Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman was honored as the “Outstanding Filipina in the Field of Public Service” at the Gawad Pilipino Awards Night on March 16 at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

This year’s Gawad Pilipino Awards, held in celebration of Women’s Month, recognized outstanding women for their contributions to empowerment, equality, and sustainable development.

Pangandaman stands as the first Muslim Budget Secretary and the only woman in the Philippine economic team under the Marcos administration.

“In a world where women’s efforts are often overlooked, this award affirms our vital role in driving progress—whether in government, business, education, healthcare, or at home,” Sec. Pangandaman said in her message, as delivered by DBM Undersecretary Goddes Hope Libiran.

“When I think about this award, I can’t help but remember some of the greatest and most influential Filipinas in our history—women who opened doors for others, bravely fought for their advocacies, and proved that nothing is impossible for women,” Pangandaman continued.

Pangandaman acknowledged influential women who inspired her career, including the late former DBM Secretary Emilia Boncodin, Sen. Loren Legarda, and her mother, Nancy Pangandaman.

She stressed that “being a woman in leadership requires a profound commitment to ensuring that every policy and program uplifts and empowers every Filipino.”

Pangandaman ended the speech with a commitment to further champion gender equality and create more opportunities for Filipinas.

“This nomination is a reminder of that commitment, and I take it as a challenge to double—if not triple—my efforts in championing gender equality, making sure every Filipina has a voice, a platform, and a future where she can thrive,” she said.