By GODDES HOPE O. LIBIRAN
I walked past the huge hall of our office building on a typical Monday morning, just in time for a special flag-raising ceremony. The usually empty, white-tiled hallway with large, classic chandeliers has turned into a barrio fiesta setting, hung with colorful flaglets.
Abanikosa or native hand fans and paintings were displayed on the surrounding posts.
The occasion was the kick-off ceremony of the Department of Budget and Management’s (DBM) 87th anniversary, themed “Viva Las Islas Filipinas.”
Excitement was in the air, with various events scheduled in the week-long festivities, including games (palarong Pinoy), competitions (adobo-cooking contest, poem-writing), and bazaars (food and assorted merchandise).
Nearly 10 months into my work at DBM, I am enthralled over how the office pulls off events, and milestones despite hectic days. These efforts, no matter how simple, foster camaraderie and a sense of place for DBM employees.
Reflecting on the nurturing culture at DBM, I feel grateful to be part of the agency.
In my life, I have worn many hats — as a mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, and public servant. So far I've had a challenging and exciting career as a communicator, lecturer, and advocate of public awareness through relevant and timely information.
But never in my wildest imagination did I envision working at the DBM — a bailiwick of accountants, auditors, and economists, where math wizards pore over numbers and formulas.
The pressure of leaving one's comfort zone manifested itself upon my appointment as Undersecretary at DBM. I even questioned myself if I can live up to the demands and expectations of such an unfamiliar organization.
But as a woman who's been through unspeakable hardships, I accepted the challenge because I want to face it head-on. I know I can, and I know I am willing to give it my best shot.
As a newbie DBM officer, I studied the intricacies of the budgeting process, the technical financial terms, and many other things about the agency.
In all my tasks, there's an earnest desire to learn, to ask questions, and get mentored.
In my first few weeks, I remember the many books and briefing materials I read, and how Regional Director Belle Taguinod of DBM Region III patiently educated me during weekends on the budget cycle, how funds are released to different government agencies, and many other intricacies in the budgeting process.
My thirst for knowledge has paid off. Whenever such acronyms as SARO, NCA, GARO, MTFF, as well as terms like fiscal space, deficit, inflation, debt servicing, obligation, tier 1 and tier 2 budgets and disbursement are mentioned, I can say with confidence that I understand them.
Working at DBM has opened my eyes to the critical and complex mandate the agency has on public expenditure management — from the preparation, authorization, and execution to accountability. DBM works all year round in the exercise of a sound, efficient, and effective management and utilization of government resources to improve the lives of the Filipino people.
The men and women of DBM are hardworking, efficient and examples of excellence in the performance of public service. But they are also fun-loving people who lift each other's spirits at the end of the day.
Most wonderful is we have a leader who is not just an exemplary public servant, but is likewise a classy, loving, and humble person. I will never get tired of saying I am blessed to be given the opportunity to work with DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman. Every day, she shows what kindness and caring for people can do to make the world a better place.
Certainly, DBM is not for everyone. But the moment you come to know the people, what they do, how they work, and why they do it, you might find yourself wanting to work with us.
[Goddes Hope Oliveros Libiran is the current undersecretary and supervising senior official of the Media Affairs and Community Relations Office (MACRO) and Internal Audit Service (IAS) of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). During the Duterte administration, she was the assistant secretary for Communications and Commuter Affairs of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).]