DEPDev marks 90 years

The Department of Economic Planning and Development (DEPDev) has marked 90 years of socioeconomic planning in the Philippines. A special ceremony highlighted the evolution of national planning, from its early beginnings to the modern-day institution shaping the country’s growth agenda. The event also celebrated recent reforms that strengthened DEPDev’s role in driving inclusive and sustainable development.

Socioeconomic planning in the Philippines traces back to 1935, when the National Economic Council (NEC) was first established. Over the decades, this function evolved, eventually leading to the creation of the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda), which focused on policy formulation, program coordination, and long-term planning.

A major turning point came in 2025 with the passage of the Economy, Planning, and Development Act (Republic Act No. 12145). This law transformed Neda into DEPDev, expanding its mandate to better connect planning with budgeting, implementation, and performance monitoring. The goal was to ensure that government efforts translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives. At the 90th-anniversary celebration, DEPDev Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan underscored the critical role of national planning institutions in guiding the country’s development path. He called for continued collaboration across sectors to achieve growth that is not only resilient but also inclusive and sustainable. The event also featured a keynote address by Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto, along with messages from key development partners. To commemorate the milestone, DEPDev unveiled a special stamp symbolising people-centred development. Additionally, a coffee table book was launched, documenting nine decades of socioeconomic planning in the Philippines.

The anniversary event reinforced DEPDev’s commitment to shaping policies that improve living standards nationwide. With an expanded mandate and a long history of planning expertise, the department aims to drive measurable progress in the years ahead. The commemorative stamp and book serve as reminders of the institution’s enduring role in the country’s growth story.