON FITCH REPORT: GOV’T UNITED TO ENSURE STABLE GROWTH

July 10, 2018 May’s 5.1 percent growth in merchandise trade was backed by imports and tempered by the slight decline in exports, obliging the government to implement strategies to improve the export industry in the short to medium term. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that the country’s total merchandise trade grew by 5.1 percent to continue reading : IMPORTS BACK TRADE GROWTH IN MAY 2018; EXPORTS’ CONTRACTION SOFTENS

STATEMENT OF SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY ERNESTO M. PERNIA #ASKNEDA MEDIA BRIEFING June 27, 2018 | 12 noon – 1:30 pm | NEDA Boardroom   Friends from the media, Colleagues from NEDA, Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. We welcome to the third #AskNEDA media briefing. It is good to see you all here again , and continue reading : STATEMENT OF SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY ERNESTO M. PERNIA DURING THE #ASKNEDA MEDIA BRIEFING

June 27, 2018 The Philippine government’s infrastructure push is moving apace as planned with 35 infrastructure flagship projects (IFPs) having been approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board, NEDA said on Wednesday. Of these 35 projects, 16 are estimated to be completed by 2022, while the remaining 19 will extend beyond 2022. continue reading : PH MUST SUSTAIN INFRASTRUCTURE MOMENTUM – NEDA

June 22, 2018 The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and high-level Philippine government representatives reaffirmed their commitment to the country’s industrialization goals by announcing the launch of the first UNIDO Country Programme for the Philippines. UNIDO Director General LI Yong’s official visit, which coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Basic Cooperation Agreement (BCA) continue reading : JOINT PRESS RELEASE OF NEDA AND UNIDO: UNIDO AND FILIPINO GOVERNMENT TO WORK TOGETHER FOR THE COUNTRY’S INCLUSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

June 21, 2018 The National Economic and Development Authority said that the proposed plan to boost the country’s exports will ensure that targets in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022 are met. The Economic Development Cluster (EDC) endorsed last Thursday the Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP) 2018-2022 for the approval of President Rodrigo Duterte. The continue reading : PROPOSED PH EXPORT PLAN BACKS PDP 2017-2022 TARGETS

June 21, 2018 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board’s Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CabCom) approved on June 14, 2018, the two-year extension of the loan validity of the Italian assistance to an agrarian reform project. The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) proposed that the loan validity of the Italian assistance to its project, continue reading : NEDA ICC-CABCOM OKAYS REVISIONS TO PROJECT LOANS

June 19, 2018 The NEDA Board’s National Land Use Committee (NB-NLUC) pushed for the immediate resolution of boundary conflicts among local government units (LGUs) and reiterated its call for the passage of the proposed National Land Use Act (NaLUA). During the 10th meeting of the NB-NLUC early this month, the committee highlighted these two concerns continue reading : NATIONAL LAND USE COMMITTEE URGES IMMEDIATE RESOLUTION OF LGU BOUNDARY CONFLICTS AND ENACTMENT OF LAND USE LAW

June 18, 2018 With the expected effect of the government’s unprecedented “Build Build Build” program on the country’s labor demand, the government must ensure that laborers’ skills and competencies match industry needs, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said.  “To fully maximize gains from Build Build Build, the Philippine labor market should be ready continue reading : PH MUST REAP LABOR GAINS FROM BUILD, BUILD, BUILD – NEDA

June 11, 2018 The Asian Development Bank’s increase in assistance for infrastructure and long-term investments is favorable to the government’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ program, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. “The focus on project investments for infrastructure over the next years is welcome. This makes us more optimistic that the Build, Build, Build continue reading : NEDA WELCOMES ADB’S FOCUS ON INVESTMENTS FOR INFRA PROJECTS

June 8, 2018 While the country’s trade recorded high growth, the National Economic and Development Authority stressed the need for the government to seize the benefits of “existing free trade agreements (FTAs) and forging new ties” to expand the Philippines’ market for exports. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that imports growth accelerated to 22.2 percent continue reading : NEDA BACKS GOV’T EFFORTS TO BOOST EXPORTS

June 06, 2018 STATEMENT During the June 5 press briefing on the May 2018 inflation report, NEDA showed how a hypothetical monthly budget of Php10,000 will be affected by a 4.6-percent inflation rate. The budget was broken down into items commonly consumed by a Filipino household based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) weights published continue reading : STATEMENT

June 5, 2018 JOINT STATEMENT ON THE MAY 2018 INFLATION REPORT We, the economic managers of the Duterte Administration, reiterate the government’s unwavering commitment to improve the lives of the Filipino people and bring lasting change to our country. The administration is steadfast in the conviction that we can build a prosperous, high-income economy with a predominantly middle-class society by 2040. Toward this continue reading : NEDA-DBM-DOF JOINT STATEMENT ON THE MAY 2018 INFLATION REPORT

June 05, 2018 Factory output grew in April as higher commodity prices, strong consumer demand, and a weaker exchange rate encouraged manufacturers to produce more, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. The latest Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (MISSI) of the Philippine Statistics Authority showed a key barometer in measuring the output continue reading : EASE OF DOING BUSINESS SEEN TO DRIVE SUSTAINED CONFIDENCE IN MANUFACTURING 

June 05, 2018 Infrastructure build-up from both the public and private sectors has helped boost the number of Filipinos with jobs in April 2018,­ the National Economic and Development Authority said. The Philippine Statistics Authority’s Labor Force Survey (LFS) for April 2018 showed that employment rate rose to 94.5 percent—or an equivalent of 40.9 million continue reading : INFRA BOOSTS EMPLOYMENT FOR APRIL 2018

June 4, 2018 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) committed to intensify its efforts in monitoring and evaluating government activities during a workshop with the World Bank last week. The joint stakeholder evaluation workshop was held in an effort to enhance monitoring and evaluation of programs and projects in the country. “We need to continue reading : NEDA COMMITS TO STEP-UP MONITORING AND EVALUATION OF PROJECTS

Launching Event of the World Bank Report “Making Growth Work for the Poor: Philippines Poverty Assessment 2018” Novotel Manila Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City 29 May 2018, 9 AM Discussion ERNESTO M. PERNIA Secretary of Socioeconomic Planning Panelist   Introduction First of all, I’d like to warmly congratulate the World Bank for the Report, which continue reading : STATEMENT OF SECRETARY ERNESTO M. PERNIA DURING THE LAUNCH OF WORLD BANK REPORT: “Making Growth Work for the Poor: Philippines Poverty Assessment 2018”

May 30, 2018 Recommendations in a World Bank (WB) assessment on poverty in the Philippines complement strategies in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022, the National Economic and Development Authority said. On Tuesday, WB held a soft launch of Making Growth Work for the Poor, a poverty assessment for the Philippines for the period 2006-2015 continue reading : ​WORLD BANK REPORT ON POVERTY COMPLEMENTS PH DEV’T STRATEGY

May 24, 2018 Subnational regions should be at the forefront of Philippine development as the government implements its massive infrastructure program throughout the country in line with the National Spatial Strategy, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. NEDA said the recently released 2017 data on Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) by the Philippine continue reading : STRATEGIC INFRA PROJECTS TO KEEP REGIONS’ GROWTH MOMENTUM

KEYNOTE ADDRESS ERNESTO M. PERNIA, PhD Secretary of Socioeconomic Planning Philippine Statistical Development Program 2018-2023 National Dissemination Forum Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria 17 May 2018       National Statistician and Civil Registrar General, Lisa Grace S. Bersales, Distinguished colleagues from the Philippine Statistical System and the government, Hard working co-workers in government, Friends from continue reading : KEYNOTE ADDRESS OF SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY ERNESTO M. PERNIA AT THE PHILIPPINE STATISTICAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM 2018-2023 NATIONAL DISSEMINATION FORUM

May 16, 2018 National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Rosemarie G. Edillon assured members of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) that reducing inequality is at the core of the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022, the country’s blueprint for socioeconomic development. Edillon led the continue reading : NEDA TELLS UN REDUCING INEQUALITY IS AT THE HEART OF PH MEDIUM-TERM DEV’T PLAN

May 10, 2018 LAO PDR – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) accepted the hosting of the next gathering of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) Governing Body in the Philippines next year. NEDA Undersecretary for Regional Development Adoracion M. Navarro, currently the APO Philippine Director, represented the country in the turnover ceremony held at continue reading : PH TO HOST NEXT REGIONAL PRODUCTIVITY SUMMIT

STATEMENT ERNESTO M. PERNIA Socioeconomic Planning Secretary   Press Conference on the Performance of the Philippine Economy for First Quarter of 2018   May 10, 2018; 10:00 am Astoria Plaza, Ortigas Center, Pasig City   Colleagues from the Philippine Statistics Authority, Coworkers in government, Friends from the media, Ladies and gentlemen, Good morning. We are pleased continue reading : SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY ERNESTO M. PERNIA’S STATEMENT AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2018

May 9, 2018 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said that the government should actively intervene in making Philippine exports more attractive to the global market to boost the country’s trade. This follows the release of a report by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) that the country’s total merchandise trade declined by 3.4 percent continue reading : NEDA URGES INCREASED GOV’T SUPPORT TO AID PH EXPORTS

May 8, 2018 The issuance of a recent memorandum circular will help the government achieve its medium-term socioeconomic targets and effectively implement the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. Memorandum Circular No. 1 (MC1), series of 2018, updates the coordination mechanism of the PDP. It integrates the revised Cabinet continue reading : MEMO CIRCULAR TO AID PDP IMPLEMENTATION, ENSURES EFFICIENT COORDINATION AMONG AGENCIES –NEDA

May 4, 2018 Manufacturing output for the first quarter of 2018 continued to post strong growth and is seen to continue in the coming months. “The positive performance of manufacturing is expected to continue in the first semester, amid the sustained economic growth momentum, increased net foreign direct investments, higher OFW cash remittances, and favorable continue reading : MANUFACTURING SEEN TO SUSTAIN GROWTH IN FIRST HALF OF 2018

May 4, 2018 While average inflation has already exceeded the government’s target as of April 2018, the surge is temporary and seen to normalize towards the end of the year, the National Economic and Development Authority said. The Philippines Statistics Authority reported that headline inflation accelerated to 4.5 percent in April 2018. This is higher continue reading : UPTICK IN INFLATION TEMPORARY – NEDA

May 4, 2018 Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia on Thursday commended the Asian Development Bank on its development work in the Philippines and cited areas that need more attention. Speaking at a forum on the sidelines of the 51st ADB Annual Meeting at its headquarters in Manila on Thursday, Pernia enumerated some of ADB’s contributions that have continue reading : NEDA THANKS ADB, CITES AREAS TO WORK ON

April 26, 2018 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board approved eight new projects on Wednesday. These include the approval of the Subic-Clark Railway and the Unsolicited Proposal for the Bulacan International Airport, the latter with the NEDA Board also approving the Investment Coordination Committee’s recommended reasonable rate of return and other parameters for continue reading : NEDA BOARD APPROVES SUBIC-CLARK RAILWAY, BULACAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

April 20, 2018 The closure of Boracay Island to tourists is necessary for the government to swiftly and effectively carry out corrective measures for the sustainable use and management of what the country considers as a prime national asset, the regional office of the National Economic and Development Authority in Western Visayas said. The NEDA continue reading : NEDA REGION VI: CLOSURE OF BORACAY NECESSARY TO REV UP TOURISM INDUSTRY

April 20, 2018 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) allayed concerns about imminent risks of overheating, stressing that the country’s solid macroeconomic conditions and ongoing reforms make the economy disposed for sustained and even higher growth. The World Bank in its April 16 report titled “Philippines Economic Update: Investing in the Future” cited the continue reading : NEDA: TALK OF OVERHEATING EXAGGERATED, PH POISED FOR FURTHER GROWTH

April 13, 2018 Regional priority programs and projects are set to be included in the 2019 national budget after much consideration in a dialogue between regional and central offices of various agencies last week. The NEDA Board-Regional Development Committee facilitated the Regional Development Council-Agency Central Office (RDC-ACO) Dialogue in line with its function to promote continue reading : REGIONAL PRIORITY PROJECTS ENDORSED FOR 2019 BUDGET

ERNESTO M. PERNIA Socioeconomic Planning Secretary 37th Philippine-American Academy of Science and Engineering (PAASE) Annual Meeting and Symposium University of Arizona, Tuscon | April 06, 2018 President Robert Robbins, The University of Arizona (UA); Dr. Joel L. Cuello, President of PAASE; Undersecretary Rowena Guevarra, Philippines Department of Science and Technology (DOST); (Representative, TBD) Department of continue reading : SPEECH OF SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY ERNESTO PERNIA DURING THE PAASE ANNUAL MEETING & SYMPOSIUM 2018

April 12, 2018 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is pushing for major reforms concerning state-owned enterprises to enhance market competition in the country and promote consumer welfare and public interest. NEDA Officer in Charge (OIC) Rosemarie G. Edillon said these reforms intend to boost market performance as well as correct the dual regulatory continue reading : NEDA: PRIVATE AND STATE-OWNED FIRMS SHOULD COMPETE ON EQUAL TERMS

April 11, 2018 MANILA – The National Economic and Development Authority encouraged businesses in the Philippines to take advantage of the global economy’s solid footing as it is expected to support the country’s trade performance, especially in terms of exports. NEDA-attached agency Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the country’s total trade picked up by continue reading : GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT TO SUSTAIN PH TRADE GROWTH – NEDA

Philippine Statement ERNESTO M. PERNIA, PhD Socioeconomic Planning Secretary National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)   51ST SESSION OF THE COMMISSION ON POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT United Nations Headquarters, New York 09 April 2018   Madame Chair, Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,   The Philippines is now on a path of consistently strong economic growth. This continue reading : AS DELIVERED STATEMENT OF SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY ERNESTO M. PERNIA AT THE 51ST SESSION OF THE COMMISSION ON POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT

April 6, 2018 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) highlights the need to immediately pass the rice tariffication bill in Congress, a significant step in reforming the agricultural sector. The passage of the bill, which amends Republic Act (RA) No. 8178, otherwise known as the Agricultural Tariffication Act of 1996, will pave the way for the continue reading : RICE TARIFFICATION TO SOLVE RICE ISSUE

