DEPDev to prioritize regional-national plan alignment in first year

The newly established Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) will focus on harmonizing regional development plans with the national strategy in its first year of operations, according to National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.

Speaking during a press briefing on April 14, Balisacan emphasized that a key mandate under the newly signed Economy, Planning and Development Act is to improve coordination between local government units (LGUs) and national agencies. The law, which formally transitions NEDA into DEPDev, takes effect on April 27.

“For years, the national budget has often lacked a strong connection to the priorities of different regions. This has led to inefficiencies and missed opportunities in regional development,” Balisacan explained.

The DEPDev chief said addressing this disconnect is crucial to ensuring that the national budget better reflects local needs and priorities. He added that one of the agency’s goals is to improve how regions access and utilize public funds.

Balisacan also hinted at a modest increase in DEPDev’s budget for 2026, with resources aimed at strengthening LGU support in planning, resource mobilization, and monitoring.

“We believe that with stronger planning capabilities at the regional level, LGUs can make better use of their limited resources and deliver more impactful interventions,” he said.

For 2025, the General Appropriations Act has earmarked PHP12.35 billion for NEDA, with expectations that the new department will continue to lead long-term national planning and inclusive development efforts.