The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has been actively promoting the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 through a series of advocacy activities. The goal of these activities is to translate the PDP’s priority thrusts into concrete and actionable items that can help steer the Philippines towards a path of high-growth and development.
With BSD’s dedication towards sustainable development, the organization was invited to attend the event last February 13, 2023 entitled “Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 Chapter 15, Accelerate Climate Action and Strengthen Disaster Resilience. From Plan to Action” The event jumpstarts the PDP advocacy activities, focusing on Chapter 15: Accelerate Climate Action and Strengthen Disaster Resilience. This PDP Chapter aims to strengthen the resilience of communities, institutions, and ecosystems to the impacts of natural hazards and climate change.
During the event, speakers from various involved departments, such as NEDA, DENR, DOST, and Philippine Statistical Authority, discussed the Philippine Action Plan for Sustainable Consumption and Production (PAP4SCP) and the Roadmap to Institutionalize Natural Capital Accounting (NCA) in the Philippines. The priority actions on SCP and NCA were underscored as critical prerequisites to achieving Chapter 15 outcomes and targets.
The messages of support were delivered by sectors, the government sector, development partners and the business and civil society. The government sector was represented by Senator Loren B. Legarda, Senator Pia S. Cayetano and Mr. Renato U. Solidum. “We need to focus on waste reduction” was emphasized by Mr. Solidum and he added “Sustainability is an investment for life”. The development partners were represented by Mr. Kelly Bird from the Asia Development Bank and Mr. Achim Fock from the World Bank. BSD, WWF, and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry were among the representatives from the business and civil society sector who expressed their support for the plan. ”(We should) come up with one standard, through partnership with the government and reliance on data.” Mr. Ricky De Castro, BSD’s Executive Director, expressed in his message of support.
BSD believes that this action plan will help develop a sustainable production and consumption mindset towards a circular economy. The plan addresses the UN SDG no. 12, which calls for sustainable consumption and production. As part of the PAP4SCP, BSD supports the Extended Producer Responsibility Act and the development of a national Ecolabeling program to raise awareness of sustainable practices for both producers and consumers.
BSD also agrees that the institutionalization of Natural Capital Accounting will address the long-standing issue of the Tragedy of the Commons by putting value on formerly “free” resources available to the public. This will help monitor and prevent the rampant and unabated use of such resources, leaving nothing for future generations.
To conclude the assembly, the speakers and representatives took a pledge of commitment by digitally signing a document and taking a photo opportunity to make the event’s objectives official. NEDA Undersecretary for Policy and Planning, Ms. Rosemarie G. Edillon, delivered the closing remarks. BSD remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote sustainable practices and is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with NEDA and other stakeholders in this important endeavor.