PH Gov’t Updates Development Framework, Promotes Digitalization
The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), formerly known as the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), published The State of the Economy: Midterm Update of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 which presents the administration’s medium-term blueprint for socioeconomic transformation.
For the second half of its implementation, the PDP aims to bolster transformational policies and programs across the social sector, the economic sector, institutions, and the environment. This objective is anchored on six components: (1) accelerating digital transformation, (2) expanding connectivity, (3) promoting servicification, (4) creating a dynamic innovation ecosystem, (5) intensifying public-private sector collaboration, and (6) strengthening coordination with local government units (LGUs) as equal partners in development.
Notably, the PDP seeks to leverage digitalization and technological advancement in policymaking and reform.
Within the financial sector, measures to promote an inclusive and innovative industry are being proposed, such as the Digital Payments Act which aims to establish a legal framework to enable all government institutions to adopt digital payments in collections and disbursements and to grant authority to relevant agencies to develop incentive mechanisms to promote merchant adoption of digital payments.
To reinvigorate services, among the legislative agenda in the PDP is the Satellite-Based Technologies for Internet Connectivity Act which aims to improve internet access nationwide especially in remote areas through the use of satellite-based technology. The Cybersecurity Act seeks to strengthen national cybersecurity by designating the National Cybersecurity Inter-Agency Committee (NCIAC) as the central authority for all cybersecurity matters and mandating regular risk assessments, updated cybersecurity protocols for government employees, and stronger public-private collaboration.
Amendments to the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines (Republic Act No. 8293) are also being considered to facilitate the commercialization of technologies and the development of creative industries, as well as the prevention of piracy in the physical and digital markets. Specifically, amendments are proposed to Section 177 on Copyright or Economic Rights and Section 216 on Remedies for Infringement of the Intellectual Property Code. The amendments are targeted to reinforce the right of copyright owners to protect their creative works from unauthorized copying, uploading, scanning, digitizing, or distribution in the evolving digital sphere.
To build a more efficient and accessible health system, the Telemedicine Act aims to create a unified telemedicine policy to improve healthcare access, especially in remote areas, and strengthen the health system.
The Expanded Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act (E-VAWC Act) is proposed to enhance social protection by criminalizing acts causing mental, emotional, or psychological distress through electronic or digital means.
Lawmakers likewise intend to broaden the scope of excise taxation to include online gambling activities in order to mitigate addiction and secure additional funding for priority sectors.
“As we move forward, we must ensure that our institutions are agile, our policies evidence-based, and our progress truly inclusive. The next three years will focus on deepening reforms and embedding resilience across our systems—from education and healthcare to infrastructure and innovation. Improvements in the numbers mean little if these do not translate into meaningful changes in people’s lives,” DEPDev Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said.
The PDP may be accessed through this link.