DEPDev eyes crafting of Eastern Visayas SDG catch-up plan

Eastern Visayas is preparing a regional strategy designed to accelerate action on development targets that remain off track as the 2030 deadline for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) approaches.

The regional office of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) is advancing the proposed Eastern Visayas Regional SDG Catch-Up Plan for 2026–2030. The initiative is intended to close persistent development gaps, strengthen coordination among institutions and prioritize measures capable of producing results across several goals.

Regional Director Meylene Rosales said the plan would respond to areas where progress has slowed or reversed. A series of workshops examined available data, implementation barriers and sectors requiring immediate attention.

The initial assessment drew from the region’s 2024 pace-of-progress findings. It identified 17 indicators moving in the wrong direction across 10 of the 17 SDGs. Participants then considered possible interventions that could help Eastern Visayas regain momentum before 2030.

A succeeding workshop reviewed the preliminary findings and ranked priority goals using four considerations:

• the number of people affected;
• the current rate of progress;
• the urgency of government intervention; and
• the potential for one measure to support several SDGs at once.

The workshop recommendations will undergo further consultation with government agencies, local authorities, universities and other institutions. These discussions are expected to refine proposed programs, assign responsibilities and determine the resources needed for implementation.

Climate and urban resilience among areas losing ground

Regional statistics released in 2024 showed declining performance in five goals: gender equality; industry, innovation and infrastructure; reduced inequalities; sustainable cities and communities; and climate action.

The setbacks in climate action and sustainable communities carry particular significance for Eastern Visayas, a region frequently exposed to typhoons, flooding, coastal hazards and other climate-related threats. Delays in building resilient infrastructure, protecting ecosystems and improving disaster preparedness can also deepen poverty and inequality, especially in vulnerable coastal and rural communities.

A coordinated catch-up plan could help align investments in renewable energy, climate-resilient settlements, transport, public services and environmental protection. Such measures may deliver multiple benefits, including safer communities, stronger livelihoods and reduced exposure to disasters.

Once completed, the regional roadmap is expected to guide joint action by national agencies, local government units, academic institutions and development partners through 2030. It will also provide a common framework for tracking results and directing resources toward the most urgent gaps.

Adopted in 2015, the SDG framework contains 17 goals covering poverty, health, education, equality, environmental protection, climate change, peace and effective institutions. Its 169 targets and 232 distinct indicators are intended to help governments measure whether economic and social progress is inclusive and environmentally sustainable.