April 5, 2018 The Investment Coordination Committee (ICC)-Cabinet Committee approved last March 28 the Bulacan International Airport Project and the Davao Food Complex for final approval of the NEDA Board, chaired by President Rodrigo Duterte. The Bulacan Airport Project has a project cost of PhP735.63 billion. The unsolicited proposal involves the construction of a terminal, continue reading : ICC ENDORSES TWO PROJECTS TO NEDA BOARD

April 5, 2018 The government must continue to be proactive in maintaining price stability and cushioning the impact of higher consumer prices on the poor following the uptick in inflation in March 2018, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. The country’s headline inflation reached 4.3 percent – breaching the government’s full-year inflation target continue reading : PROACTIVE MEASURES NEEDED TO MANAGE AND CUSHION IMPACT OF HIGHER INFLATION – NEDA

April 5, 2018 Strong economic growth will further expand manufacturing production on the back of continued government reforms for the economy, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). In the Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (MISSI) of the Philippine Statistics Authority, the Volume of Production Index (VoPI) for manufacturing grew by 24.8 continue reading : MANUFACTURING OUTLOOK BRIGHT WITH REFORMS

Undersecretary Rosemarie G. Edillon Officer-in-Charge 2017 Socioeconomic Report (SER) Media Briefing Board Room, NEDA Bldg., J.M. Escriva Drive, Ortigas Center, Pasig City April 3, 2018   Our good friends from the media; Colleagues from NEDA; Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. From the start, the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 promises to lay down the foundation for continue reading : NEDA UNDERSECRETARY ROSEMARIE G. EDILLON’S KEYNOTE SPEECH AT THE 2017 SOCIOECONOMIC REPORT (SER) MEDIA BRIEFING

March 16, 2018 The implementation of the country’s first-ever national identification system is a pivotal step towards ensuring that every Filipino and resident can have access to public services and development opportunities, the National Economic and Development Authority said. The Lower House had already approved its version of the measure, with the Senate recently approving continue reading : NATIONAL ID SYSTEM TO EASE ACCESS TO SERVICES AND OPEN UP MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO ALL

March 15, 2018 For regional cooperation to be more inclusive, the Philippine government must do more to enhance the country’s competitiveness and to promote cultural exchanges, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. In a speech at a conference in Makati City last Friday, NEDA Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Rosemarie G. Edillon said continue reading : PH TOURISM, COMPETITIVENESS TO BOOST REG’L COOPERATION

March 14, 2018 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) with creatives agency Dentsu Jayme Syfu bagged Silver Awards for Best in Creative Use of Data and Best in Audio Craft (Radio and Digital) at the prestigious Kidlat Awards for its anthem on the Philippines’ economic progress “Tunog ng Progreso.” Together with the team, audio continue reading : NEDA’S MUSICAL RENDITION OF GDP DATA WINS AT KIDLAT AWARDS

March 13, 2018 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board’s Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CabCom) approved in its meeting on March 8, 2018, three new projects, including a flood control project in Mindanao and a traffic-alleviating project in Metro Manila. The Ambal-Simuay River and Rio Grande de Mindanao River Flood Control Projects and the construction of 10 continue reading : NEDA ICC-CABCOM OKAYS THREE HIGH-IMPACT PROJECTS

March 9, 2018 While sustained double-digit growth in imports pushed up total trade in January 2018, the National Economic and Development Authority said building on the agribusiness sector will further drive growth in trade. Based on a report by the Philippine Statistics Authority, a NEDA-attached agency, total trade grew by 7.0 percent to USD13.8 billion continue reading : NEDA PUSHES FOR AGRI BUSINESS REVIVAL TO SUPPORT TRADE GROWTH

The Role of Regional Cooperation in Fulfilling Philippine Development Vision Panel 1:  Inclusive Growth and the Role of Regional Cooperation Makati Shangri-La March 9, 2018  Distinguished guests and participants; Ladies and gentlemen; Good morning! May I just say, at the onset, that the relationship between regional cooperation and inclusive growth has long been settled.  It has been continue reading : KEYNOTE SPEECH OF UNDERSECRETARY ROSEMARIE G. EDILLON ON INCLUSIVE GROWTH AND THE ROLE OF REGIONAL COOPERATION

March 7, 2018 MANILA – Employment rates surged in January 2018 as the Philippine labor market continued to thrive on the back of sustained economic growth, the National Economic and Development Authority said. In the January 2018 Labor Force Survey (LFS), conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority, employment rate rose to 94.7 percent, equivalent to continue reading : SUSTAINED PH ECONOMIC GROWTH RESULTS IN BUOYANT LABOR MARKET

March 6, 2018 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) says that the ranking of American media company US News which placed the Philippines on the top spot of “best countries to invest in,” attests to the growing international confidence in the administration’s reform agenda. “This piece of good news proves that we are right continue reading : CRITICAL ECONOMIC REFORMS GAINING TRACTION AND MUST CONTINUE, NEDA SAYS

March 6, 2018 MANILA – Measures to curb inflation and cushion its impact on the poor are urgently needed, the National Economic and Development Authority said, as the inflation rate for February 2018 reached the upper band of the government’s target. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that February 2018 inflation was at 3.9 percent, with continue reading : NEDA PUSHES FOR MEASURES TO CURB INFLATION

March 6, 2018 MANILA – Manufacturing output for the beginning of 2018 recovered from a series of declines in the last months of 2017, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. In the Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (MISSI) of the Philippine Statistics Authority, the Volume of Production Index (VoPI) for manufacturing grew continue reading : MANUFACTURING RECOVERS TO DOUBLE-DIGIT GROWTH

March 5, 2018 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said the country should maximize the use of renewable energy (RE) sources as part of its low emissions development strategies in addressing climate change, energy security, and access to energy. Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia last week stressed that renewable energy is urgently needed continue reading : NEDA BATS FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY TO REDUCE POVERTY

March 2, 2018 Official Development Assistance (ODA) from the Government of Japan will help fund almost half, or 6 of 13, of NEDA Board newly approved infrastructure projects. “Japan is one of our long-time and most trusted development partners. We recognize its commitment to technical excellence in infrastructure,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said continue reading : JAPAN TO HELP FUND 6 OF 13 NEW INFRA PROJECTS

March 01, 2018 MANILA — Officials of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Finance (DOF), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), and the country’s leading economists attending the meeting of the Senate Committee on Economic Affairs, led by Sen. Win Gatchalian, were in consensus that several factors have pushed inflation up in January, continue reading : NEDA considers TRAIN having little effect on inflation

SIGNING OF THE LOAN AGREEMENT FOR THE ARTERIAL ROAD BYPASS PROJECT PHASE III (ARBP III) NEDA Executive Lounge, NEDA Building Ortigas Center, Pasig City February 28, 2018, 1PM STATEMENT Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia On behalf of NEDA, we are pleased to witness this important milestone in both the Philippine Government’s public infrastructure development continue reading : STATEMENT OF SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY ERNESTO M. PERNIA AT THE SIGNING OF THE LOAN AGREEMENT FOR THE ARTERIAL ROAD BYPASS PROJECT PHASE III (ARBP III)

Keynote Address Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia 36th Joint Meeting of the Economic Cooperation Committees of the Philippines and Japan New World Makati Hotel, Philippines February 22, 2018 Good morning, everyone. Japan’s Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Koji Haneda, Philippines’ Ambassador to Japan H.E. Jose C. Laurel V, Chairman Teruo Asada of the Japan-Philippines continue reading : Keynote Address of Secretary Pernia at 36th Joint Meeting of the Economic Cooperation Committees of the Philippines and Japan

Planning and Review Group Meeting 2018 of GIZ Philippines and Pacific   Philippine Perspective on German Development Cooperation By Undersecretary Rolando G. Tungpalan   Deputy Head of Mission Dr. Roland Schissau, To the GIZ Officials, Mrs. Petra Mutlu and Mrs. Irina Scheffmann, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good morning. Let me start my presentation by showing you what continue reading : STATEMENT OF UNDERSECRETARY ROLANDO G. TUNGPALAN ON THE PHILIPPINE PERSPECTIVE ON GERMAN DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION

BUILD, BUILD, BUILD The Infrastructure Plan for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth   The 36th Joint Meeting of the Philippines and Japan Economic Cooperation Committee 22 February 2018 -END-

MANILA – The National Economic and Development Authority says that the Philippine government aims to implement measures to strengthen trade ties with the United States, considering upbeat trade performance in 2017. In his presentation to the U.S.-Philippines Society Board of Directors’ Meeting on Monday, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia highlighted the intention of the continue reading : NEDA: PH TO STRENGHTEN PH-US TRADE

February 13, 2018 MANILA— Regions outside Metro Manila are getting a big share in the total number of infrastructure programs and projects of the government over the medium-term, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. Of the total 4,985 infrastructure programs and projects listed in the government’s investment program from 2017 to 2022, some continue reading : Regions outside Metro Manila get big share in infra projects over medium term

February 9, 2018 MANILA – The government will aggressively implement measures to ensure the recovery of manufacturing this year, the National Economic and Development Authority said, as it notes the four-month decline of manufacturing from September to December 2017. In the Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (MISSI), the Philippine Statistics Authority reported that the continue reading : ​GOV’T MEASURES TO SPUR MANUFACTURING RECOVERY IN 2018

February 9, 2018 MANILA— Majority of Filipino families will benefit from lower retail prices of rice, which is the likely result once the amendment of the agricultural tariffication law is enacted, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. Amending Republic Act (RA) No. 8178, otherwise known as the Agricultural Tariffication Act” of 1996, is continue reading : Majority of households to benefit from removal of QR on rice imports

  February 9, 2018 MANILA – Total merchandise trade for full year 2017 increased by 9.9 percent as imports and exports posted growth rates higher than government estimates. Imports and exports posted 10.2 percent and 9.5 percent growth rates, respectively, exceeding the Development Budget Coordinating Committee’s emerging estimates (as of December 2017) of 9.0 percent continue reading : 2017 PH TRADE GROWTH EXCEEDS GOV’T EXPECTATIONS

January 5, 2018 The country ended 2017 with steady inflation performance at 3.2 percent, which is well within government’s target for the year, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. Based on a report of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), headline inflation rate for December 2017 remained at 3.3 percent, similar to that of continue reading : FULL YEAR 2017 INFLATION WITHIN TARGET AT 3.2 PERCENT

February 6, 2018 MANILA— The Philippine government must ensure mitigation measures are in place to cushion the transitory inflationary impact of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law, following recorded increases in the country’s inflation rate. Equally important are vigilant price monitoring and prompt action to curb profiteering. Increases in food and non-food continue reading : NEDA pushes for measures as inflation hits upper band of gov’t target

January 31, 2018 MANILA – As part of the government’s ongoing efforts to boost development in the regions, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) headed by Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia and Public-Private Partnership Center Executive Director Ferdinand A. Pecson signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) jointly setting up PPP Knowledge Corners in continue reading : NEDA and PPP Center set up knowledge corners to step up local PPPs

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CabCom) approved on Friday the Subic-Clark Railway Project, which will provide rail freight connection between Subic Bay and Clark Freeport Zone. This joint project of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) is one of the Duterte Administration’s 75 continue reading : NEDA ICC-CABCOM OKAYS SUBIC-CLARK RAILWAY PROJECT

January 25, 2018 MANILA— The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) celebrated on Wednesday its 45th founding anniversary with the theme “One NEDA Through the Years: Promoting Malasakit, Pagbabago, at Patuloy na Pag-unlad.” NEDA had lined up activities for the public and its employees, including photo and singing contests, a sports fest, an exhibit of continue reading : NEDA celebrates milestones and achievements in 45th anniversary

STATEMENT ERNESTO M. PERNIA Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Press Conference on the Performance of the Philippine Economyfor Fourth Quarter and Full-year 2017 January 23, 2018; 10:00 am Astoria Plaza, Ortigas Center   Good morning, everyone. Colleagues from the Philippine Statistics Authority, Coworkers in government, Friends from the media, Ladies and gentlemen, We are glad to report continue reading : Statement of Socioeconomic Planning Secretary on the Q4 and Full-year 2017 Performance of the Philippine Economy

KEYNOTE ADDRESS Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Between the National Economic and Development Authority of the Republic of the Philippines and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of The Netherlands on the Sustainable Development of the Manila Bay ERNESTO M. PERNIA Socioeconomic Planning Secretary January 22, 2018 Her Excellency Marion Derckx, continue reading : Speech of Secretary Pernia during the MOU Signing between the Philippines and the Kingdom of Netherlands on Manila Bay Development

January 22, 2018 PHILIPPINES, NETHERLANDS SIGN MOU ON MANILA BAY DEVELOPMENT MANILA— The Philippines and the Netherlands signed on Monday a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that cements the cooperation of the two countries on the sustainable development and management of the Manila Bay area. Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia and Netherlands Ambassador to the continue reading : PHILIPPINES, NETHERLANDS SIGN MOU ON MANILA BAY DEVELOPMENT

January 19, 2018 National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Undersecretary for Investment Programming Rolando G. Tungpalan has been conferred a prestigious international award by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for his contributions in the delivery of countless JICA-assisted projects in the Philippines. Tungpalan is the only Filipino among the 29 individuals selected from all continue reading : NEDA UNDERSECRETARY TUNGPALAN RECEIVES JICA PRESIDENT AWARD

January 10, 2018 Manufacturing output is expected to recover in 2018 following three consecutive months of decline since September 2017. In the Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (MISSI) of the Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA), the Volume of Production Index (VoPI) for manufacturing contracted by 8.1 percent in November 2017. The Value of Production Index continue reading : MANUFACTURING DECLINES IN NOVEMBER 2017, EXPECTED TO RECOVER THIS YEAR

January 10, 2018 Continuous improvement of export competitiveness and identification of emerging markets for exports will help sustain merchandise trade growth, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the country’s total trade grew by 11.8 percent in November 2017, pushing year-to-date growth to 9.9 percent. Trade performance continue reading : PH TRADE TO SUSTAIN GROWTH THROUGH EXPORT COMPETITIVENESS

January 5, 2018   MANILA – At least 38 rice-producing provinces and a city will have competitive advantage over Thailand and Vietnam in rice production should the 35 percent tariff be levied on rice imports and the quantitative restrictions (QR) be lifted. Results of the preliminary analysis conducted by the National Economic and Development Authority’s Agriculture, continue reading : 39 AREAS TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE WITH 35 PERCENT TARIFF ON RICE IMPORTS

