NEDA Central Office Grounds, Pasig City
February 6, 2018

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte recognized the National Economic and Development Authority’s (NEDA) achievements and milestones as the premier socio-economic planning body of the country as he graced the 45th founding anniversary of the agency in Pasig City.

In his speech, the Chief Executive mentioned that with NEDA’s skills and competence to fulfill its mandate, NEDA plays a crucial role in turning the Philippines into an upper-middle income economy by the year 2022.

“I count on NEDA to never waver in supporting government’s middle-term and long-term socio-economic agenda. Always uphold good governance in the civil service as you provide direction to the formulation of our economic policies,” he said.

Likewise, President Duterte reiterated his campaign promises in his speech, and said that his task as President is to keep the country safe. He also expressed his concerns on public bidding issues in the government, stating, “the lowest bid is the source of all corruption from local to national level.”

“I said I will try. I can only try to stop corruption. Second is the problem of drugs. Third is that I would talk to all the enemies of the state. Make peace with them. Reach out a deal if possible,” he said.

“And fourth is that I will allow the brightest financial managers of our country to help me run the economic side. Lahat po iyan nagawa ko na pero ginagawa ko pa rin because it remains to be a problem,” the President added.

He also reminded all government officials to uphold good governance in the civil service.

“We are all workers of government and we work for the people,” he said.

NEDA was established on January 24, 1973 through Presidential Decree No. 107 s. 1973 that was signed by former President Ferdinand Marcos. Currently, NEDA is the country’s primary economic and social development planning and policy coordinating body.

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