The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the role of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) across government programs, emphasizing that the tangible improvements in the daily lives of Filipinos must be measured as national progress.
Speaking at the 12th M&E Network Forum, DEPDev Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan underscored the shift from measuring mere economic growth to ensuring genuine impact.
“Growth figures should not solely measure progress, but by whether government actions ease the burdens of ordinary Filipinos,” Secretary Balisacan stated in his keynote address. “Impactful growth means better public services, more secure and sustainable livelihoods, and stronger public trust in government. M&E plays a central role here. It helps us see whether commitments are being met, whether resources are used wisely, and, most importantly, whether programs are delivering real benefits to our people.”
The Forum, held under the theme “Shaping Change: Reinforcing Monitoring and Evaluation for Impactful Growth,” convened nearly 300 participants from government, civil society organizations, academe, and development partners to align strategies on evidence-based policymaking.
This intensified focus on accountability and results is mandated by the recent passage of Republic Act No. 12145, or the Economy, Planning, and Development Act, which fortifies DEPDev’s authority to integrate M&E into the government’s planning, budgeting, and implementation cycles.
Discussions highlighted the urgency of using M&E to prioritize limited national resources effectively, especially as the country marks the midpoint of the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 and advances its commitments to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
DEPDev is currently spearheading several M&E capacity-building initiatives across critical sectors, including agriculture, labor, health, and social protection. These efforts include rolling out training to regions, such as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, to expand the pool of evaluators nationwide.
“Together, let us make M&E in the Philippines not just a compliance tool, but a genuine driver of inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development,” Balisacan concluded, calling on all partners to institutionalize M&E to strengthen accountability at every level of governance.