January 5, 2018 The country ended 2017 with steady full-year inflation performance at 3.2 percent, which is well within government’s target for the year, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. Based on a report of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), headline inflation rate for December 2017 remained at 3.3 percent, similar to that continue reading : FULL YEAR 2017 INFLATION WITHIN TARGET AT 3.2 PERCENT

December 19, 2017 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) welcomes the passage of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) bill, which was signed today by President Rodrigo Duterte. TRAIN is the first package of the government’s proposed Comprehensive Tax Reform Program, or CTRP, which is seen to generate additional revenue to fund the country’s continue reading : PASSAGE OF TRAIN, 2018 GAA TO FURTHER DEVELOPMENT AGENDA – NEDA

STATEMENT ERNESTO M. PERNIA, PhD Socioeconomic Planning Secretary 2017 NEDA Year-end Press Briefing December 14, 2017, 10:00 AM NEDA Board Room, Pasig City Dear friends from the media, colleagues from NEDA, all collaborators in the endeavor for our country’s advancement, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. I am happy to see familiar faces as we conduct continue reading : STATEMENT OF SECRETARY PERNIA AT THE 2017 NEDA YEAR-END MEDIA BRIEFING

December 13, 2017 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Investment Coordination Committee–Cabinet Committee (ICC-CabCom) approved on December 6, 2017, the extension of loan validity and the construction period of two projects in the Visayas region. Citing the need to recoup the time lost due to procurement delays and security issues, the NEDA ICC-CabCom approved continue reading : NEDA ICC-CABCOM approves extension of loan validity, timeline of two projects

December 12, 2017 Improvement in the delivery of business-related government services as well as innovation across all firm sizes must be aggressively pursued to aid manufacturing output, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority’s Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (MISSI) reports that the Volume of Production Index (VoPI) continue reading : IMPROVED GOV’T SERVICES, INNOVATION TO BOOST MANUFACTURING GROWTH – NEDA 

December 12, 2017 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) says continued exports growth, economic cooperation, and trade facilitation initiatives will sustain trade gains, as total trade records double-digit growth in October 2017. NEDA-attached agency Philippine Statistics Authority reported that the country’s total trade grew by 10.4 percent year-on-year in October 2017, a pickup from continue reading : ECONOMIC COOPERATION TO SUSTAIN DOUBLE-DIGIT PH TRADE GROWTH – NEDA

December 12, 2017 The country’s decent work agenda is moving forward as reflected in underemployment recording its lowest rate in more than a decade, despite the decrease in total employment in October 2017, according to the National Economic and Development Authority. In the October 2017 Labor Force Survey (LFS) of the Philippine Statistics Authority, a continue reading : UNDEREMPLOYMENT RECORDS LOWEST RATE IN MORE THAN 10 YEARS

December 11, 2017 Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia welcomes the raising of Philippine credit rating to stable or “good quality” (BBB) from the previous BBB- by Fitch Ratings. “This news is a welcome development especially at a time that we are seeing a sustained improvement in government spending. The upgraded rating reflects the steady continue reading : NEDA welcomes PH credit rating upgrade

  Statistics show that the Philippine economy is vibrant and continuously growing. But the problem is, not everyone feels this. Our goal is to have a country where prosperity is shared and enjoyed by all people. We want you to share a story, through photography, on what it means to have a Philippines where no continue reading : JOIN THE NEDA #NO1LEFTBEHIND PHOTOCONTEST

December 5, 2017 Lower food prices slowed inflation in November 2017 following four consecutive months of acceleration, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. Based on a report of NEDA-attached agency Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), headline inflation rate for November reached 3.3 percent, lower than 3.5 percent recorded the previous month. “Inflation during the continue reading : ​INFLATION DOWN IN NOVEMBER 2017

STATEMENT OF THE PHILIPPINES 17th SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF UNIDO 27 November to 01 December 2017, Vienna   Delivered by ERNESTO M. PERNIA, PhD Secretary of Socioeconomic Planning   Madame President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, good morning. On behalf of the delegation of the Philippines, I wish to congratulate you on your election continue reading : STATEMENT OF THE PHILIPPINES 17th SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF UNIDO

13th World Islamic Economic Forum Sarawak, Malaysia 21 November 2017 ERNESTO M. PERNIA, PhD Socioeconomic Planning Secretary National Economic and Development Authority Republic of the Philippines Panel Discussion on Global Economic Outlook: Reimagining an Inclusive Economic System   His Excellency Dato’ Sri Najib Tun Abdul Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia and Patron of WIEF Foundation, Hon. continue reading : As Delivered Speech of Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia during the 13th World Islamic Economic Forum

November 21, 2017 Speaking to high school students and teachers from around the country on Sunday, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Undersecretary for Regional Development Adoracion Navarro underlined the importance of the National Spatial Strategy in achieving the country’s long-term vision to be an upper middle-income nation. “The National Spatial Strategy is, among others, continue reading : NEDA TO YOUTH: NATIONAL SPATIAL STRATEGY TO SPREAD GROWTH TO LAGGING REGIONS

Press Conference on the Performance of the Philippine Economy for Third Quarter 2017 November 16, 2017 STATEMENT   ERNESTO M. PERNIA Socioeconomic Planning Secretary     Partners from the Philippine Statistics Authority, Colleagues in government, Friends from the media, Ladies and gentlemen, Good morning.   We seem to have a streak of good news this continue reading : STATEMENT OF SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY ERNESTO M. PERNIA DURING THE PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 2017

MANILA – The National Economic and Development Authority expressed support for regional cooperation initiatives that will reduce trade costs and further boost Philippine trade performance recorded in September 2017. In the report of NEDA-attached agency Philippine Statistics Authority, total merchandise trade grew by 2.8 percent year-on-year to USD13.1 billion in September 2017. Exports recorded its continue reading : NEDA BACKS REGIONAL COOPERATION TO BOOST PH TRADE

November 10, 2o17 Decreases in the production of petroleum, transport equipment, and export-oriented products led to the decline in manufacturing output for September 2017, according to the National Economic and Development Authority. In the Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (MISSI) for September 2017, the Volume of Production Index (VoPI) declined by 3.7 percent, a continue reading : NEDA SEES MANUFACTURING REBOUND DESPITE DECLINE IN SEPTEMBER 2017

CEBU CITY –  The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is urging government agencies and partners to work towards attaining and maximizing the country’s demographic dividend which is crucial to the country’s growth. The demographic dividend is attained through the transition that takes place when birth and mortality rates decline, and the government is spending continue reading : NEDA: REAPING DEMOGRAPHIC DIVIDEND TO SPUR GROWTH

55th Philippine Economic Society Annual Meeting Growing Amidst Risk and Uncertainty November 08, 2017 PLENARY STATEMENT Ernesto M. Pernia Secretary of Socioeconomic Panning This administration’s work mode may be characterized by: (a) continuity from previous administrations of policies, programs and projects, as appropriate and warranted; and (b) raising the sense of urgency, and ratcheting up continue reading : Plenary Statement of Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia during the 55th Philippine Economic Society Conference

November 7, 2017 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) leads the country in celebrating the annual Economic and Financial Literacy Week (EFLW) from November 6 to 10, recognizing the importance of economic and financial education in a growing economy. With this year’s theme “O Kita Mo Na: ‘Pag May Alam sa Ekonomiya at Pinansya, continue reading : ​ECONOMY, MONEY TOPICS DOMINATE ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL LITERACY WEEK

November 7, 2017 Faster price adjustments in food and fuel caused inflation to accelerate in October 2017, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. Based on a report of NEDA-attached agency Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), headline inflation increased to 3.5 percent in October 2017 from 3.4 percent the previous month. This is within the continue reading : HIGHER FOOD, FUEL PRICES PUSH INFLATION UP IN OCTOBER 2017

November 2, 2017 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) on Thursday cited the government’s efforts to fast-track reforms to further enhance the ease of doing business in the country. Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia assured businesses that the government is working hard to institute reforms and help improve the business climate in the continue reading : NEDA: GOV’T PUSHING FOR ‘SINGLE​ WINDOW’ TO EASE DOING BUSINESS IN PH

October 26, 2017 An inter-agency task force was recently created to set in motion policies and processes to address bottlenecks and gaps in the country’s infrastructure development, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). In a keynote speech on Tuesday, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said the Project Facilitation, Monitoring and Innovation (PFMI) Task Force, composed continue reading : TASK FORCE TO HELP SOLVE INFRA PROCESS GAPS – NEDA

October 24, 2017 MANILA – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board’s Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CabCom) approved on Friday two projects and one request for additional financing. The first two new projects approved are the Phase I of the Safe Philippines Project of the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the continue reading : ICC-CABCOM APPROVES PROJECT ON PUBLIC SAFETY, BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION

October 24, 2017 MANILA – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) sees further pickup in business and consumer confidence in Mindanao now that the Marawi conflict has ended and rehabilitation on the way. Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said investors who may have put on hold their plans to expand their business or continue reading : RENEWED CONFIDENCE AFTER END OF MARAWI CONFLICT TO FURTHER ACCELERATE GROWTH

October 10, 2017 MANILA– The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) on Tuesday gave the assurance that foreign investors remain confident to do business in the Philippines despite the 14 percent decline in foreign direct investments (FDI) in the first half of 2017. The NEDA likewise clarified that foreign equity placements, which Senate minority leader continue reading : NEDA SAYS FOREIGN BUSINESSES CONFIDENT ON PH BUSINESS CLIMATE

October 10, 2017 MANILA – Productivity-enhancing reforms will help sustain the improving growth of Philippine trade recorded in August 2017, the National Economic and Development Authority said. NEDA-attached agency Philippine Statistics Authority reported that the country’s total trade grew by 10 percent in August 2017, a significant jump from June (1.5%) and July’s (2.5%) growth. continue reading : PH TRADE SEEN TO SUSTAIN GROWTH THROUGH REFORMS

October 10, 2017 MANILA – Manufacturing output in August 2017 recovered from its decline in July and is seen to improve in the last quarter of the year, according to the National Economic and Development Authority. In the Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (MISSI) of the Philippine Statistics Authority, a NEDA-attached agency, the manufacturing continue reading : MANUFACTURING RECOVERS IN AUGUST 2017

October 06, 2017 CEBU CITY — The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said that the average growth rate in the Visayas region will be higher than the government’s target for national GDP growth for 2017-2022. In particular, the region’s growth is expected to be between 7.7 and 8.3 percent, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. continue reading : NEDA details economic prospects for Visayan region

MANILA — The National Economic and Development Authority on Wednesday vowed to address data gaps in monitoring the Philippines’ progress in achieving targets under the Sustainable Development Agenda of the United Nations. In his keynote address on Wednesday at the International Conference on Sustainable Development Goals Statistics at The Peninsula Manila, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto continue reading : NEDA vows to address data gaps in tracking UN SDG progress

MANILA – Faster price adjustments in food caused inflation to accelerate in September 2017, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. Based on a report of NEDA-attached agency Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), headline inflation increased to 3.4 percent in September 2017 from 3.1 percent the previous month. This is within the Bangko Sentral ng continue reading : HIGHER FOOD PRICES PUSH INFLATION UP IN SEPTEMBER 2017

The annual National Statistics Month (NSM) kicked off today with government agencies highlighting the importance of statistics in charting the country’s progress towards its long-term vision, AmBisyon Natin 2040. The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) hosted the opening ceremony of the 28th National Statistics Month at Edsa Shangri-la Hotel in Mandaluyong City on Monday continue reading : 28TH NATIONAL STATISTICS MONTH KICKS OFF TODAY

MANILA– The Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) discussed anti-corruption measures, the resurrection of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), and other priority bills during its meeting on Wednesday. President Rodrigo Duterte presided over the meeting of the 20-member LEDAC which convened for the third time at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room at Malacanang. “Corruption puts a continue reading : LEDAC TACKLES CORRUPTION, BBL IN 3RD MEET

MANILA – The Government of Japan remained the country’s top Official Development Assistance (ODA) development partner, in terms of loans, for the first half of 2017. Loans from Japan, administered through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) had the largest share of 44.83 percent in the total ODA loans portfolio, amounting to USD4.84 billion, the continue reading : JAPAN TOPS ODA LOANS FOR H1 2017

MANILA- The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) suggested the crafting of a roadmap, aligned with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017–2022, for the Philippines’ possible transition to a federal type of government. Speaking at the Third Annual Public Policy Conference of state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) on Tuesday, NEDA Undersecretary continue reading : NEDA PITCHES ROADMAP FOR PH’S POSSIBLE SHIFT TO FEDERALISM

September 20, 2017 MANILA- What does the Philippines’ economic growth sound like? The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has used music to convey its message to the public, connecting the data points of the Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) growth  through the years in composing the song about the country’s economic progress. Titled “Tunog continue reading : NEDA tells story of PH economic growth in three-minute song

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board approved the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) and four new “flagship” projects during their fifth meeting on Tuesday. This brings the administration’s total number of approved projects to 35 worth PhP1.2 trillion, excluding the cost of the Tawi-Tawi bridges. “The approval and eventual completion of these projects continue reading : NEDA BOARD APPROVES METRO MANILA SUBWAY AND FOUR NEW PROJECTS

MANILA –The decrease in the production of petroleum products and chemicals caused a slight reduction in the manufacturing output in July 2017.   In the Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (MISSI) of the Philippine Statistics Authority, a NEDA-attached agency, the manufacturing sector’s Volume of Production Index (VoPI) declined by 1.1 percent in July 2017, continue reading : LOWER PRODUCTION OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS CLIPS MANUFACTURING IN JULY 2017

MANILA – The National Economic and Development Authority expects that ASEAN agreements and the Philippines’ integration to the larger Asia-Pacific region will further boost the country’s trade performance.   In the report of NEDA-attached agency Philippine Statistics Authority, total trade recorded a 2.3 percent growth in July 2017, higher than the previous month’s 1.5 percent continue reading : ASEAN, ASIA-PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP TO FURTHER BOOST TRADE – NEDA

MANILA – Expressing concern over employment losses recorded in July 2017, the National Economic and Development Authority vowed to improve employment figures by pushing for reforms anchored on the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022. The recent Labor Force Survey (LFS) of the Philippine Statistics Authority, a NEDA-attached agency, showed that the country’s employment rate dipped continue reading : NEDA CONCERNED OVER JOB LOSS, VOWS TO IMPROVE SITUATION

September 08, 2017 MANILA –  The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said Thursday that the government’s plan of sharply increasing public spending on infrastructure will boost the Philippine economy. At the Second Annual Philippine Energy and Infrastructure Finance Forum in Makati, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said that growth of gross domestic product continue reading : Increased infra spending to boost PH economy – NEDA

