MANILA – President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Tuesday said he is counting on National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) to achieve his goal of a prosperous Philippines in the remaining four years of his administration.
“With NEDA at the helm, I am confident that we can realize our vision of a prosperous Philippines by working together in laying a solid foundation for a stronger and more resilient nation,” Duterte said in his speech during the 45th anniversary of NEDA in Ortigas Center, Pasay City.
Duterte said the Philippines’ economy was moving a little bit faster “but not that much.”
“But I will try to – if we make it big in the succeeding years, then maybe. So that’s my message,” he said.
Duterte commended the hardworking men and women of NEDA for their dedication and commitment in shaping the country’s socio-economic agenda in the past four decades.
“I am optimistic that we can achieve this goal because of the professionalism of our NEDA officials and personnel. Your accomplishments in the past year and a half speak a lot about your skill and competence to fulfill your mandate,” he said.
He cited the streamlining of guidelines in the processing and approval of flagship projects, the creation of a task force to ensure the timely implementation and integration of the 15 Regional Development Plans into the Philippine Development Plan as some of the undertakings that uphold the integrity and efficiency of the Duterte administration’s national development agenda.
“We will build on these gains by boosting development in the regions. We will create more jobs, improve social services, encourage innovation and connect the country to growth centers by aligning regional plans with our national development agenda,” Duterte said.
The President encouraged the NEDA family, led by Director General Ernesto Pernia, to join him in his fight against graft and corruption by upholding good governance.
“Indeed, we have a bright future ahead and I count on NEDA to never waver in supporting government’s middle-term and long-term socio-economic agenda. Always uphold good governance in the civil service as you provide direction to the formulation of our economic policies,” Duterte said.
“As we celebrate your accomplishments and look forward to a brighter future ahead, let me ensure that public interest remains at the heart of all government plans, projects and programs,” he added.