QUEZON CITY, (PIA)-- The government must always ensure the communication of accurate and timely information to the public, especially on socioeconomic policies that have significant implications.

The message was highlighted by the National Economic Development Authority during the forum on Monday, November 28, government information and communication officers in preparation for the PDP’s completion next month

NEDA underscored the importance of effectively communicating the policies and strategies of the upcoming Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 to meet the Marcos Administration’s goal of reinvigorating job creation and speeding up poverty reduction.

NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan stressed that collaboration among communication teams of offices within the government is an integral part of the whole-of-government approach for development planning.

“As government information officers, you perceive the pulse of the Filipino people. Through various media and channels, you are the heralds who are crucial in ensuring that the link between the public and the government remains strong, truthful, and unbroken. As the launch of the PDP 2023-2028 approaches, we seek your thoughts and efforts to guarantee not only its effective implementation but also its successful communication to the public—our fellow Filipinos, for whom the Plan is formulated,” said Balisacan.

Alongside public consultations, effective communication can enable useful feedback from stakeholders such that programs and policies are adjusted to become more impactful.

The forum is a continuation of NEDA’s PDP forums held last September, which convened stakeholders from the youth, private, and government planning sectors, respectively. The latest forum’s goal is to collect insights from the communication teams of various government agencies and units, which will be useful for the upcoming release of the new PDP.

NEDA is now nearing the completion of the PDP 2023-2028 and is looking to present the Plan to President Marcos and his Cabinet in early December 2022. (neda/pia-ncr)