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board’s Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CC) approved on Tuesday the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP)-Phase I and two other projects. The ICC-CC approved the MMSP I, which will run from Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City and, following the ICC-CC’s directive, will terminate at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport continue reading : NEDA ICC-CABCOM APPROVES METRO MANILA SUBWAY PHASE I, 2 OTHER PROJECTS

The National Economic and Development Authority encouraged the administration’s Cabinet members to implement policy reforms and pro-poor programs, discussed in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022, to sustain economic growth towards inclusive development. The Philippines is poised to be one of the fastest rising economies in Asia, with 6.4 percent growth rate in the first continue reading : NEDA CALLS ON CABINET TO IMPLEMENT PRO-POOR PROGRAMS IN LINE WITH PDP 2017–2022

September 05, 2017 MANILA – Prices of food, transport, water, electricity, and gas pushed up inflation in August 2017. A report from NEDA-attached agency Philippine Statistics Authority states that headline inflation increased to 3.1 percent in August 2017 from 2.8 percent in the previous month. Core inflation, which excludes select volatile food and energy prices, continue reading : FOOD, TRANSPORT PRICES CAUSE HIGHER INFLATION IN AUGUST 2017

In its second meeting under the Duterte administration yesterday, the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) approved the Common Legislative Agenda (CLA) for the 17th Congress. The CLA consists of 28 priority measures, 14 of which were recommended by the LEDAC Executive Committee as urgent last July to emphasize the necessity of having them passed into continue reading : LEDAC APPROVES LEGISLATIVE AGENDA FOR 17TH CONGRESS

STATEMENT ERNESTO M. PERNIA Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Press Conference on the Performance of the Philippine Economy for Second Quarter 2017 August 17, 2017; 10:00 am Luxent Hotel, Quezon City   Friends from the media, Colleagues in government, Ladies and gentlemen, Good morning.   With our country growing at 6.5 percent in the second quarter of continue reading : Statement of Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia on the Performance of the Philippine Economy for the Second Quarter of 2017

The National Economic and Development Authority urges tapping of new markets for Philippine trade to bounce back from its slight decline in June 2017. NEDA-attached agency Philippine Statistics Authority reported that total trade contracted by 1.2 percent in June 2017, after posting ten months of positive growth since August last year. Despite the contraction, total continue reading : NEW MARKETS TO HELP PH TRADE RECOVERY – NEDA

The manufacturing sector grew by an average of 10 percent in the first six months of 2017 due to sustained domestic and improved external demand, according to the National Economic and Development Authority. ​This growth was backed by increased production in food manufacturing, basic metals, transport equipment, fabricated metal products, non-metallic mineral products, and export-oriented continue reading : MANUFACTURING POSTS DOUBLE-DIGIT GROWTH IN FIRST HALF OF 2017

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Office IV-A (CALABARZON) and IV-B (MIMAROPA) were conferred with the Golden Eagle by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) for the fourth and third consecutive year respectively during its annual awarding ceremony on August 4. The BSP bestows the Golden Eagle to stakeholders who have continuously supported continue reading : NEDA MIMAROPA and CALABARZON receive BSP Golden Eagle

In light of recent news, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) would like to clarify concerns regarding the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and the Light Rail Transit (LRT)-Subway projects in Cebu. NEDA stands firm and impartial in upholding standard practices and appropriate NEDA Board processes for all infrastructure project proposals. To provide context, Secretary continue reading : NEDA STATEMENT ON CEBU BRT, LRT-SUBWAY PROJECT PROPOSALS

MANILA – Price increases in the transport sector resulted in slightly higher inflation in July 2017, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. Based on a report of NEDA-attached agency Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), headline inflation increased to 2.8 percent in July 2017 from the revised 2.7 percent the previous month. “However, this is still lower continue reading : Slight increase increase in July inflation due to transport

CEBU CITY — Central Visayas (Region VII) aims to distribute economic growth among its municipalities by linking major urban centers, key production areas, and market centers, as stated in its Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2017–2022, launched today in Cebu. RDPs are socioeconomic development blueprints of the different regions in the country in line with the continue reading : CONNECTIVITY TO SUSTAIN GROWTH IN CENTRAL VISAYAS

BUTUAN CITY — Considered the new mining capital of the country, the Caraga Region aims to curb the negative impact of mining, as stated in its Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2017-2022, which was launched yesterday. RDPs are socioeconomic development blueprints of the different regions in the country in line with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) continue reading : CARAGA TO HEIGHTEN MINING REGULATIONS, PROVIDE ALTERNATIVE JOBS

July 31, 2017 TUGUEGARAO CITY – The Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2017-2022 for Cagayan Valley (Region 2) was launched last Wednesday, highlighting strategies on environment, agriculture, and tourism. This is in line with the region’s long term vision of being a prime water resource, an agro-industrial hub, and an emerging tourism destination. RDPs are the continue reading : Cagayan Valley Development Plan to focus on environment, agri, tourism

The National Economic and Development Authority said that the Northern Mindanao Development Plan will help accelerate growth in Region 10, following its recent launch in Cagayan de Oro City. Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said that the Plan will help the region realize its vision to become the industrial and trade hub in Southern Philippines. continue reading : NORMIN DEV’T PLAN TO GEAR UP TRADE AND INDUSTRY GROWTH IN REGION 10 – NEDA

June 13, 2017 KORONADAL CITY – The National Economic and Development Authority launched the Regional Development Plan (RDP) for Region XII (SOCCSKSARGEN) in its local Philippine Development Plan Forum, Tuesday. The RDPs are development blueprints of the country’s regions patterned after the national plan, or the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017–2022. SOCCSKSARGEN’s RDP identifies 10 continue reading : SOCCSKSARGEN launches Regional Development Plan

QUEZON CITY – The local government of Quezon City is set to craft policies for urban planning aligned with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022. The LGU’s commitment to craft its City Investment Priorities Plan (CIPP) and amend its City Development Plan (CDP) in view of the PDP comes after a recent economic briefing held continue reading : QC GOVERNMENT TO ADOPT PDP 2017-2022

Regional Offices launch their Regional Development Plans 2017-2022 Regional Offices of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) have launched their respective Regional Development Plans (RDP) 2017–2022 beginning this July, as NEDA brings the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017–2022 to the regions. The RDPs are development blueprints of the country’s regions patterned after the national continue reading : ​NEDA begins “Aksyon para sa AmBisyon” regional roadshows

MANILA – The National Economic and Development Authority says that the country should continue to promote export competitiveness, diversify its products and markets, and maximize trade agreements to sustain trade growth for the rest of the year. NEDA-attached agency Philippine Statistics Authority reported that total trade grew to USD13.7 billion in May 2017, with imports continue reading : PH TRADE COMPETITIVENESS NEEDED TO SUSTAIN GROWTH IN 2017

MANILA – The National Economic and Development Authority credits the continued growth in manufacturing in May 2017 to the increase in production of construction- and export-oriented products. These include basic and fabricated metals, and non-metallic mineral products, as shown in the Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (MISSI) for May 2017 of the Philippine Statistics continue reading : HIGHER OUTPUT OF CONSTRUCTION AND EXPORT-ORIENTED GOODS DRIVES MANUFACTURING GROWTH

In partnership with the National Economic and Development Authority, the Metro Manila Development Authority committed to aligning its development plan for NCR with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017–2022. This comes after an executive briefing this week regarding the PDP with the MMDA and planning officers of local government units in NCR to implement the continue reading : MMDA TO ALIGN NCR DEV’T PLAN WITH PDP

MANILA – The National Economic and Development Authority projects the moderate inflation rate registered in the first six months of 2017 to continue for the rest of the year. This is following a report released by NEDA-attached agency Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) stating that headline inflation further slowed to 2.8 percent in June 2017 from 3.1 percent continue reading : Stable inflation to continue for rest of 2017

The National Economic and Development Authority highlighted the importance of disaster preparedness as it participated in the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on Thursday. The NSED is part of the Bida Ang Handa campaign of the Office of Civil Defense to promote the conduct of regular exercises in time for disasters and calamities. During the continue reading : DISASTER PREPAREDNESS VITAL IN ACHIEVING RESILIENCY – NEDA

A National Transport Policy (NTP) was adopted by the National Economic and Development Authority Board at Malacanang yesterday that aims to unify all transport-related projects in the country. In particular, the policy will synchronize decisions and investments of all transport-related agencies and better coordinate such efforts between the national and local levels. The NTP envisions a continue reading : NEDA Board approves National Transport Policy, 11 projects

June 20, 2017 NEDA: ENVIRONMENT HEALTH CRITICAL TO ECONOMIC GROWTH MANILA –  Celebrating Philippine Environment Month, the National Economic and Development Authority pushed for stronger policies for environmental protection in a tree planting event last Friday. The month of June is declared Philippine Environment Month by virtue of Proclamation No. 237 signed in 1988 by continue reading : NEDA: Environment health critical to economic growth

In an effort to promote energy development in the country, the National Economic and Development Authority encouraged the private sector to support the government in meeting the growing demand for energy and bringing down the cost of electricity. During the MERALCO Planning Inputs Cascade Session last June 8, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said continue reading : NEDA TO PRIVATE SECTOR: LOWER COST OF ELECTRICITY WHILE MEETING DEMAND

The National Economic and Development Authority is optimistic of the country’s trade performance for the rest of the year considering thriving exports and trade linkages, especially to Europe and East Asia. NEDA-attached agency, the Philippine Statistics Authority, reported that total trade grew to USD11.7 billion in April 2017, with the 12.1 percent growth in exports offsetting the 0.1 percent continue reading : EU, ASIA REMAIN TOP PH EXPORTS MARKETS

MANILA – The National Economic and Development Authority said that manufacturing output forecasts remain positive despite slower growth in April 2017. The three-month moving average growth rate in the Volume of Production Index (VoPI) at 9.7 percent and Value of Production Index (VaPI) at 8.2 percent reflected the robust performance of the sector. In the continue reading : MANUFACTURING OUTLOOK REMAINS POSITIVE

June 9, 2017 The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) stressed that sustaining employment figures, while improving related services, is crucial to meeting the government’s key targets in the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022. In particular, the decreasing unemployment rate must be sustained together with higher job creation to reduce unemployment to around 3 percent by continue reading : IMPROVEMENTS IN EMPLOYMENT MUST BE SUSTAINED TO MEET PDP TARGETS – NEDA

The Philippines welcomed the offer of the Korean Government to finance key infrastructure programs of the country, increasing prospects to implement projects under the Philippine Development Plan 2017–2022. From May 29 to June 1, the Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM) met with selected agencies of the Philippine government to discuss possible projects that may form continue reading : PH WELCOMES KOREA’S OFFER TO FINANCE INFRA PROJECTS

June 7, 2017   The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board’s Investment Coordination Committee (ICC), in its joint ICC-Technical Board and Cabinet Committee meeting on June 1, 2017, approved the Mindanao Railway Project’s (MRP) Tagum-Davao-Digos (MRP-TDD) segment and two other rail projects of the Department of Transportation (DOTr). In approving these projects, the ICC continue reading : NEDA-ICC APPROVES MINDANAO RAILWAY, THREE INFRA PROJECTS FOR APPROVAL

The direction to implement the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022, the blueprint for the country’s development under the Duterte administration, now takes effect through Executive Order No. 27, signed by the President on June 1, 2017. The EO directs “all departments, offices and instrumentalities of the national government, including government-owned and –controlled corporations, and the local government continue reading : MALACANANG ORDERS IMPLEMENTATION OF PH DEV’T PLAN

06 June 2017 MANILA – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) states that the slower inflation rate in May 2017 bodes well for the country’s economy in the near term.  The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), an attached agency of the NEDA, reported that headline inflation eased to 3.1 percent in May 2017 from 3.4 continue reading : Inflation eases in May 2017, bodes well for PH economy

OPENING REMARKS ERNESTO M. PERNIA Socioeconomic Planning Secretary AKSYON PARA SA AMBISYON: Philippine Development Plan Expo SMX Convention Center, Pasay City June 2, 2017   Fellow workers and friends from the government and the private sector, development partners, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. Welcome to Aksyon para sa AmBisyon. In November last year, we were continue reading : Opening Remarks of Socioeconomic Planning Secretary at the Aksyon Para Sa Ambisyon: Philippine Development Plan Expo

27 May 2017, Cancun, Mexico – The Philippine Government took an active role in the discussion on the design of the Sendai Framework Monitor, the reporting mechanism that is being developed to assist member states in measuring their progress in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. Assistant Secretary Mercedita Sombilla continue reading : PH LEADS DISCUSSION ON THE SENDAI FRAMEWORK MONITORING PROTOTYPE

The National Economic and Development Authority launched the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022, the blueprint for the country’s development under the Duterte Administration, in Pasay City, Friday. Over 500 people from the public and private sectors attended the event, titled Aksyon para sa AmBisyon: The Philippine Development Plan Expo. The PDP 2017–2022 largely stems from continue reading : ​​​NEDA LAUNCHES THE PHILIPPINE DEVELOPMENT PLAN​

Presentation on the Official Development Assistance and Public Private Partnership in Financing Public Infrastructure by NEDA Undersecretary Rolando G. Tungpalan Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) General Membership Meeting May 30, 2017; Makati Shangri-la Members of the Management Association of the Philippines, good afternoon. Let me thank the MAP for this opportunity to shed light continue reading : Presentation on the Official Development Assistance and Public Private Partnership in Financing Public Infrastructure by NEDA Undersecretary Rolando G. Tungpalan

NEDA acknowledges the seriousness of the crisis situation in Lanao del Sur centered in and around Marawi City. We trust the President and his security officials to do what has to be done to restore peace and order and protect our fellow Filipinos in the South. The effect on the economy of the martial law continue reading : NEDA Statement on Martial Law in Mindanao

STATEMENT ERNESTO M. PERNIA Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Press Conference on the Performance of the Philippine Economy for First Quarter 2017 May 18, 2017; 10:00 am Astoria Plaza, Ortigas Center Salutations… The Philippines remains one of the strongest performers among major emerging economies in Asia. It grew 6.4 percent in the first quarter of 2017, overtaking continue reading : Statement of Socioeconomic Planning Secretary on the 2017 Q1 Performance of the Philippine Economy

