Congress vows to pass nat’l policy bill, laws to attain global goals

MANILA – Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Monday assured the visiting United Nations (UN) officials of the House of Representatives’ commitment to pass House Bill (HB) 4000, or An Act Establishing a National Evaluation Policy, and other measures in support of the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He said the proposed measures aimed at realizing the 2030 SDGs, also known as the Global Goals, which were adopted by the UN in 2015 as a universal call to eradicate poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people around the world enjoy peace and prosperity.

Romualdez gave the assurance during the courtesy call of officials from UN agencies, including Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov, UNICEF Country Representative to the Philippines; Xavier Foulquier, Chief, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (UNICEF); Charl Andrew Bautista, UN Population Fund (UNFPA) Project Coordinator and Jose Nicomedes Castillo, UNFPA Monitoring and Evaluation Analyst.

The UN officials requested an audience with the Speaker to express their support for evidence-based policymaking including capacity building on evaluation, budgeting for policy implementation, and evidence generation, as well as the passage of the national evaluation policy bill, among others.

“We recognize the critical role of robust evaluation mechanisms in shaping effective policies and programs. A comprehensive and systematic approach to evaluation will not only enhance the efficiency of government initiatives but also ensure transparency and accountability in our pursuit of sustainable development,” Romualdez told them.

HB 4000 seeks to strengthen the legal and organizational framework for the regular conduct of monitoring and evaluation of the results of public policies, programs, projects and other forms of government intervention intended to promote sustainable development.

Romualdez has endorsed the proposed measure to the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) for inclusion among the priority legislations.

The establishment of a National Evaluation Policy will help determine the proper implementation of the country’s policies and programs to achieve and support good governance.

Likewise, it would be useful in assessing the effectiveness and sustainability of programs and policies toward achieving national development goals.

A similar measure, HB 5181 or “An Act Institutionalizing A Results-Based National Evaluation Policy” has also been filed in the House.

“Our commitment extends beyond the confines of a single bill. The House of Representatives is eager to actively engage with and support various legislative measures that align with the SDGs,” Romualdez said.

He pointed out that by working collaboratively with their counterparts and stakeholders, they mean to create a legislative framework aligned with the policy direction of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. that promotes inclusivity, environmental stewardship, and social progress.

— Zaldy De Layola (PNA)