The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) called for a strengthened whole-of-nation plus approach to accelerate the country’s Sustainable Development Goals’ (SDG) progress.
DEPDev Secretary Arsenio Balisacan made the call during the national presentation of the 2025 Voluntary National Review (VNR) on Aug. 27.
Balisacan cited the need for sustained and meaningful collaboration across sectors, including national and local governments, civil society, business, academe, and development partners, to institutionalize efforts and meet critical SDG targets.
“As we chart the path ahead, let us remember that the VNR at the national level and Voluntary Local Reviews at the subnational level are not the endpoints, but calls to action—urging the government, civil society, private sector, academia, and development partners, to redouble our efforts, innovate boldly, and work inclusively toward the 2030 Agenda. This shared commitment, affirmed by your presence, will drive our collective vision of a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient Philippines,” Balisacan said in a news release on Friday.
The SDGs, adopted in 2015, comprise 17 global objectives that serve as a blueprint for ending poverty, protecting the planet, and promoting peace and prosperity.
The 2030 Agenda calls for integrated action that balances economic growth, social progress, and environmental protection. The 2025 VNR provides a comprehensive assessment of the country’s SDG progress based on 2024 data.
It highlights actions taken in response to the commitments made in the third VNR (2024) and emphasizes innovations in statistical systems that enable data-driven interventions.
Based on the latest VNR report, the Philippines has made significant strides in several goals, including SDGs 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), 4 (Quality Education), 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), 14 (Life Below Water), and 15 (Life on Land).
These gains reflect the country’s ability to address complex development challenges and its commitment to leaving no one behind.
Setbacks, however, remain particularly in SDG 3 (Good Health and Well Being), which underscores the need to address issues in healthcare delivery.
Progress in SDG 5 (Gender Equality) also needs to be accelerated, especially in eliminating child marriage and increasing women’s participation in leadership roles.
Climate change and economic inequality continue to pose significant threats to sustainable development.
“The VNR is more than a report; it is our evolving story of progress, resilience, and innovation in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Today’s gathering is about bringing that story back home—aligning our efforts across the government, local communities, and stakeholders, while building on the lessons and commitments we shared on the world stage,” Balisacan said.
During the event, DEPDev also launched the Stakeholder Partnership Accelerator for Convergence and Engagement (SPACE) web application, a digital platform that will serve as a central hub for coordination, information-sharing, resource mobilization, and SDG monitoring. (PNA)