A long-term planning approach is crucial to effective development planning according to the National Economic and Development Authority. This was the key message of Undersecretary for Planning and Policy Rosemarie Edillon late last month in a speech given at the ASEAN Ministers’ Workshop 2017 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals continue reading : Long-term planning key to sustainable growth – NEDA

Ladies and gentlemen: The National Economic and Development Authority, or NEDA, is the premier development and socioeconomic planning agency of the Philippines. We are pleased to share with you the country’s strategic development framework provided in our Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022, which highlights infrastructure development acceleration as among its bedrock strategies for high and sustained continue reading : Remarks by Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia during the World Economic Forum on ASEAN 2017 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

The National Economic and Development Authority recorded a 22.7-percent growth in trade March this year, following notable progress in exports and imports. NEDA-attached agency Philippine Statistics Authority reported that total trade grew to USD13.5 billion, with imports and exports growing 24 percent and 21 percent, respectively. “Philippine trade during the first quarter of this year continue reading : PH TRADE CONTINUES DOUBLE-DIGIT GROWTH IN MARCH 2017

The National Economic and Development Authority reports that the manufacturing sector grew in March 2017 following the increased production in petroleum products, food, and transport equipment. NEDA-attached agency Philippine Statistics Authority released its Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (MISSI) showing that the Volume of Production Index (VoPI) for manufacturing grew by 11.1 percent in continue reading : MANUFACTURING STRENGTHENS FURTHER IN MARCH 2017

MANILA – Slower price adjustments in electricity and gas and slightly higher prices of food commodities kept inflation at the same rate as with the previous month at 3.4 percent in April 2017, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). This inflation rate is slightly below the median market expectation of 3.5 percent continue reading : Inflation remains at 3.4 percent in April 2017

May 2, 2017 A total of 1,313 region-specific infrastructure projects amounting to PhP157.44 billion included in the Three-Year Rolling Infrastructure Program (TRIP) 2018-2020 will be rolling out in the next three years in the five regions that have the highest poverty rates. “This is in line with the country’s National Spatial Strategy in the Philippine continue reading : PHP157.4-B INFRA PROJECTS TO ROLL OUT IN POOREST PH REGIONS

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) convened the heads of its regional offices and technical staffs to formulate a sustainable development roadmap for the Philippines that streamlines both national and regional development plans. “The government aims to bring development planning to the next level by considering the interplay of economy, society, and environment,” said continue reading : NEDA PUSHES FOR PH SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ROADMAP

Double-digit growth in exports and imports pushed up total merchandise trade of the Philippines by 16.1 percent, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). Based on the Philippines Statistics Authority’s report, total trade grew to USD11.3 billion backed by imports growing by 20.3 percent and exports growing by 11 percent, recording its second continue reading : STRONG EXPORTS, IMPORTS DRIVE TRADE GROWTH IN FEBRUARY 2017

The manufacturing sector grew stronger in February 2017 due to the upsurge in production of petroleum products, food, basic metals, and transport equipment, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority’s Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (MISSI) reports that the Volume of Production Index (VoPI) for manufacturing grew by continue reading : MANUFACTURING GROWS STRONGER IN FEBRUARY 2017

Inflation in March 2017 rose to 3.4 percent from 3.3 percent in the previous month due to higher prices of electricity, gas and other fuels, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The first three months of 2017 saw the Philippine’s inflation rate trending upwards, partly due to recent hikes in food and continue reading : Higher electricity, gas prices push up inflation in March 2017

With the government aiming for sustained economic growth of 7 to 8 percent in the medium term, there is a need to pay attention to the country’s natural resources and how they are used and managed, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “We want to ensure that our pursuit of economic growth continue reading : NEDA UNDERSCORES IMPORTANCE OF NATURAL CAPITAL ACCOUNTING IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

OPENING REMARKS SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY ERNESTO M. PERNIA National Economic and Development Authority Signing of the Grant Agreement for the Project for Improvement of Equipment for Power Distribution in Bangsamoro Area NEDA Executive Lounge March 30, 2017, 10:30 AM JICA Chief Representative Susumu Ito, Colleagues from the National Electrification Administration, the Office of the Presidential continue reading : Opening remarks of Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia during the PH-Japan Signing of the Grant Agreement for Power Distribution in the Bangsamoro

March 23, 2017 MANILA – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Investment Coordination Committee–Cabinet Committee (ICC-CC) approved on March 21, 2017 the scope revisions of two transport projects, change in financing mode of one irrigation project, and one water supply project. It also endorsed the approval of a new cost threshold for projects for continue reading : NEDA ICC-CC approves changes for 4 projects, new project cost threshold

March 23, 2017 ILOILO CITY – Delegates from ASEAN member countries stressed the importance of regional cooperation in maintaining and improving good regulatory practices within and among nations. This was conveyed during the third ASEAN-OECD Good Regulatory Practice Network (GRPN) meeting, hosted by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and co-chaired by the governments continue reading : ASEAN members highlight regional cooperation in improving regulatory environment

March 16, 2017 MANILA – Rights of women, children, indigenous peoples, and people with disabilities were underscored during the dissemination forum on the results of the constructive dialogue between the Philippines and the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (UNCESCR). The forum held on March 6, 2017, organized by the National Economic continue reading : HUMAN RIGHTS ACTION PLAN TO BE CRAFTED IN PH

March 14, 2017 CLOSING REMARKS ERNESTO M. PERNIA Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director-General 3rd ASEAN-OECD Good Regulatory Practice Network Meeting “Fostering Connectivity and Regional Competitiveness through Good Regulatory Practices” March 14, 2017 Iloilo Convention Center, Iloilo City   Honorable heads of delegations Distinguished delegates and participants, Good afternoon. I trust that this exercise and continue reading : Closing Remarks of Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia during Day 1 of the 3rd ASEAN-OECD GRPN Meeting

March 14, 2017 WELCOME REMARKS ERNESTO M. PERNIA Socioeconomic Planning Secretary 3rd ASEAN-OECD Good Regulatory Practice Network Meeting “Fostering Connectivity and Regional Competitiveness through Good Regulatory Practices” March 14-16 2017 Iloilo Convention Center, Iloilo City   Mr. Mark Steel, Mr. Datu Jayasiri Jayasena, Mr. Faisal Naru, Ms. Celine Kauffman, Distinguished delegates, Esteemed participants, Ladies and continue reading : Welcome Remarks of Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia during the 3rd ASEAN-OECD Good Regulatory Practice Network Meeting

MANILA – The number of employed Filipinos decreased in January 2017, partly due to the recent typhoons that affected the agriculture sector, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The January 2017 Labor Force Survey (LFS) of the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that the country’s employment rate declined to 93.4 from 94.3 percent continue reading : AGRI SECTOR LOSS LEADS TO EMPLOYMENT DECLINE IN JANUARY 2017

Total Philippine trade grew by 14.2 percent in January 2017 backed by the surge in export receipts from most of the country’s traditional markets, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). Based on a report by the Philippine Statistics Authority, total trade grew to US$12.6 billion in January 2017, with imports growing by continue reading : RECOVERY OF EXPORTS BOOST TRADE IN JANUARY 2017

Increased production of basic metals, transport equipment, petroleum products and food manufactures continued to drive manufacturing output in January 2017, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority’s Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (MISSI) reports that the Volume of Production Index (VoPI) for manufacturing grew by 9.3 percent in continue reading : MANUFACTURING OUTLOOK REMAINS STRONG IN Q1 2017

March 8, 2017   WELCOME REMARKS Philippine Launch of the Socioeconomic Resilience Assessment Methodology and the Global Report “Unbreakable: Building Resilience of the Poor in the Face of Natural Disasters” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia Delivered by: Undersecretary Adoracion Navarro National Economic and Development Authority March 7, 2017 Discovery Suites Manila, Ortigas Center, Pasig continue reading : Welcome Remarks during the Philippine Launch of the Socioeconomic Resilience Assessment Methodology and the Global Report

MANILA – Inflation in February 2017 rose to 3.3 percent from 2.7 percent in the previous month due to upward price adjustments in both food and non-food items, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “The inflation outlook for 2017 remains within the government’s target of 2.0 to 4.0 percent. However, risks to continue reading : INFLATION RISES BUT WITHIN PH TARGET IN FEBRUARY 2017

February 21, 2017 MANILA – During its third meeting under the administration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board officially approved the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 on February 20, 2017 at Malacanan Palace. The Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022 is the first medium-term plan to be anchored on a continue reading : NEDA Board approves Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022

MANILA – Manufacturing output posted double-digit growth in both December 2016 and full-year 2016 due to increase in production of petroleum products, food manufactures, and transport equipment, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). Based on the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (MISSI) for December 2016, the Volume of continue reading : Manufacturing scores double-digit growth in 2016

Philippine merchandise trade in 2016 grew 5.8 percent from 2015, backed by double-digit growth of imports that offset exports decline, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). Based on a report by the Philippine Statistics Authority, the full-year 2016 total trade reached US$137.4B, with the 14.2-growth in imports mitigating the 4.4 percent decline continue reading : PH trade growth up in 2016 on strong imports

​February 9, 2017 MANILA – In a joint position paper, the economic managers of the Philippine government recommended fully funding the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) as a better alternative to the proposed legislations on free tuition for all undergraduate students in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs). According to Socioeconomic Planning continue reading : PH ECON MANAGERS RECOMMEND ALTERNATIVE TO ‘ACROSS-THE-BOARD’ FREE TUITION POLICY PROPOSAL

MANILA – Inflation in January 2017 slightly rose to 2.7 percent from 2.6 percent in the previous month, due to upward price movements in non-food items, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). Higher price adjustments in the heavily-weighted housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels pushed up overall inflation. These non-food items continue reading : INFLATION SLIGHTLY UP DESPITE LOWER FOOD PRICES IN JANUARY 2017

STATEMENT ERNESTO M. PERNIA Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Press Conference on the Performance of the Philippine Economy for Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2016 26 January 2017, 10:00 am Astoria Plaza, Ortigas Center   Friends from the media, Colleagues in government, Ladies and gentlemen, Good morning. The 6.6 percent growth in the last quarter of 2016, backed continue reading : Statement of Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia’s on the Performance of the Philippine Economy for the Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2016

MANILA – The comprehensive blueprint for integrated development of the country in the next six years will be released to the public within February 2017, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). In its third meeting on January 17, members of the Plan Steering Committee consisting of several cabinet members had a day-long continue reading : PDP 2017-2022 moves closer to finalization

MANILA – Backed by strong growth in imports, the total merchandise trade grew by 7.3 percent in November 2016, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). Based on a report by the Philippine Statistics Authority, total trade grew to US$12.0 billion in November 2016, with imports growing by 19.7 percent and mitigating the continue reading : Strong domestic demand drives trade growth in November 2016

MANILA – Manufacturing output continued to show strong growth in November 2016 due to higher production of petroleum products, transport equipment, and food, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority’s Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (MISSI) for November 2016 showed that the Volume of Production Index for manufacturing continue reading : Manufacturing maintains strong growth in November 2016

MANILA – Inflation in December 2016 slightly rose to 2.6 percent from 2.5 percent in the previous month, bringing full-year 2016 inflation to 1.8 percent, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “The uptick in inflation last month was caused by price increases partly due to the holiday season and supply constraints on continue reading : HOLIDAY SEASON PUSHES INFLATION UP IN DECEMBER 2016

STATEMENT ERNESTO M. PERNIA Socioeconomic Planning Secretary 2016 NEDA Year-end Media Briefing 15 December 2016, 11:00 am NEDA Board Room, Pasig City To our friends from the media, colleagues in NEDA, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to the NEDA Year-end Briefing, I am very happy to see you all today as we gather to continue reading : STATEMENT OF SECRETARY PERNIA AT THE 2016 NEDA YEAR-END MEDIA BRIEFING

MANILA – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Land Use Committee (NLUC) reconvened on November 29, 2016 and agreed to review the National Spatial Strategy (NSS), among other current land use policy concerns. The NSS is the core strategy of the National Physical Framework Plan (NPFP) 2016-2045, which intends to guide sub-national physical and continue reading : NEDA Board Committee on land use to review National Spatial Strategy

MANILA –Total merchandise trade grew by 5 percent in October 2016, supported by growth in both imports and exports, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). Based on a report by the Philippine Statistics Authority, total trade grew to US$11.7 billion in October 2016, with imports growing by 5.9 percent and exports, 3.7 continue reading : PH trade keeps growth steady in October 2016

MANILA — Manufacturing output continued its rapid growth in October 2016 due to higher production of petroleum products, non-electrical machineries, and transport equipment, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “In order to support the manufacturing sector’s continued growth, the government efforts to improve the business climate must be sustained,” said Socioeconomic Planning continue reading : MANUFACTURING SUSTAINS GROWTH IN OCTOBER 2016

MANILA – Inflation in November 2016 slightly rose to 2.5 percent from 2.3 percent in the previous month, due to the increase in the prices of major non-food commodities, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “The increase in inflation can be attributed to the increase in domestic prices of petrol products, which continue reading : SURGE IN UTILITY PRICES PUSHES INFLATION UP IN NOVEMBER 2016

KEYNOTE ADDRESS ERNESTO M. PERNIA Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Director-General, National Economic and Development Authority   6th Monitoring and Evaluation Network Philippines Forum Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, Ortigas December 06, 2016   Good day and greetings to everyone. To our colleagues in government, from the legislative and executive branches, providers of development cooperation, partners from the continue reading : Keynote Address of Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia during the 6th M&E Network Philippines Forum

MANILA – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has started the crafting and consultations for the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022, which is targeted to be released in early 2017. The PDP 2017-2022 will be the first medium-term development plan that is anchored on a long-term vision. It is the  first of the four continue reading : Next PH Development Plan to focus on long term aspirations of Filipinos

November 18, 2016 Unbundling of approved airport projects, ICC guidelines for China-assisted projects gets nod MANILA – In its second meeting under the administration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board confirmed the approval of eight projects on November 14, 2016. “In our move towards reinvigorating the agricultural and continue reading : NEDA Board approves eight projects on agri, rural development, transportation

STATEMENT UNDERSECRETARY FOR POLICY AND PLANNING ROSEMARIE G. EDILLON Delivered by Director Reynaldo Cancio, NEDA National Policy and Planning Staff Press Conference on the 2016 Q3 Performance of the Philippine Economy The Heritage Hotel, Manila November 17, 2016 Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and all of media present today. We are pleased that the Philippine continue reading : Statement on the Q3 Performance of the Philippine Economy

