NEDA gears up for post-pandemic planning

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is now planning for post-pandemic initiatives as it prepares for the transition to a new administration.

"We are working on two things: the current problem, and the future. For the remainder of my term, I have instructed the agency to focus on four key areas to provide also the next administration with much better foundations to achieve our Ambisyon Natin 2040, where no one is living in extreme poverty," NEDA chief and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said in a statement.

The four key areas are smart infrastructure, innovation, regional equity, and climate change.

Chua said that smart infrastructure would integrate the existing road infrastructure into the concept of smart cities, where principles of urban mobility and development are at the heart of infrastructure.

This also covers all forms of transportation, digital communication, planning, land use, and the environment, he said.

The NEDA chief, meanwhile, said innovation will lead to the generation of new ideas within various industries to help the country compete globally.

Aside from technological advancements, innovation also includes systems and process improvements, especially in basic sectors like agriculture, the country’s chief economist said.

On regional equity, the Cabinet official said the government has to pay attention to the proper allocation of resources to make the poorest areas, with the biggest gaps in social services, receive just financing.

“Going forward, I would like climate change to be at the center or heart of our socioeconomic planning. And I have actually directed NEDA to craft the next Philippine Development Plan as revolving around climate change. Everything we do in infrastructure, agriculture, innovation, governance should revolve around protecting the country from the threats of climate change,” Chua said.

The country’s chief economist also reiterated the significance of the Philippine Identification System, which aims to give every Filipino a valid proof of identity, as this will allow the government to roll out its social protection programs efficiently.

Chua added that NEDA is pushing for economic liberalization bills that include amendments to the Public Service Act, Retail Trade Liberalization, and the Foreign Investment Act.

“These bills will relax restrictions to attract all the necessary innovation, investment technology management, and technical know-how to give our people better products and services at lower prices,” he said.

All of these, Chua said, will help the country recover and achieve AmBisyon Natin 2040.

“We have the economic foundations in place to recover strongly, and we will continue to pursue these structural reforms to help us be prepared for the future and achieve our long-term vision,” he said. —KG, GMA News