The Policy Development and Planning Bureau (PDPB) provides leadership in developing policies and plans of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and of the social welfare and development sector. To ensure that policies and plans are evidence-based, the PDPB also leads in conducting researches, monitoring and evaluating plans, policies, and office performance to influence decisions of the DSWD Management. 

At the regional and international levels, the PDPB supports the leadership role of the DSWD in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and the United Nations (UN) in matters concerning social welfare and development (SWD).