BEYOND BUDGET
Assalamu alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
There’s something undeniably special about coming home. No matter how far we go or how much we achieve, it always calls us back. As Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz” famously said, “There’s no place like home.”
But home is more than a place — it’s a feeling of stability and belonging that remains constant in an ever-changing world. In this sense, I am fortunate to have more than one home. First and foremost, home is wherever my parents are, as they are my greatest source of love and support. The other is Mindanao, the land of my roots, which will always hold a special place in my heart.
Work recently allowed me to return home to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Last Thursday, I set foot again in a place that shaped me.
The eventful day began with a hearty breakfast alongside members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) of Lanao del Sur. Nothing fosters camaraderie more than sharing a meal.
I then took part in the blessing and turnover of 41 patrol vehicles, distributed to PNP units across Marawi City and the municipalities of Lanao del Sur. I believe that strengthening police presence and improving emergency responses are vital to peace and stability, and seeing this initiative come to life is truly inspiring. I am heartened to know that these vehicles will help protect lives. Thus, I thank President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. for providing these patrol cars that manifest his administration’s thrust of building an inclusive, resilient, peaceful, and prosperous Bagong Pilipinas.
Continuing my time with our uniformed personnel, I was given a warm welcome with Foyer Honors and had the chance to speak with the 103rd Brigade of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), a dedicated group of 450 troops.
Afterward, we enjoyed a boodle fight — a hands-on Filipino feast on banana leaves — sharing food, a sense of unity and mutual respect with our brave soldiers.
In the afternoon, I spoke as the guest of honor at the 61st commencement exercises of Mindanao State University-Marawi’s Class of 2025, the Rangkamanis. The 842 graduates shone with promise, their hard work and determination bringing them to a proud milestone — a moment aptly captured in their batch name, which means “glowing honor” in the Maranao language.
Mentoring the next generation is exciting and deeply rewarding. I, too, have been fortunate to learn from remarkable figures such as the late Senate President Edgardo J. Angara, Senator Loren Legarda, and Former Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, now Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Monetary Board Member. This is why I hold graduation rites in such high regard.
I make it a point to internalize the lessons I’ve gained and share them with tomorrow’s leaders, hoping to inspire and equip them for their journeys.
This time, my message centered on embracing one’s heritage with pride, transforming challenges into opportunities, committing to lifelong learning, staying true to one’s values, and cultivating gratitude. My final advice is to “keep holding on to hope, because Insha’Allah, it will all be worth it.”
Witnessing the young achievers standing at the threshold of new opportunities, poised to shape the future of Mindanao and the nation, filled me with great hope for what’s to come.
During the event, I had the privilege of receiving an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree in Economics from the esteemed institution. Conferred in recognition of my contributions to economics, public service, policymaking, and nation-building, I accepted the Honoris Causa with gratitude and a renewed commitment to impactful public service.
To conclude the day, I had the pleasure of inaugurating a new production facility for Kakaw Meranaw, a pioneering woman-led social enterprise in Brgy. Tagoranao, Bayang, Lanao del Sur. Specializing in artisan gourmet chocolates, the brand has garnered international attention, notably from cacao experts in Paris, France.
Beyond crafting exquisite chocolates, this initiative empowers local farmers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), reshaping the agricultural landscape and creating sustainable livelihoods in BARMM.
According to the 2023 Philippine MSME Statistics from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), MSMEs generated over 6.3 million jobs, making up nearly 67 percent of the country’s total employment. This underscores the essential role of homegrown businesses like Kakaw Meranaw in driving local industries forward and uplifting communities, especially farmers and artisans in Mindanao.
In 2021, Sittie Aisah took on her father’s challenge to unlock the potential of locally grown cacao and founded the social venture. I first learned about the brand in 2023 and was immediately captivated by its unique flavors, including palapa, turmeric, and dark chocolate with coffee. After visiting their farm and experiencing their chocolate bars firsthand, I wholeheartedly believe in the immense potential of this purpose-driven enterprise.
Beyond budget, despite my hectic schedule, with the trip packed with back-to-back events, I am glad I spent time with my parents and relatives. Indeed, my short time back home in Marawi was nothing but meaningful. I leave with bags of chocolates and a heart full of memories — reminders of the warmth, resilience, and hope that define my people.
Until next time, Marawi.
(Amenah F. Pangandaman is the Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management.)