MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA) — Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri is pushing for the reorganization of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) into the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPD), emphasizing that the move is essential for aligning the country’s economic plans with both national and local government policies.
“For decades, the NEDA has been at the helm of our economic planning, doing its level best to avert us from economic headwinds and to keep us on course with the tailwinds,” the former Senate President said during his sponsorship of Senate Bill No. 2878 or the Economy, Planning, and Development Act.
He emphasized that economic growth requires a whole-of-government effort to follow through on economic plans.
Zubiri, chair of the Senate Economic Affairs Committee, explained that this transformation will empower the DEPD to push for economic policy implementation across government agencies and engage with foreign stakeholders more effectively.
The proposed DEPD, he said, aims to elevate NEDA’s current role by granting it the full authority and standing of an executive department.
“As the Department of Economy, Planning and Development, they will be in a better position to push for implementing economic plans and policies. They will be able to engage with other government agencies and offices, as well as foreign political actors, with the full standing and command of an executive department,” Zubiri said.
He emphasized the importance of strengthening regional development as part of the DEPD’s expanded mandate.
“Development has to sprout from the ground up. It’s not wise, effective, or sustainable to draw up a big-picture plan without first considering what is happening on the ground. The establishment of DEPD and its Regional Offices will be vital in this regard,” he stressed.
Zubiri also addressed concerns about the financial implications of the reorganization, assuring the public and stakeholders that the proposal involves minimal additional costs.
“This measure is not creating a new agency. It simply reorganizes the NEDA and institutionalizes its expanded powers and functions,” he clarified.
He explained that the reorganization would require only a minimal addition of 170 new positions, amounting to P116 million.
The DEPD’s expanded presence at the regional level will enable it to evaluate project proposals, land use plans, and other development initiatives, ensuring these align with the country’s overarching economic strategies.
Zubiri underscored that this approach ensures inclusive growth across the Philippines.
“We have to anchor our economic plans with the reality of our regions and the people. Grounding our strategies in local realities enables us to craft a more effective and inclusive economic growth plan,” the senator from Bukidnon said.
Zubiri also framed the DEPD as a critical institution for maintaining the country’s competitiveness in Southeast Asia, which is fast becoming a hub for global investments.
“This is an opportune time for Southeast Asia, but we still have to fight for our seat at the table. That is why we need the DEPD to lead the way for our economic growth,” he said.
Zubiri emphasized that the long-term benefits of the reorganization would institutionalize economic planning and ensure continuity across administrations.
He reaffirmed that this reorganization puts the country on a stronger footing, enabling the Philippines to be a dynamic force in Southeast Asia. (Senate of the Philippines/OSJMFZ/PIA-10/Bukidnon)
