The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) has received the policy recommendations from the scientific community, vowing to anchor the country’s national development agenda and future budget allocations on rigorous, evidence-based science and technology.
During the 48th Annual Scientific Meeting, DEPDev Secretary Arsenio Balisacan warmly accepted the Resolution presented by the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Grounded in the theme “UN SDGs: Science, Technology, and Innovation for Sustainable Development,” the Resolution highlights six transformative entry points aimed at accelerating the Philippines’ progress toward the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Science, technology, and innovation are not ends in themselves,” Secretary Balisacan emphasized. “Their highest purpose is to improve people’s lives—to help build a more productive, resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Philippines. Our task is no longer simply to measure progress toward the SDGs; our task is to accelerate that progress and ensure that it benefits every Filipino.”
Secretary Balisacan, who serves as the Vice-Chair of both the National Innovation Council and the Economy and Development Council, revealed that these scientific priorities are already shaping the government’s immediate financial strategies.
DEPDev has worked closely with partner agencies to ensure that the President’s proposed Fiscal Year 2027 National Expenditure Program, which will soon be submitted to Congress, actively prioritizes investments in:
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Quality education, healthcare, and nutrition to invest in human capital.
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Climate-resilient infrastructure and disaster risk reduction.
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Innovation, R&D, and technology adoption to raise enterprise productivity.
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Social protection for vulnerable communities.
“In this way, science, planning, and budgeting become mutually reinforcing instruments for delivering better development outcomes,” Balisacan stated.
The NAST Resolution directly aligns with existing state frameworks, including AmBisyon Natin 2040, the Philippine Development Plan (PDP), PAGTANAW 2050, and the National Innovation Agenda. Balisacan noted that the recommendations arrive at an opportune time, as DEPDev is currently updating AmBisyon Natin 2040 to reflect the profound economic and societal shifts reshaping the country.
Furthermore, DEPDev lauded the inclusive nature of the Resolution, which drew insights from Regional Scientific Meetings across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. This ensures that while national targets remain unified, the deployed solutions are sensitive to local conditions and regional strengths.
Achieving sustainable development cannot rest on the shoulders of the government alone. Secretary Balisacan called for an enduring, collaborative ecosystem involving the scientific community, the private sector, civil society, and local government units (LGUs). This synergy is vital for moving scientific discoveries out of laboratories and pilot projects into practical public policies and productive market enterprises.
In closing, Balisacan reminded leaders and stakeholders that true success lies beyond paperwork.
“Ultimately, our collective efforts will not be measured by the number of plans we prepare or the resolutions we endorse. It will be measured by whether these efforts result in healthier and better-educated Filipinos, more resilient communities, and greater opportunities for every family. Let us move beyond measuring progress. Let us deliver results.”