MANILA — The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) will be conducting the AmBisyon Natin 2040 Expo on November 15, 2016 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, Manila. “The AmBisyon Natin 2040 Expo will be the biggest culminating activity of the Philippine Long-term Vision. The event’s theme, AmBisyon Mo, Misyon Nating Lahat, communicates that continue reading : NEDA set to conduct AmBisyon Natin 2040 Expo

Total merchandise trade grew by 9.8 percent in September 2016, pulled by the recovery of exports growth to positive territory, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). Based on a report by the Philippine Statistics Authority, total trade grew to US$12.3 billion in September 2016 from US$11.8 billion in August 2016. Imports grew continue reading : EXPORTS RECOVER, DRIVE TOTAL TRADE GROWTH

MANILA – Inflation in October 2016 remained stable at 2.3 percent as in the previous month, according to the National Economic and Development Authority. “The steady inflation rate in October is due to slower increases in prices of health commodities, and alcoholic beverages and tobacco,” said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia. He added that continue reading : Inflation steadies in October 2016

02 November 2016 GENEVA – The Philippine government detailed to a United Nations (UN) committee its ongoing and planned programs as part of the administration’s campaign against illegal drugs. “We must first recognize that there is popular support for the President’s campaign against illegal drugs as reflected in his decisive win at the polls in continue reading : PH to spend more on drug rehabilitation, gov’t tells UN body

STATEMENT ON FULL YEAR 2015 OFFICIAL POVERTY STATISTICS NEDA DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL ROSEMARIE G. EDILLON as delivered by Dir. Reynaldo R. Cancio of NEDA National Policy and Planning Staff 27 October 2016, 10:00 AM Philippine Statistics Authority, CVEA Building, East Avenue, Quezon City, 1101           Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, members of the continue reading : STATEMENT ON FULL YEAR 2015 OFFICIAL POVERTY STATISTICS as delivered by Dir. Reynaldo R. Cancio of NEDA

25 October 2016 GENEVA — The Philippine government bared its efforts to address mining issues, preserve cultural diversity, and uphold the rights of indigenous peoples, children, women and workers, during a dialogue with the United Nations (UN) Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights last September 2016. According to National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) continue reading : PH bares efforts to address irresponsible mining, protect vulnerable groups, to UN body

STATEMENT OF THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMIC TEAM ON REGIONAL ECONOMIC RE-BALANCING FOR CLOSER INTEGRATION IN ASIA China Trade and Investment Forum, Great Hall of the People Beijing, China 20 October 2016 President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and his Cabinet will move strongly and swiftly towards regional economic re-balancing for closer integration in Asia. This is why the continue reading : STATEMENT OF THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMIC TEAM ON REGIONAL ECONOMIC RE BALANCING FOR CLOSER INTEGRATION IN ASIA

19 October 2016 MANILA — The National Economic and Development Authority, together with the Department of Finance, Department of Budget and Management, and the Department of Trade and Industry, stood against the Php125.00 across-the-board (ATB) wage increase for workers in the private sector, saying it could worsen inequality across regions. The Php125.00 ATB daily wage continue reading : ACROSS-THE-BOARD WAGE HIKE COULD WORSEN INEQUALITY —NEDA

11 October 2016 MANILA – Manufacturing sector output continued to grow in August 2016 due to sustained production of capital goods and growth in volume of export-oriented products, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “Manufacturing output sustaining positive growth despite the weak global economy is driven by the increase in new orders continue reading : Manufacturing sustains growth in August 2016

  11 October 2016 MANILA – Total merchandise trade grew by 4.7 percent in August 2016, rebounding from the previous month’s 6.6 percent decline, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). Based on a report by the Philippine Statistics Authority, total trade grew to US$11.8 billion in August 2016 from US$11.4 billion in continue reading : Merchandise trade recovers in August 2016

05 October 2016 MANILA – Inflation in September 2016 rose to 2.3 percent from 1.8 percent in the previous month, due to faster upward increase in food and non-food prices, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “The increase in inflation can be attributed to the decline in production since August and the continue reading : Inflation accelerates in September 2016

MESSAGE ERNESTO M. PERNIA Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Director-General, National Economic and Development Authority   13th National Convention on Statistics EDSA Shangri la, Mandaluyong City October 3-4, 2016     Dr. Lisa Bersales of the Philippine Statistics Authority, Dr. Johannes Jutting of PARIS21 and our other development partners, Colleagues in government, Members of the academia, Friends continue reading : Message of Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia during the 13th National Convention on Statistics

In its September 28 meeting, the Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CabCom) approved seven projects, six of which are regional projects seen to disperse development and re-balance national economic growth to the regions. “These projects will ensure the realization of the Duterte administration’s goals to reduce poverty and inequality by focusing on regional, rural, and agricultural continue reading : ICC CABCOM ENDORSES REGIONAL PROJECTS TO NEDA BOARD

NEW YORK CITY –The Philippines reaffirmed its commitments to address the multidimensional aspects of poverty, to implement the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as to protect the rights of migrants, during the 71st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) last September 18-23 in New York City. During the high-level side event on “measuring and tackling poverty continue reading : PH reaffirms commitments on poverty reduction, SDGs, and migrant rights at UN general assembly

MANILA –In its first meeting under the administration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board confirmed approvals of nine projects, amounting to an estimated total cost of PhP171.14 billion, on September 14, 2016. “Once implemented and completed, these approved projects will help attain our medium- and long-term development goals continue reading : NEDA Board approves nine projects in first meeting: Changes in the Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) review policies also green-lighted

MANILA- The total merchandise trade declined as exports continue to slide in July 2016, given that global economic recovery remains slow, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that total revenue from trade fell from US$ 12.2 billion in the previous year to US$11.4 billion in July continue reading : Exports decline pulls down total trade in July 2016

MANILA— Production of transport equipment, construction-related goods, and food pushed the manufacturing sector to another strong growth in July 2016, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “The upbeat private consumption and investments continued to drive manufacturing growth. This growth shows that our economy has remained resilient to the continuing weakness in global continue reading : Manufacturing sustains strong growth in July 2016

MANILA –With faster and improved quality of economic growth, the Philippine labor market continues to show vibrancy as unemployment and underemployment rates fell in July 2016, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). According to the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Labor Force Survey (LFS) for July 2016, the employment rate rose to 94.6 percent continue reading : Vibrant labor market accompanies GDP growth

KEYNOTE MESSAGE ERNESTO M. PERNIA Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Director-General, National Economic and Development Authority Smart Agriculture Forum 2016: Food Security Challenges in the Face of Climate Change and ASEAN Integration “Increasing Investments in Agriculture” SMX Convention Center, Pasay City 08 September 2016   First off, thanks to the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines continue reading : Keynote Message of Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia at the Smart Agriculture Forum

KEYNOTE MESSAGE ERNESTO M. PERNIA Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Director-General, National Economic and Development Authority Philippine Energy and Infrastructure Finance Forum “The new government’s plans for infrastructure development in the Philippines” Fairmont Hotel, Makati City 07 September 2016 | 9:00am – 4:00pm     Tony Shale and Jason Coles of the Euromoney Institutional Investor Group, Secretary continue reading : Keynote Message of Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia at the Philippine Energy and Infrastructure Finance Forum

Inflation in August 2016 slowed to 1.8 percent from 1.9 percent in the previous month, due to slower adjustments in food prices, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “The relatively low and manageable inflation environment during the first eight months of 2016 is expected to continue for the rest of the year continue reading : LOWER FOOD PRICES SLOW DOWN INFLATION IN AUGUST 2016

MANILA— The Philippines was Asia’s consistent top imports performer for the first half of 2016 as the country’s merchandise imports grew by 15.4 percent in June, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “This performance shows the strength of domestic demand in the country particularly in consumption and investment, as reflected by the continue reading : PH imports performance tops Asia for first half of 2016

Good morning to all members of the media. I am pleased to have this opportunity to report on the accomplishments of our agency, the National Economic and Development Authority, over the first 50 days under the administration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte. Guided by the 0+10 agenda of the President, we are carrying on with continue reading : Statement of Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia on NEDA’s First 50 Days under the Duterte Administration

STATEMENT ERNESTO M. PERNIA Socioeconomic Planning Secretary NEDA Director-General Press Conference on the 2016 Q2 Performance of the Philippine Economy SMX Convention Center Rooms 4 and 5, Agdao, Davao City 18 August 2016, 10:00 AM Ladies and gentlemen, members of the media, colleagues in government, good morning. The 7-percent growth in the second quarter of continue reading : Statement of Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia on the 2016 Second Quarter Performance of the Economy

The Philippine post-2015 development agenda is based on five pillars which aim to build a rights-based, equitable and sustainable society, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). Following a series of national consultations and technical workshops on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) indicators, the country’s priorities were identified as the following: 1.) Poverty continue reading : PH IDENTIFIES PRIORITIES FOR POST-2015 DEV’T AGENDA, NEXT STEPS

MANILA — Government planning, programming, budgeting, and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) is seen to improve with the Public Investment Program Online (PIPOL) system, a new online database for government projects submitted for inclusion in the Core Investment Programs and Projects (CIP) of the Public Investment Program (PIP) and the Three-Year Rolling Infrastructure Program (TRIP), according continue reading : NEDA launches PIPOL system

Weak demand from major export markets pulled down exports by 11.4 percent in June 2016, its 15th consecutive month of decline, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that total revenue from Philippine exports fell from US$ 5.4 billion in the previous year to US$4.8 billion in continue reading : IMPROVING INDUSTRY COMPETITIVENESS NEEDED TO OVERCOME EXPORTS DECLINE – NEDA

MANILA— The country’s manufacturing sector posted strong growth in the first half of 2016, as production of construction-related manufactures recovered in June 2016, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). In the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries for June 2016, the Volume of Production Index (VoPI) grew by 8.5 continue reading : Construction-related production boosts manufacturing in June 2016

Inflation in July 2016 remained stable at 1.9 percent and is expected to be manageable for the rest of the year, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “The steady inflation in July is due to slower increases in food prices, which were able to offset higher electricity charges,” said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary continue reading : INFLATION REMAINS STABLE IN JULY 2016

In its first meeting under President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s administration, the Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CabCom) recommended 10 projects for NEDA Board approval. “These recommended projects are a good start towards the government’s goal of improving government investments in infrastructure, especially in transportation and health, and agribusiness. We are optimistic that these projects will significantly continue reading : ICC-CABCOM ENDORSES 10 PROJECTS FOR NEDA BOARD ACTION

The consistent concentration of growth from three regions reveal the need to address inequality in the distribution of development within the country, according to the Natnal Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the National Capital Region (NCR) remains the top contributor to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from 2010-2015 continue reading : LAGGING REGIONS NEED TO CATCH UP- NEDA

The government’s Accelerated and Sustainable Anti-Poverty Program (ASAPP) is giving a boost to the local coffee industry in Tuburan, Cebu as government agencies, LGUs, and private enterprises collaborate to expand production and markets of coffee growers in the area. Launched in 2015, ASAPP aims to ensure that poverty reduction programs are focused, well targeted, and continue reading : Anti-Poverty Program Boosts Cebu Coffee-Growing Industry

The increase in local demand for capital and consumer goods drove imports growth by 39.3 percent year-on-year in May 2016, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the total payments for imported goods reached US$6.7 billion in May 2016 from US$4.8 billion in the same period. continue reading : STRONG DEMAND CONTINUES TO BOOST IMPORTS GROWTH IN MAY 2016

The country’s manufacturing output declined in May, a first for 2016, owing to a significant drop in leather, chemical, and petroleum products production, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). In the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries for May 2016, the Volume of Production Index (VoPI) declined by 1.2 continue reading : Manufacturing slightly declines in May 2016

Philippine exports continued to dip for the fourteenth consecutive month in May 2016 due to weak global demand, prompting a need to refocus export strategies of firms, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority released that exports declined by 3.8 percent year-on-year in May 2016 to US$4.7 billion as continue reading : NEDA urges refocusing of export strategies to ease decline

Inflation in June 2016 rose to 1.9 percent from 1.6 percent in the previous month due to increases in food and non-food prices, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). This is within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ forecast of 1.5-2.4 percent for June 2016 and the median market expectation of 1.9 percent. continue reading : Lingering effects of El Niño push up inflation in June 2016

The exit of the United Kingdom (UK) from the European Union (EU), also known as Brexit, has minimal direct effect on the Philippine economy due to strong macroeconomic fundamentals, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “The direct effect of Brexit does not seem substantial, even as we expect that domestic financial markets continue reading : Brexit effect minimal for PH economy – NEDA

The Japanese government and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) recently discussed Japan’s offer of support for the institutionalization of urban infrastructure planning and formulation in Davao City with its outgoing mayor and President-elect Rodrigo R. Duterte. Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Mr. Kazuhide Ishikawa and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Chief Representative Susumu continue reading : NEDA, JICA discuss Davao Infra Dev’t project with incoming President Duterte

Philippine imports grew by 29.2 percent from a year ago in April 2016, due to double-digit growth in purchases of capital goods, raw materials and intermediate goods, and consumer goods, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that Philippine imports grew to US$6.5 billion in April 2016 continue reading : Imports growth in April 2016 shows strong business, consumer confidence

Following an earlier kick-off event in Dumaguete City in the Visayas, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is set to hold its second regional knowledge sharing and stakeholder consultation for AmBisyon Natin 2040 in Cagayan De Oro City. “We want to create a sense of ownership for AmBisyon Natin 2040, by giving the Filipino continue reading : NEDA CONTINUES AMBISYON NATIN 2040 STAKEHOLDER FORUM IN MINDANAO

OPENING REMARKS SECRETARY EMMANUEL F. ESGUERRA Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director-General PARTNERSHIP FOR ECONOMIC POLICY (PEP) NETWORK ANNUAL CONFERENCE Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati City June 8, 2016 Dr. Mustapha Nabli, Dr. Arjan de Haan, Dr. Tereso Tullao, Jr., Dr. Celia Reyes, fellow workers from government, colleagues, development partners, members of the academe, distinguished guests, friends, continue reading : Message of Secretary Emmanuel F. Esguerra at the Partnership for Economic Policy Network Annual Conference

Inflation in May 2016 accelerated to 1.6 percent from 1.1 percent in the previous month as both food and non-food prices picked up in the period, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “The increase in inflation can be attributed to higher demand due to election spending and partly to supply constraints in continue reading : ​ELECTION SPENDING, EL NIÑO PUSH INFLATION UP IN MAY 2016

