The Philippine Center for Economic Development or PCED is a unique government entity as it is created solely to support the University of the Philippines School of Economics (UPSE) in its research, teaching, training, and other programs. After years of challenges and living up to its mandates, PCED turns 50 years old in 2024.

It celebrated its golden year by looking back, assessing the present and gearing up for the next 50 years.

Established on May 13, 1974, by President Ferdinand E. Marcos who signed Presidential Decree No. 453, the PCED came to life to primary provide financial and moral assistance to the then young UPSE.   The objective is to enable this academic UP institution to carry out functions on a broader scale through the PCED, while at the same time preserving a significant level of autonomy. UPSE has a very important responsibility of making sure that the country has a steady supply of technical expertise who will lead the country to national development and progress. The government, in particular, will benefit as it crafts and implements policies and programs. Since its establishment, PCED has produced, through the UPSE, graduates who manned government agencies and private institutions and became the engines of economic growth.

In commemorating its 50 years, PCED decided to look back, assess the present and plan on how to stay relevant.  To be able to do these, a yearlong program of activities was organized. Highlights of these are the:

1. PCED@50 Lecture Series: 50 Years of Economic Policymaking.  A series of lectures of former National Economic and Development Authority heads who presented the most challenging issues and how these were addressed during their term as economic planning secretaries.

The series featured Dr. Gerardo Sicat, Prof. Solita C. Monsod, Dr. Cielito Habito, Dr. Felipe Medalla, Dr. Dante Canlas, and Dr. Ernesto Pernia.  The lecture series invited popular personalities to host-moderate and bring out the best in the discussions, they are Dr. Elizabeth Enríquez, Mr. Ramon Isberto, Mr. Christian Esguerra, Ms. Marites Vitug, Ms. Michelle Ong, and Ms. Karen Davila.

1. Reconvening of the Program in Development Economics Alumni Association.  The PDE alumni are crucial partners in the enhancement of the role of PCED as source of technical experts for economic development.  The institutionalization of the Ruperto P. Alonzo (RPA) Memorial Lecture Series, as their first project, will serve as a significant venue for discussions of development issues by development planners and implementors.

The 1st RPA Lecture was held on February 8, 2023, with a forum on Twenty-eight years of BOT Laws and the Way Forward.  PDE Alumna and Executive Director of the Public-Private Partnership Center of the Philippines, Ms. Ma. Cynthia Hernandez was the main speaker.  The 2nd RPA Lecture was on the Nuclear Option held on February 8, 2024.  The main speaker was DOE Undersecretary Sharon S. Garin.                                  

1.   Philippine Center for Economic Development 50th Anniversary Gala Night was held on May 17, 2024, at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Assembly Hall. The Gala Night’s highlight was the awarding of recognition to the founding members of the Board of Trustees whose vision and wisdom made possible the creation of an institution that has provided invaluable financial and moral support to UPSE. Special recognition was given to three of the founding members who are still living, namely, Dr. Jaime C. Laya, Dr. Gerardo P. Sicat, and Prof. Cesar E.A. Virata.
2. PCED@50: Ang Araw ng Pasasalamat at Pagkilala held on May 13, 2024 at the UPSE Auditorium. This event falls exactly on the date PCED was created 50 years earlier, on May 13, 1974.  This celebration was organized for the UPSE and PCED families, current and retired. As part of the festivities, Ms. Milagros Savella, UPSE and PCED Accountant was recognize for her significant contributions to PCED and UPSE.
3. Clarion: Sounding the Call for Climate Action. A concert of the UP Concert Chorus PCED organized to raised awareness about the climate crisis and hopefully to inspire action towards greener and more sustainable environment. The concert showcased the talents of the UP Concert Chorus fresh from their win at the Musica Orbis Festival in Prague, Czech Republic. 
4. UPSE Goes Solar. This initiative will pave the way for greener and more sustainable operations of UPSE. This is made more significant as UPSE is among the first few units in UP that is putting much efforts, with the help of its alumni, in its commitment to environmental protection and sustainability.

As PCED moves to the next chapter of its existence, its indispensable role in shaping the Philippine economic environment by producing competent economic policy makers, fostering continuous  dialogues and producing studies to substantiate discussions on critical economic issues will remain to be the significant contributions of PCED that will propel the country to national progress.