Gaps in regional integration flagged

State-run policy think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) has raised concerns over the Philippines' performance in regional economic integration with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), warning that nearly half of the targets under the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 are unlikely to be met.

- By RICARDO M. AUSTRIA

In a Dec. 23 discussion paper titled "ASEAN Economic Community through the Years: Benchmarking, Emerging Trends, and Future Pathways," researchers from PIDS said approximately 46 percent of the current PDP's targets are unlikely to be achieved, reflecting the country's mixed performance in advancing regional integration. PDP 2023-2028 serves as the socioeconomic blueprint of the Marcos Jr. administration.

The report, authored by Francis Mark A. Quimba, Mark Anthony A. Barral, and Alliah Mae C. Salazar, noted that while the country has made strides in trade openness, macroeconomic stability, and human development, it continues to face significant challenges in sectoral productivity, climate resilience, and governance.

PIDS noted that the largest shortfalls in PDP targets are likely in agriculture, infrastructure, and social protection—key sectors for the Philippines' regional and global competitiveness.

The think tank also emphasized that achieving the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint 2025 goals—which focus on integration, innovation, sustainability, and external engagement—requires not only alignment but also consistent performance across all key indicators.