The Philippine Normal University (PNU) welcomed the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Junior Philippines Economic Society (JPES) during the ISAPLANO: Bagong Philippine Development Plan (PDP) Forum on September 9, 2022 held at the PNU Audiovisual (AV) Theater.

The forum is intended to promote the planning and preparations for the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) as NEDA gathers insights and inputs from the youth sector that will serve as a guide for the country’s direction for 2023 to 2028. The collected data from the forum will be considered in crafting policies, strategies, and programs responsive to the needs, preference, and aspiration of Filipinos.

Dr. Bert J. Tuga, PNU President, was joined by Ms. Rosemarie G. Edillon, NEDA Undersecretary for Policy and Planning, and Ms. Nerissa T. Esguerra, Director of the Development Information Staff (DIS). Also present onsite are students from PNU, JPES, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) and San Beda University. Students from other universities, student organizations, and youth organizations are also present via Zoom and Facebook Live.

USec. Edillon presented her talk “On to the new Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028,” which was the focus of the activity. The rest of the time was focused on gathering inputs from all participants, who were given 5 Mini-Survey questions.

A set of questions from youth civic engagement to the role of government in national development were presented to both onsite and online participants for their responses. From these questions, participants expressed their thoughts and opinions on topics related to national development, which include a call for more inclusive and sustainable plans for the marginalized sectors of society.

The forum is co-organized by the National Development Council of the Philippines, JPES, and the University Student Council (PNU-USC). The same forum is scheduled on September 16 and 23, 2022 for the private sector and planners, respectively.