President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has officially signed Republic Act No. 12145, turning the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) into a full executive department—now called the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev).
The newly enacted Economy, Planning, and Development Act was signed on April 10, 2025, marking a major milestone in the government’s push for stronger, more cohesive economic governance. DEPDev will now serve as the Philippines’ main policy planning and development coordination agency, with enhanced authority and institutional independence.
Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the transition allows the agency to better implement long-term strategies that are resilient and beneficial for all Filipinos. “This reform ensures that our progress continues regardless of political changes,” he said.
DEPDev’s expanded role includes futures thinking, scenario planning, and aligning national and regional plans with the budgeting process. The new law also mandates the integration of planning, budgeting, and monitoring to ensure government programs meet real developmental needs effectively.
This legislative change fulfills a constitutional provision allowing for an independent planning agency under the President’s leadership. The agency’s roots date back to 1935, and this transition has been long in the making, with initial proposals introduced as early as 2009.
DEPDev’s mandate now covers national and regional development planning, public investment programming, policy oversight, transparency reporting, and more. The law takes effect 15 days after publication.