President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday said the newly established Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) will not only formulate plans but also ensure the completion of key infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, school buildings, and health centers.

President Marcos said DEPDev will make sure the proper implementation of significant long-term infrastructure projects and programs for national development and public benefit, thus ensuring the judicious use of public funds.

“Hindi lang po puro plano, dapat nakikita at nasusubaybayan natin ang progreso ng ating mga proyekto,” the President said as he presented the newly signed Republic Act 12145 or the Economy, Planning and Development Act in Malacañang.

“Titiyakin natin na ang DEPDev na pagka may ipinangakong tulay, paaralan, health center, mga kalsada ay matatapos sa tinakdang panahon at magagamit ng sambayanan,” President Marcos told stakeholders.

The President said that through DEPDev, the government can better identify national priority projects that need to be expanded, adjusted, or stopped for the public good.

“Kaya naman, maiiwasan na natin ang nasasayang na pondo, panahon, at pagkakataon sa paglilingkod,” President Marcos said.

Signed by the President last April 10, RA 12145 reorganized the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) into the full-fledged Department of Economic Planning and Development (DEPDev).

As the government’s primary economic and planning agency, DEPDev is mandated to formulate the country’s 25-year long-term development framework and strategy to guide sustainable growth and development.

The Economy, Planning and Development Act takes effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation. | PND