Continued demand for capital and consumer goods drove imports growth of 11.7 percent in March 2016, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that imports reached US$6.4 billion from US$5.7 billion in the same period. This is on account of higher purchases of capital goods at 24.1 percent continue reading : STRONG DOMESTIC DEMAND BOOSTS IMPORTS IN MARCH 2016

STATEMENT EMMANUEL F. ESGUERRA Socioeconomic Planning Secretary NEDA Director-General Press Conference on the 2016 Q1 Performance of the Philippine Economy Destiny Function Room, Elements at Eton Centris Building, EDSA, Quezon City 19 May 2016, 10:00 AM Ladies and gentlemen, members of the media, colleagues in government, good morning. The 6.9-percent growth in the first quarter continue reading : Statement of Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Emmanuel Esguerra on the 2016 Q1 Performance of the Philippine Economy

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has started conducting multi-stakeholder workshops to prepare for the next series of consultations on the national Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the next Philippine Development Plan (PDP). Together with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), NEDA conducted its second technical workshop on continue reading : NEDA kicks off preparation for national SDGs consultations

The Philippines needs to look at non-traditional export destinations and products to widen its market base as the weak global economy continues to pull down the country’s merchandise exports, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that total export earnings declined by 15.1 percent in March 2016. continue reading : NEDA urges tapping of new destinations, products to overcome exports decline

The manufacturing sector’s output recorded a strong growth in the first quarter of the year despite the slow pace posted in March 2016, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). In the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries for March 2016, the Volume of Production Index (VoPI) grew by 7.8 continue reading : Manufacturing sector posts strong growth in Q1 despite March 2016 slowdown

Inflation in April 2016 stayed the same at 1.1 percent as in the previous month, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “Price movements for major commodity groups remained unchanged, while the slight price increases in some commodities were offset by downward price adjustments in others,” said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Emmanuel F. Esguerra. continue reading : Inflation remains stable in April 2016

Higher purchases of capital and consumer goods pushed imports to grow by 1.2 percent in February 2016, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported today that total payments for imported goods rose to US$5.41 billion in February 2016 from US$5.35 billion in the same period last year. continue reading : Strong domestic demand drives imports growth in February 2016

To meet investment targets for public infrastructure, the Infrastructure Committee of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) approved the reinstitution of a three-year rolling infrastructure program in the national budget process starting 2017. The Three-Year Rolling Infrastructure Program or TRIP promotes the optimal use of public resources for infrastructure development by assuring fund allocation continue reading : Three-Year Rolling Infrastructure Program to ensure sustainability of well-developed programs, projects

The manufacturing sector continues to grow in February 2016 due to increased production of furniture, food products, and rubber, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). In the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries for February 2016, the Volume of Production Index (VoPI) grew by 8.4 percent, a turnaround from continue reading : Manufacturing sector sustains growth in February 2016

Global economic slowdown continued to strain Philippine merchandise exports which declined by 4.5 percent in February 2016, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that total export earnings reached US$4.3 billion in February 2016, from US$ 4.5 billion in the same month last year, due to decline continue reading : Weak global demand pulls down exports anew in February 2016

The Technical Working Group on the Roadmap to Address the Impact of El Nino or RAIN has just had its 5th meeting this morning and we would like to share with you highlights of the agencies’ reports on the implementation status of the action plan of the government’s El Niño Task Force. In retrospect, the continue reading : Statement of Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Emmanuel F. Esguerra on the status of the Roadmap to Address the Impact of El Niño (RAIN)

Inflation inched up to 1.1 percent in March 2016 from 0.9 percent in February due to slight increases in food and oil prices, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). Inflation in food items went up slightly to 1.6 percent in March 2016 from 1.5 percent in the previous month. This is due continue reading : Inflation inches up but remains low and stable in March 2016
Prices of rice, vegetables continue to decline despite El Niño

We would like to clarify recent media reports on NEDA’s statements on the latest poverty statistics released by the Philippine Statistics Authority on March 18, 2016. In a March 28, 2016 news of Inquirer.net, headlined “Binay camp slams NEDA over poverty statistics”, quoted me as saying during a press conference on the first semester 2015 continue reading : STATEMENT OF NEDA DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL ROSEMARIE G. EDILLON ON THE 1st SEMESTER 2015 POVERTY STATISTICS AND THE PANTAWID PAMILYANG PILIPINO PROGRAM

Imports bounced back to a positive and double-digit growth in January 2016 from its previous month’s decline with higher purchases of capital goods, raw materials and intermediate goods, and consumer goods, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported today that total payments for imported goods increased by continue reading : JANUARY IMPORTS RECORD HIGHEST GROWTH SINCE NOVEMBER 2010

STATEMENT Secretary of Socioeconomic Planning Emmanuel F. Esguerra Press Conference on the 2015 First Semester Official Poverty Statistics (As delivered by NEDA Deputy Director-General Rosemarie G. Edillon) 18 March 2016, 10:00 AM Elements at Centris, Quezon City Members of the media, my colleagues in government, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. As reported by the Philippine continue reading : STATEMENT OF SECRETARY EMMANUEL ESGUERRA AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE 2015 1ST SEMESTER OFFICIAL POVERTY STATISTICS

More jobs were generated for Filipinos in January 2016, which reflects the continued dynamism of the economy, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported today that the number of employed Filipinos grew by 2.0 percent to 39.2 million with an estimated 752,000 additional jobs created between January continue reading : UNEMPLOYMENT DOWN, MORE JOBS CREATED IN JANUARY 2016

Philippine exports fell by 3.9 percent in January 2016, with lower earnings from all major commodity groups, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that merchandise exports fell to US$4.2 billion in January 2016 from US$4.4 billion recorded in the same month last year. “The year 2016 continue reading : PH exports decline by 3.9 percent in January 2016

Growth in the manufacturing sector started strong in 2016 as production of chemical products and food manufactures expanded in January, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). In the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries for January 2016, the Volume of Production Index (VoPI) grew by 34.3 percent, nearly seven continue reading : Manufacturing sector marks strong growth in January 2016

KEYNOTE ADDRESS SECRETARY EMMANUEL F. ESGUERRA Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director-General 27th ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE LEAGUE OF LOCAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COORDINATORS OF THE PHILIPPINES, INC. (LLPDCPI) “The Role of Development Planners in Good Governance” Holiday Inn, Clark, Pampanga 8 March 2016, 9:00 AM   Mr. Roberto Dizon, National President of the LLPDCPI; continue reading : KEYNOTE SPEECH OF SECRETARY ESGUERRA AT THE 27TH ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE LEAGUE OF LOCAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COORDINATORS OF THE PHILIPPINES, INC. (LLPDCPI)

The continuous decline in global oil prices and slower price increase in food items slowed inflation at 0.9 percent in February 2016 from 1.3 percent in the previous month, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). This low inflation was largely due to downward price movements in transport, and electricity, gas and other continue reading : Low oil prices, ample food supply ease inflation in February 2016

Strong domestic demand and the growing investor confidence in the country will support Philippine imports growth in the near term despite the decline in December 2015, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the total payments for imported goods in the country declined by 25.8 percent continue reading : Strong domestic demand seen to boost imports growth despite December 2015 decline – NEDA

The manufacturing sector continued to grow in December 2015 as construction activity picks up and oil prices still drop, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). In the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries for December 2015, the Volume of Production Index (VoPI) grew by 4.9 percent, a steady push continue reading : Manufacturing sector continues to grow in December 2015

Philippine merchandise exports declined by 3.0 percent in December 2015 despite the double-digit increase in petroleum sales, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that total revenue from Philippine exports fell by US$143 million, reaching US$4.7 billion in December 2015 from US$4.8 billion in the same month continue reading : Exports decline despite recovery of petroleum sales in December 2015

Slower price adjustments in both food and non-food items pulled down inflation to 1.3 percent in January 2016 from 1.5 percent in the previous month, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). Inflation for the food subgroup slowed down as prices of fish, fruits, vegetables, milk, cheese, and eggs became stable. “Good weather continue reading : Lower food, non-food prices pull down inflation in January 2016

Tonight, the NEDA community joins the family, friends, and colleagues of former Secretary Cayetano “Dondon” Paderanga Jr. not so much to mourn his untimely loss but to celebrate his life. Dr. Paderanga was not only the country’s former chief economist and the agency’s head; he was also a dedicated professor who mentored not just his continue reading : Message on the passing of former Secretary Cayetano “Dondon” Paderanga Jr. as delivered by Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Emmanuel F. Esguerra

Malacañang recently signed the appointment of Deputy Director-General Emmanuel F. Esguerra as Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director-General. Esguerra replaces former NEDA chief Dr. Arsenio M. Balisacan who has been appointed by the President to head the newly established Philippine Competition Commission. “We will build on what the agency has accomplished under former Secretary continue reading : Esguerra is Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary, NEDA Chief

STATEMENT ARSENIO M. BALISACAN Economic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director-General Press Conference on the 2015 Fourth Quarter and Full-Year Performance of the Philippine Economy Destiny Function Room, Elements at Eton Centris Bldg., EDSA, Quezon City 28 January 2016, 10:00 AM Ladies and gentlemen, members of the media, my colleagues in government, good morning. The 6.3-percent continue reading : Statement of Secretary Balisacan on the 2015 Fourth Quarter and Full-Year Performance of the Philippine Economy

Philippine merchandise imports grew by 10.1 percent in November 2015 topping ten of its Asian peers, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that total payments for imported goods climbed to US$6.1 billion in November 2015, from US$5.5 billion that was recorded in the same period last continue reading : PH imports grow by 10.1 percent, tops Asian countries in November 2015

Economic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director-General Arsenio M. Balisacan resigned effective January 31, 2016 to head the newly-formed Philippine Competition Commission (PCC). “Taking on the job as the first chairperson of the PCC for me, is a very compelling challenge that is hard to ignore. I see this as both a great responsibility and another continue reading : Balisacan to head Philippine Competition Commission

MANILA –The Philippines must continuously invest in improving the country’s energy capacity to attain energy security that will allow the country to sustain its rapid growth and make it more inclusive, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “As we continue to strengthen and improve the nation’s institutions, develop the country’s infrastructure, promote continue reading : Energy security needed to sustain high growth – NEDA

  STATEMENT   ARSENIO M. BALISACAN Economic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director-General   2015 Human Development Report Launch 18 January 2016, 1:00 pm The Manila Peninsula, Makati City Mr. Fidel V. Ramos, former president of the Republic of the Philippines; Mr. Ola Almgren, Resident Coordinator and Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); Secretary Rosalinda continue reading : Statement of Secretary Balisacan at the 2015 Human Development Report Launch

WELCOME REMARKS SECRETARY ARSENIO M. BALISACAN Economic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director-General Energy Policy and Development Program (EPDP) Conference 2016 New World Hotel, Makati City 12 January 2016 To USAID Philippine Mission Director Susam Brems, Stanford University Professor Franz Wolak, Dr. Mark Rosegrant of the IFPRI, and Dr. James Roumasset of the University of Hawaii, continue reading : Welcome remarks of Secretary Balisacan at the 2016 EPDP Conference

MANILA – Growth in the manufacturing sector accelerated in November 2015, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). In the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries for November 2015, the Volume of Production Index (VoPI) grew by 7.5 percent, significantly faster than its 1.7-percent growth in the previous month. Also, continue reading : MANUFACTURING SECTOR GROWTH ACCELERATES IN NOVEMBER 2015

MANILA – Philippine exports of electronics products showed signs of recovery in November 2015 but overall merchandise exports posted a slight decline, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). As the weak global economy continues to affect Philippine exports, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that exports fell slightly to US$5.1 billion in continue reading : PH EXPORTS SLIGHTLY DECLINE IN NOVEMBER 2015

The year 2016 will be a year of transition, as we witness the end of one administration and usher in the beginning of a new one. Naturally, this period of transition will be fraught with challenges. As members of the country’s socioeconomic planning agency, we NEDAns are in a unique position to shape our nation’s continue reading : Home / News / Secretary Balisacan’s New Year message Secretary Balisacan’s New Year message

MANILA – As 2015 ends, the Philippine government – working closely with its development partners, the private sector and non-governmental organizations – continues to see steady progress in the Yolanda recovery and rehabilitation efforts. According to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the overall weighted physical accomplishment (OWPA) of completed and ongoing Yolanda programs continue reading : AS YEAR ENDS, SEVERAL YOLANDA REHABILITATION PROJECTS NEAR COMPLETION – NEDA

MANILA – Strong domestic demand for raw materials and intermediate inputs, capital and consumer goods kept Philippine merchandise imports in October 2015 in the positive territory for the fifth consecutive month, according to the National Economic and Development Authority. Trade data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority today indicate a 16.8-percent increase in spending on continue reading : STRONG INVESTMENT DEMAND DRIVES IMPORTS GROWTH, PH outpaces Asian peers with its 16.8-percent imports growth

To our friends from the media, colleagues in NEDA, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. I am pleased to welcome you to this year-end media briefing as we revisit the milestones our economy has achieved for the year. As the year ends, we feel it is fitting to recognize how we have constantly been moving forward continue reading : STATEMENT OF SECRETARY BALISACAN AT THE 2015 NEDA YEAR-END MEDIA BRIEFING

MANILA – The Official Development Assistance (ODA) loans financial performance for the second quarter of 2015 continues to indicate favorable management of resources, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). As of June 2015, total ODA loans portfolio amounted to US$9.79 billion, consisting of 11 program loans worth US$3.63 billion and 53 project continue reading : ODA loans disbursement continues improvement in Q2 2015

MANILA– Due to the adverse effects of El Niño and continued weakening of demand from China, the manufacturing sector slightly declined in October 2015 but is expected to rebound in the coming months and years ahead, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). In the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected continue reading : MANUFACTURING SLIGHTLY DECLINES IN OCTOBER 2015

MANILA – Philippine exports fell by 10.8 percent in October 2015 on account of continued sluggish external demand, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that merchandise exports fell to US$4.6 billion in October 2015 from US$5.1 billion recorded in the same period last year. “The lingering sluggish global continue reading : WEAK GLOBAL DEMAND DOWNS PH EXPORTS ANEW

