Few can rival the depth of expertise and transformative vision embodied by Secretary Amenah "Mina" F. Pangandaman. As the first Muslim Budget Secretary and the lone woman on the country’s economic team, she pioneers change and redefines leadership in Philippine governance with resilience and grace.
At the helm of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Secretary Mina has become a key player in President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s administration, spearheading reforms that aim for broad-based economic recovery. With her steady leadership at the forefront, the government has enacted the fastest national budget in recent history, demonstrating not only efficiency but also a profound sense of urgency in addressing the needs of the Filipino people.
With a background in economics, Secretary Mina holds a degree from the Far Eastern University and a master’s degree in development economics from the University of the Philippines. Recognizing her contributions to the public sector, she was conferred an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Public Administration from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and an Honorary Doctorate Degree of Philosophy in Economics from Mindanao State University—Marawi City.
Before assuming her role as Budget Secretary, she honed her expertise under the mentorship of some of the nation’s most respected luminaries including the late Senate President Edgardo J. Angara, Senator Loren Legarda, and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Monetary Board Member Ben Diokno. These experiences helped shape her governance approach, instilling a deep sense of responsibility and dedication to fiscal management and economic policy.
At a relatively young age, Secretary Mina has earned the reputation of being the “Darling of the Philippine Cabinet.” Her dynamic leadership style, coupled with a keen understanding of economic principles, has positioned her as one of the most influential figures in the current administration. Her ability to navigate complex policy discussions while remaining attuned to the needs of ordinary citizens makes her a force in governance.
The Budget Secretary has been a driving force behind policies that promote open governance, ensuring the efficient and transparent use of national resources. She played a role in advancing the New Government Procurement Act, hailed as the biggest anti-corruption law in modern times. She is a strong proponent of digitalization, believing that a modernized budget system is vital to national development.
Her leadership has also paved the way for inclusive budgeting so that marginalized sectors including women, youth, and Muslim communities are given a voice in fiscal planning. By championing programs that empower these groups, she has reinforced the idea that economic policies should serve every and all Filipinos, regardless of background or status.
Beyond her feats as a civil servant, Secretary Mina has demonstrated excellence in various other fields including humanitarian work. She holds the rank of Rear Admiral (two-star general) in the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary and is the founder of the Dugtong Buhay Movement, a nationwide bloodletting initiative. In partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Philippine National Police, this initiative has helped save countless lives by promoting voluntary blood donation across the country.
Her remarkable contributions have earned her numerous accolades. Among these are the Rising Tigers "Woman of Substance" award, the Philippines' Women Leaders Award, and the Tanglaw ng Bayan award from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. She has also been recognized as Outstanding Public Servant by the Public Attorney’s Office for two consecutive years (2022 and 2023) and named Public Servant of the Year by the Asia Leaders Awards.
In 2024, PeopleAsia Magazine honored her as one of its People of the Year, while she also received the Gawad Kapayapaan Award. In celebration of International Women’s Month, the YWCA Founder’s Federation of the Philippines and various women’s organizations commended her for her exceptional contributions to women's empowerment and Philippine society. Most recently, she was recognized as an Outstanding Filipina in the Field of Public Service at the 2025 Gawad Pilipino Awards.
The DBM Secretary also empowers citizens by freely sharing her insights through her weekly Beyond Budget column in Manila Bulletin. Through this platform, she demystifies the national budget, explains economic policies, and highlights key advocacies, reinforcing her steadfast commitment to transparency, education, and inclusive governance.
But above all, what truly sets her apart is not just the history she is making—it is the heart with which she leads. Secretary Mina understands that behind every peso allocated is a student striving for a better education, a mother in need of quality healthcare, and an entrepreneur hoping for an opportunity to grow.
Those who have had the privilege of working alongside her know that she leads with both grit and grace, inspiring others not just through her actions, but through the integrity and devotion she brings to public service.
Few women have achieved what she has, but because of her, many more will.
Secretary Mina’s impact is woven into the lives she uplifts and the barriers she breaks. She does not simply lead, but empowers, and clears the path for a more just and inclusive Philippines. Through her, we see that the future of the Philippines is not just in capable hands, it is being shaped by leaders who serve with both purpose and heart.