Dear readers, allow me to first greet everyone a belated happy Bonifacio Day!
As we celebrated the legacy and heroism of Gat Andres Bonifacio, the Father of the Philippine Revolution, we are reminded that all of us have a part to play in making our Motherland a more prosperous and beautiful nation.
From his Katipunan name, “Maypagasa,” which means “There is Hope,” we are empowered to be optimistic even in the face of adversity.
Bonifacio’s courage teaches us that true change begins when ordinary individuals dare to dream of a better future and take extraordinary steps to achieve it.
His revolutionary spirit lives on in every Filipino who chooses to stand for what is right, work for progress, and uplift others along the way.
In other news, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), under the steadfast leadership of Secretary Amenah "Mina" F. Pangandaman, has once again etched its name among the most exemplary agencies in government service.
At the 2024 Freedom of Information (FOI) Awards held on Nov. 25, the DBM was celebrated as one of the Top Requested and Performing Agencies in the eFOI Portal’s 250-499 Category.
This recognition is both a reaffirmation of the agency’s unwavering dedication to transparency and open governance and a challenge to further elevate its efforts—an opportunity that Secretary Mina embraces with confidence and resolve.
The FOI Awards’ 250-499 Category honors agencies that receive between 250 to 499 FOI requests annually and achieve a closure rate exceeding 90 percent. The DBM’s stellar performance in this category reflects its efficiency in public accountability.
By promptly addressing the information needs of the public, the DBM reinforces its role as a reliable partner in fostering trust between the government and its constituents.
I am proud of Secretary Mina’s strategic leadership that has steered the DBM at the forefront of leveraging digital platforms to enhance public access to government information. Through the eFOI Portal, the agency ensures a streamlined and efficient process for responding to Freedom of Information requests.
Part of this endeavor is the introduction of Budget Transparency tools like the user-friendly platform, Budget ng Bayan website. This allows citizens to track government expenditures and understand budget allocations in a clear and accessible manner.
The DBM also employs performance monitoring mechanisms to assess the implementation of government programs and projects, thereby guaranteeing that public funds are used efficiently and effectively.
Meanwhile, a major feat of the PBBM administration is the New Government Procurement Act that Secretary Mina fought hard for. This legislation aims to modernize and streamline procurement processes, which in effect promotes accountability in public spending.
Further, the DBM conducts regular training and capacity-building initiatives for government personnel to strengthen their understanding and practice of transparency and accountability in public service.
Tying this down is the recent launch of the DBM of the Philippine Public Financial Management (PFM) Reforms Roadmap 2024-2028, a strategic blueprint designed to enhance the efficiency, accountability, and transparency of public fund utilization across government agencies.
As an active advocate of participatory governance, the DBM also plays a significant role in the Philippine-Open Government Partnership (OGP) initiative. This program encourages citizen engagement in policymaking and promotes accountability by fostering collaboration between the government and stakeholders. It promotes participatory governance and public engagement in policymaking, aligning with the DBM’s mission to enhance transparency and inclusivity.
As a matter of fact, the DBM was also presented with a Plaque of Appreciation for its significant contributions to PH-OGP.
In line with this, the DBM is set to host the next OGP Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting by February 2025, further solidifying its role as a leader in transparency and public engagement.
At the core of all of these achievements is the visionary leadership of Secretary Mina.
Her steadfast commitment to transparency as a pillar of governance has been instrumental in driving the DBM’s success. Under her direction, the agency has continually advanced its digitalization efforts.
The DBM’s triumphs are also proof of the hard work and dedication of its personnel. Secretary Mina knows how to motivate her co-workers, including me and my colleagues from the Media Affairs and Community Relations Office (MACRO). With her steering the ship, the entire DBM team is striving for excellence in public service.
The annual FOI Awards serve as a platform to recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals, agencies, and organizations in advancing transparency and accountability. The DBM’s recognition at this year’s event not only celebrates its achievements but also sets a standard for other government institutions to emulate.
Secretary Mina, our team, and myself, are working hard to show that transparency is a non-negotiable in public service.
Congratulations, Secretary Mina and DBM for this well-deserved honor.
There is Hope!