MANILA— The country’s labor market continued to record positive gains in October 2015 as unemployment rate fell to its lowest in a decade and both employment and underemployment figures further improved, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the country’s unemployment rate dropped further to 5.7 continue reading : UNEMPLOYMENT RATE DROPS TO NEW RECORD LOW IN 10 YEARS

MANILA –Inflation accelerated to 1.1 percent in November 2015 from 0.4 percent in the previous month due to an increase in consumer prices of both food and non-food items, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “The 1.1 percent reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) today is well within the Bangko Sentral continue reading : Rise in food and non-food prices drive inflation up in November 2015

STATEMENT SECRETARY ARSENIO M. BALISACAN Economic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director-General Press Conference on the 2015 Third Quarter Performance of the Philippine Economy Destiny Function Room, Elements at Eton Centris Bldg., EDSA, Quezon City 26 November 2015, 10:00 AM Ladies and gentlemen, members of the media, good morning. The 6.0-percent growth in the Philippines’ real continue reading : Statement of Sec. Balisacan on the 2015 Third Quarter Performance of the Philippine Economy

MANILA – Double-digit increases in the importation of raw materials and intermediate goods, capital and consumer goods kept Philippine merchandise imports afloat in September 2015, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that total payments for imports increased by 6.7 percent to US$6.2 billion in September 2015 continue reading : Imports growth remains buoyant in September 2015, robust economic activity expected with 40.7% growth in imported capital goods

MANILA – The Philippine government will continue to conduct impact evaluation to inform decisions and resource allocation processes, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “In developing countries such as the Philippines, impact evaluation is vital in identifying what programs or projects work and what do not,” said Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. continue reading : IMPACT EVALUATION IMPROVES GOV’T RESOURCE ALLOCATION – NEDA

MANILA – The Philippine manufacturing sector sustained its growth in September 2015 on the back of robust demand and improvements in tobacco, transport equipment, and construction activity, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). In the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries for September 2015, the manufacturing sector’s Volume of continue reading : Manufacturing sector sustains growth in September2015

MANILA – Philippine merchandise exports fell by 24.7 percent in September 2015 as sluggish global demand and depressed prices weakened exports of all key commodities, , according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that total revenue from Philippine exports fell to US$4.4 billion in September 2015 from continue reading : Weak global demand, prices down exports in September

MANILA – Stable consumer prices in food and continuous downward price movements in power and fuel registered inflation at 0.4 percent in October 2015, the same rate as seen in the previous month, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that headline inflation rate remained at 0.4 continue reading : Ample food supply, low prices of oil and power keep inflation stable
Inflation rate stays at 0.4 percent in October 2015

STATEMENT Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan Yolanda Rehabilitation and Recovery Joint Press Briefing L.S. Virata Hall, Development Academy of the Philippines 5 November 2015, 10:00 am–12:00 noon Members of the media, colleagues in government, guests, ladies and gentlemen: Two years after Typhoon Yolanda left Eastern Visayas a wasteland, we are witnesses to the optimism continue reading : Statement of Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan at the Yolanda Rehabilitation and Recovery Joint Press Briefing

This refers to an article by Prof. Carlo A. Arcilla published by the Philippine Daily Inquirer on November 1, 2015. Prof. Arcilla raised some important concerns. While we look more closely into other details cited by Prof. Arcilla, please allow us to provide more background information and make a few clarifications on the evaluation and continue reading : Statement of Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan on the Flood Management Masterplan for Metro Manila and Surrounding Areas

MANILA – The financial performance of projects and programs funded through Official Development Assistance (ODA) improved in 2014, indicating greater government efficiency in resource and program management, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The NEDA ODA Portfolio Review for 2014 reported that the Philippines’ ODA portfolio consists of 76 loans and 449 continue reading : ODA-FUNDED PROJECTS, PROGRAMS IMPROVED PERFORMANCE IN 2014

MANILA – The Governments of the Philippines and Japan have advanced their cooperation efforts to improve transport infrastructure in Metro Manila through a roadmap aimed to establish a modern and efficient transportation network taking off from the NEDA Board-approved Roadmap for Transport Infrastructure Development for Metropolitan Manila and its Surrounding Areas. The Cooperation Roadmap for continue reading : PH, JAPAN ADVANCE COOPERATION EFFORTS TO IMPROVE MM TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE

MANILA – Philippine merchandise imports increased by 4.1 percent in August 2015 on the back of higher payments for raw materials, intermediate goods, and consumer goods, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that although the said increase is lower than the double-digit growth registered last month, payments continue reading : IMPORTS GROW BY 4.1 PERCENT IN AUGUST 2015, Holiday and onset of election season expected to boost imports further

NEW YORK CITY – To effectively eradicate poverty in all its forms, The Philippine government urges the global community to look more at poverty from a multidimensional lens. Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan made this statement during the High-level Event on Anchoring a Universal Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) within the Sustainable Development Goals, a continue reading : PH REITERATES A MULTIDIMENSIONAL PERSPECTIVE IN POVERTY REDUCTION

NEW YORK CITY – The Philippines joined more than 150 United Nations (UN) member states in support of the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and pushed for urgent action to combat climate change and its impact. “If we are to achieve our development goals, we need to take urgent action to combat climate continue reading : PH pledges support for SDGs, pushes for urgent action to combat climate change at UN Summit

MANILA – There is an urgent need to sharpen our national as well as local policies and strengthen the enforcement of environmental laws and regulations to protect our natural ecosystems, manage competing uses of scarce natural resources, and promote sustainable development, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).  This is in line with continue reading : NEDA urges better policies, regulation to support natural resource management

MANILA – Philippine merchandise exports declined by 6.3 percent in August 2015, marking the fifth consecutive month of negative export growth this year, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).  The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that total revenue from Philippine exports fell to US$5.1 billion in August 2015 from US$5.5 billion total continue reading : PH exports continue to decline in August 2015

MANILA – After a three-month decline, the manufacturing sector bounced back in August 2015 due to the vigorous construction activity and high demand for automotive products, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). In the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries for August 2015, the manufacturing sector’s Volume of Production continue reading : Manufacturing sector recovers from three-month drop in August 2015

MANILA – Tempered price movement in food, power, and oil rates pushed inflation to another all-time low of 0.4 percent in September 2015, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that headline inflation rate recorded its lowest level, easing further to 0.4 percent in September 2015 from continue reading : Inflation dips anew to lowest level in September 2015

STATEMENT Philippine Economic Briefing Macroeconomic Developments and the Role of Human Capital Development and Infrastructure Arsenio M. Balisacan Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director General Philippine International Convention Center 30 September 2015 Good morning to everyone. I am pleased to conduct this briefing on the economy. The prospects for the Philippines look very promising, and continue reading : Statement of Sec. Balisacan at the Philippine Economic Briefing

MANILA – Philippine merchandise imports posted double-digit growth for the second consecutive month at 16.9 percent in July 2015, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).  Trade data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority today indicate that significant increases in inward shipments from the country’s major trading partners buoyed up merchandise imports to continue reading : Imports maintain double-digit growth in July 2015

WELCOME REMARKS ARSENIO M. BALISACAN Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director-General CULMINATING POVERTY REDUCTION WORKSHOP “Towards Zero Poverty: Pursuing Inclusive Development and Shared Prosperity” Palawan Ballroom, EDSA Shangri-la 23 September 2015 Distinguished resource speakers and presenters, colleagues in the academe and government, friends from civil society, partners from the international development community, ladies and gentlemen, continue reading : Welcome Remarks of Secretary Balisacan at the AIM’S Towards Zero Poverty Culminating Workshop

KEYNOTE SPEECH ARSENIO M. BALISACAN Socioeconomic Planning Secretary, NEDA Director-General, and Chairperson, PIDS Board of Trustees “Harnessing Institutions and Human Capital for Inclusive Growth” PIDS’ 2015 Inaugural Public Policy Conference Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria 22 September 2015 Dr. Gilbert Llanto, the management and staff of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies or PIDS, colleagues in continue reading : Keynote speech of Secretary Balisacan during the PIDS’ 2015 Inaugural Public Policy Conference

MANILA – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) recently noted “encouraging progress” in the rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts in the areas devastated by Super Typhoon Yolanda almost two years ago. “As the visiting UN Secretary General for Disaster Risk Reduction, Margaret Wahlstrom, observed, there is encouraging progress in rebuilding and rehabilitation efforts on the continue reading : NEDA notes encouraging progress in Yolanda recovery

On behalf of the National Economic and Development Authority, the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), and the Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS), welcome and thank you for making room in your schedules to join us in this event.           I would continue reading : Opening Remarks of Secretary Balisacan during the Policy Forum and Research Symposium on Climate Change in the Philippines

MANILA –The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board, chaired by President Benigno S. Aquino III, approved five new infrastructure projects in its meeting on September 4, 2015. These projects are the construction of a new Passenger Terminal Building for the Clark International Airport (CIA), the development of the Naga Airport, the construction and design continue reading : NEDA Board approves five new infra projects

MANILA – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) will be holding a policy discussion on the effects of climate change on the country’s agriculture sector and its relative impact on economic growth. Organized by NEDA, together with the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security continue reading : NEDA to discuss impact of climate change on Philippine agriculture, economic growth

MANILA – Philippine merchandise exports declined by 1.8 percent in July 2015 mainly due to lower sales in total agro-based and mineral products, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that total revenue from Philippine exports settled at US$5.3 billion, which is US$0.1 billion lower than the continue reading : Lower revenues from agro-based, mineral products weigh down PH exports in July 2015

MANILA – The Philippine manufacturing sector contracted slightly in July 2015 due to the continuing weakness in global demand, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). In the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries for July 2015, the manufacturing sector’s Volume of Production Index (VoPI) contracted by 0.5 percent, much continue reading : Manufacturing sector contracts slightly in July 2015

MANILA—The number of unemployed Filipinos went down in July 2015 as the market continues to reflect the continued strength of the economy, but interventions in the agriculture sector must continue to protect El Niño-affected workers, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported today that unemployment rate further continue reading : Number of unemployed Filipinos down in July 2015

  STATEMENT ARSENIO M. BALISACAN Socioeconomic Planning Secretary of the Philippines APEC 2015 Structural Reform Ministerial Meeting (SRMM) Chair JOINT MINISTERS PRESS CONFERENCE Structural Reform Ministerial Meeting 8 September 2015, 4:45 PM Radisson Blu Hotel, Cebu City, Philippines   Members of the press, friends, ladies and gentlemen, good evening. We, Ministers and high level officials continue reading : Statement of Sec. Balisacan at the Post-SRMM Joint Ministers Press Conference

WELCOME REMARKS SECRETARY ARSENIO M. BALISACAN Economic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director-General APEC Structural Reform Ministerial Meeting Radisson Blu Hotel, Cebu City 07 September 2015 (Day 1) Honorable Ministers and Deputy Ministers of the 21 member economies of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, our development partners from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development and continue reading : Welcome Remarks of Sec. Balisacan at the APEC Structural Reform Ministerial Meeting

CLOSING REMARKS DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL EMMANUEL F. ESGUERRA APEC Group on Services Convenor REGIONAL CONFERENCE OF SERVICES COALITIONS “Charting a New Course on Services: A Call to Action in APEC” 7 September 2015 Radisson Blu Hotel, Cebu City, Philippines   Colleagues, distinguished guests, friends, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. First of all, on behalf of continue reading : Closing Remarks of DDG Esguerra at the Regional Conference of Services Coalitions

Opening Statement Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director General Regional Conference of Services Coalitions “Charting a New Course on Services: A Call to Action in APEC” 7 September 2015 Senior Officials of APEC Member Economies, Delegates, Representatives of Various Services Coalitions in the APEC, Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, good morning. Allow continue reading : Opening Statement of Sec. Balisacan at the Regional Conference of Services Coalitions

OPENING STATEMENT ARSENIO M. BALISACAN Economic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director-General APEC 2015 Structural Reform Ministerial Meeting (SRMM) Chair   PRE-SRMM PRESS CONFERENCE 6 September 2015, 4:00 PM International Media Center, Bayfront Hotel, Cebu City, Philippines Ladies and gentlemen, members of the local, national and international press, good afternoon! For one and a half days, continue reading : Opening Statement of Sec. Balisacan at the Pre-SRMM Press Conference

CEBU CITY – The Philippines’ recent passage of the Competition Act, lauded by the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Committee (EC), will promote innovation in various key industries, according to Deputy Director General Emmanuel F. Esguerra who is also the head of the Philippine delegation to the APEC Third Senior Officials Meeting (SOM3). Rory McLeod, Chair of continue reading : APEC Economic Committee lauds PH Competition Act
In time for APEC talks on Structural Reform and Innovation

MANILA – Downward price pressures in food, energy, and oil rates, restrained inflation to an all-time low of 0.6 percent in August 2015, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the country’s headline inflation rate recorded its lowest level anew, tapering down to 0.6 percent in continue reading : Inflation down to another all-time low in August 2015

CEBU CITY – The critical role of services trade in global value chains (GVCs) must be further explored as it can provide potential new sources of growth and jobs for the country and the entire APEC region, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “We would like to see greater participation of services continue reading : Growth of services value chains, critical for job creation and inclusive growth – NEDA

WELCOME REMARKS CARLOS BERNARDO O. ABAD SANTOS NEDA Governance Staff Director APEC WORKSHOP ON METHODS AND METHODOLOGIES TO EVALUATE THE IMPACT OF ECONOMIC REGULATION 28 August 2015, 9:00 AM Radisson Blu Hotel, Cebu City, Philippines Distinguished guests, colleagues from Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies, dear friends, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. I am pleased continue reading : Welcome Remarks of Director Carlos Bernardo O. Abad Santos at the APEC Workshop on Methods and Methodologies to Evaluate the Impact of Economic Regulation

CEBU CITY—Discussions on services led by the Philippines at the margins of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Third Senior Officials’ Meeting continue to draw interest among APEC economies and have been further shaping the services agenda for the Structural Reform Ministerial Meeting (SRMM) to be held on September 7 to 8 in Cebu City, continue reading : The Philippines leads APEC talks on Services
Growth and job-generation potential of services highlighted

STATEMENT SECRETARY ARSENIO M. BALISACAN Economic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director-General Press Conference on the Q2 2015 Performance of the Philippine economy PSA CVEA Building, East Avenue, Quezon City 27 August 2015   Ladies and gentlemen, members of the media, my colleagues in government, good morning.             We are pleased to know that the Philippine continue reading : Statement of Sec. Balisacan on the 2015 Q2 performance of the PH economy