The Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) facilitated the webinar on Local Governments’ PDP and SDG Localization Efforts as Contribution to National Development on August 8, 2021 from 2:00 p.m.- 4:30 p.m. via Webex by Cisco teleconference.
The virtual event features a PIDS-DILG study that examined how recent efforts have fared in ensuring that local development plans are aligned with national development goals. It also assessed the effectiveness of the latest Philippine Development Plan results matrices in the government’s localization efforts.
The webinar formally commenced after its preliminaries with President Ancieto C. Orbeta, Jr. presenting the opening remarks. The teleconference was participated in by LGUs, NGOs, and various deans, educators, and students from different academic institutions. Joining as discussants are NEDA Undersecretary for Regional Development Group Mercedita Sombilla and League of Local Planning and Development Coordinators of the Philippines, Inc. National President Mario Nillos. PIDS President Aniceto Orbeta Jr. and DILG’s Bureau of Local Government Development Director Anna Liza Bonagua were also invited to give their respective messages.
The first presenter was PIDS Research Fellow Charlotte Justine D. Sicat who highlighted the results of the Public Sector in the implementation of the Philippine Development Plan (Executive Order No. 27, s. 2017). She also discussed the chapters of the Local Planning and Budgeting Framework Map in relation to the Philippine Development Plan, as well as the Scope, Data, and Methodology of the paper. Some of the chapters of the PDP 2017-2022 discussed were People Centered, Clean, and Efficient and Effective Governance Ensured; Swift and Fair administration of Justice; Philippine Culture and Values Promoted; Economic Opportunities in Agriculture and Fisheries Expanded; Economic Opportunities in Industry and Services Expanded; Human Development Capital; Vulnerability of Individuals and Families; among others, which ended by highlighting limitations and suggestions of the presented national data of each region, its top PDP chapters, aligned SDG indicators and number of baseline and target data.
NEDA Undersecretary for Regional Development Group Mercedita A. Sombilla responded by presenting her insights on the findings of the Philippine Development Plan and the early presentation of Dr. Sicat. Usec. Sombilla shed light on the course of the presentation of the study as it will yield an efficient and effective delivery of services, promote local and economic growth and inclusive governance to benefit all communities especially those who are leaving in far-flung areas. The lesson learned on PDP and SDG localization efforts can also help provide guidance on its convergence. The assessment will provide better results with the availability of more granular data as more indicators will yield more outcomes and outputs.
Furthermore, League of Local Planning and Development Coordinators of the Philippines, Inc. National President Mario N. Nillos also discussed their stand on the study. President Nillos discussed the issues, challenges and general findings of the study stating that the process of institutionalization of the localization process is also relevant, though PDP targets change and vary during the transition of Philippine Government Administration. Specific recommendations such as capacity and technical assistance were also given to complement with the localization efforts.
An open forum was conducted to address all queries to the highlights of the study of PDP including addressing the comments of LGU representatives and other participants. In the closing program, Director Bonagua delivered her closing remarks.
The LCC Secretariat appreciates the PIDS and DILG for the enlightening webinar as the result of the PDP localization primer is a useful tool in identifying priority areas of LGUs and their contribution to national development, which is timely, especially in the implementation of the Mandanas Ruling in 2022. With this, the Literacy Coordinating Council can focus on the priority needs of the local government units by analyzing their aligned PDP chapters, SDG indicators and number of baseline and target data and integrating these to their literacy needs, which can support in bridging the gap and addressing the literacy needs at the grassroots level, and advocating the universalization of literacy in the country.
Terence Joshua Canlas