The Philippines, through the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), currently serves as a member of the Inter-Agency Expert Group on Sustainable Development Goals (IAEG-SDGs). It continuously supports the IAEG-SDGs in accomplishing its mandate of reviewing the global indicator framework and providing technical assistance for its implementation. We commend the IAEG-SDGs' dedication and achievements in advancing sustainable development initiatives, highlighting the progress made in key areas.
In cognizant with the changes and initiatives in the global SDGs, the Philippines conducted activities for better appreciation and engagement in the monitoring and achievement of the SDGs. Some of these are: (1) the annual refinement of the list of Philippine SDG indicators to align with the updated global SDG indicators and its inclusion to the Philippine Development Plan for 2023-2028, (2) the annual monitoring of SDG Pace of Progress through the use of the online tool called National SDG Tracker. The SDG Pace of Progress serves as reference in the development and prioritization of programs, activities, and projects such as SDG policy document called Regional Catch-Up Plans led by the Planning Ministry to supplement gaps of current government initiatives, and (3) the adoption of SDG Data Platform, which is an online data collection tool that would automate submissions from different data sources.
The Philippines is continuously exploring the use of Big Data and other non-traditional data sources, including administrative-based data, in generating official statistics for SDG indicators. Just recently, the PSA Board, which is the highest policymaking body of the Philippines on statistical matters, has approved the methodology for the estimation of SDG 16.10.1 (Number of verified cases of killing, kidnapping, enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention and torture of journalists, associated media personnel, trade unionists and human rights advocates), upgrading this indicator to Tier I from Tier II.
The Philippines actively participated in defining the criteria and submission requirements for the 2025 comprehensive review, demonstrating our dedication to a comprehensive, rigorous, and relevant process. We firmly believe in inclusivity and stakeholder representation to ensure diverse perspectives and experiences are reflected throughout the review.
In expressing our views and adopting the proposed 2024 work program of the Expert Group, we reaffirm our commitment to the Expert Group's activities and their alignment with the overarching goals of sustainable development.