Philippines to Craft First 25-Year Infrastructure Masterplan Under New Economic Law
Manila, The Gulf Observer: In a significant move aimed at bolstering long-term development and ensuring continuity beyond political cycles, the Department of Economic Planning and Development (DEPDev) will spearhead the formulation of the Philippines’ first 25-year infrastructure masterplan, covering the period from 2025 to 2050.
The initiative comes after the signing of the Economy, Planning and Development Act by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on April 10, which officially reorganizes the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) into the newly constituted DEPDev. The law will take effect on April 27.
In a recent press briefing, NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan highlighted the landmark significance of the new law. “The law now tasks us to produce the first long-term framework… and to lead the efforts in coming up with this comprehensive infrastructure development framework,” Balisacan stated.
Unlike previous strategies that often shifted with changing administrations, the masterplan is legally mandated to outlast leadership transitions. “This is the first time that a government agency is mandated by law to carry these plans forward,” Balisacan emphasized, calling DEPDev the critical link between outgoing and incoming administrations.
The plan aims to address historical setbacks, where major infrastructure projects were either stalled or abandoned due to political transitions. “Once a long-term infrastructure masterplan is adopted by the Cabinet through DEPDev, it will not be easy for any Cabinet member to ignore it—unless the Cabinet and the President convene to change it,” Balisacan explained.
The 25-year blueprint is expected to increase the implementation rate of critical infrastructure, minimize political disruptions, and provide a consistent strategic vision to guide the country’s economic transformation over the next quarter century.
As the Philippines positions itself for long-term growth, the masterplan is set to become a cornerstone of future-proof development, ensuring infrastructure priorities serve not just the present, but generations to come.
