In a series of impactful events held in Butuan City from August 28-30, 2024, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman led efforts to promote good governance, enhance transparency, and strengthen peace initiatives in Caraga Region. The visit highlighted key programs aimed at public financial management (PFM) competency, open government advocacy, and the ongoing drive to end local communist armed conflicts.

Public Financial Management Competency Program (PFMCP)

In partnership with the Caraga Budget Administrator’s Group (CBAG), Inc., DBM Trese spearheaded a three-day PFMCP for Local Government Units (LGUs) from August 28 to 30, 2024. Held at Dottie’s Place Hotel and Restaurant in Butuan City, the program sought to enhance governance, financial accountability, and resource management across LGUs in the region.

A total of 659 PFM practitioners from the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Dinagat Islands, and Butuan City attended the event. In her keynote address, Secretary

Pangandaman emphasized the importance of proper budget utilization to drive the country toward a #BagongPilipinas. 

"Sama-sama po nating paigtingin ang ating mga LGUs sa pamamagitan ng wasto at tapat na paggamit ng inyong mga budget tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas kung saan walang Pilipino ang maiiwanan, at kung saan ang gobyerno ay pinagkakatiwalaan ng mga mamamayan," she stressed.

The Secretary also took the opportunity to introduce significant updates to the New Government Procurement Act, designed to streamline and digitalize procurement processes for better efficiency and transparency.

She was presented with a traditional Sinuyaman vest acknowledging her support for indigenous communities and their culture.

The PFMCP drew strong support from local leaders, with messages of encouragement delivered by Agusan del Norte Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante, Dinagat Islands Governor Nilo P. Demerey Jr., and Butuan City Mayor Ronnie Vicente C. Lagnada.

OGPinas! 2024: A Catalyst for Open Government in Butuan City

On August 30, 2024, the Philippine Open Government Partnership (PH-OGP), in collaboration with DBM, DILG, and PIA, launched the Butuan leg of the OGPinas! 2024 campaign at Oazis Hotel. The event, aimed at fostering transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement, was part of a nationwide advocacy to promote open governance and harness technological advancements in public administration. The participants from both the private and government sector were composed of student leaders from State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), Civil Society Organization (CSO) representatives and LGU employees.

Secretary Pangandaman, who chairs the PH-OGP, expressed a strong commitment to increasing the participation of LGUs in the open government initiative. She reiterated the role of transparency in restoring public trust and emphasized how crucial citizen engagement is for effective governance.

In partnership with the Caraga Budget Administrator’s Group (CBAG), Inc., DBM Trese spearheaded a three-day PFMCP for Local Government Units (LGUs) from August 28 to 30, 2024. Held at Dottie’s Place Hotel and Restaurant in Butuan City, the program sought to enhance governance, financial accountability, and resource management across LGUs in the region.

A total of 659 PFM practitioners from the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Dinagat Islands, and Butuan City attended the event. In her keynote address, Secretary

Advancing Peace and Development in Caraga through JRTF-ELCAC

Secretary Pangandaman, in her role as Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORD) for Caraga, also led the 2nd Joint Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (JRTF-ELCAC) Full Council Meeting on August 30, 2024, at Almont Inland Hotel, Butuan City.

Present in the meeting were local government executives, national agency representatives, and civil society leaders. They discussed the FY 2025 work and financial plans and provided updates on the peace and development achievements in the region. There was extensive discussion on the status of friends rescued, former combatants now reintegrating into society, whose welfare is a central concern in achieving lasting peace.

In her address, Secretary Pangandaman urged the task force to remain steadfast in its efforts to secure long-term peace and development in the Caraga Region. Her call to action echoed the administration's broader objective of eradicating insurgency and establishing security and progress in previously conflict-ridden areas.

Dialogue with SUC Presidents and Visit to DBM Caraga Regional Office and PS Butuan Depot

To cap the day, Secretary Pangandaman, together with DBM Undersecretaries and staff, was warmly received at the DBM Caraga Regional Office and PS Butuan Depot. 

The Secretary engaged with the Presidents of various State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the region, namely, Dr. Rolyn S. Daguil (Caraga State University), Dr. Joy S. Capistrano (Agusan del Sur College of Arts and Trades), Dr. Nemesio Loayon (North Eastern Mindanao State University) and Surigao Del Norte State University OIC President and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) OIC-Regional Director Alma S. Patron. The SUCs thanked DBM for promptly addressing their budgetary concerns. In turn, Secretary Pangandaman assured the SUCs of continued support, particularly for research and development initiatives, which she sees as crucial for regional progress. As a token of appreciation, the SUC Presidents gifted Sec. Mina and her Undersecretaries with Manobo Wooden Dolls which depict Manobo Nobility, a sign of prominence and stature.

The visit culminated with a fellowship night, where DBM personnel celebrated their collective achievements. In her message, Secretary Pangandaman showed deep appreciation for the hard work of DBM Caraga staff in advancing the department’s goals and serving the public.

Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman's visit to the Caraga Region underscored the government's commitment to promoting good governance, transparency, financial accountability, and peace-building efforts. Through initiatives like the Public Financial Management Competency Program, Open Government Partnership, and the ongoing fight against insurgency, the DBM continues to lead in fostering inclusive development and strengthening the trust between the government and its citizens. These initiatives not only empower local government units but also pave the way for a more transparent, accountable, and peaceful Philippines, ensuring no Filipino is left behind in the journey toward progress.