DBM Press Release
29 March 2023
Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman, speaking at the first quarter Full Membership Conference of the Association of Information Officers in Metro Manila (AIMM) on 29 March 2023, encouraged government communicators to uphold public trust and be proactive in disseminating information about the projects and programs of the Marcos Jr. administration.
Present at the event were information chiefs and officers of various national government agencies, offices, and local government units (LGUs) in the NCR.
In her message, Secretary Pangandaman stressed the vital role communication plays in nation-building by promoting a transparent and credible government, which, in turn, translates to gaining public trust.
“As we become more transparent, more citizens will know what we are doing. We become more credible to speak of national development, socioeconomic progress, sustainability, and inclusivity, among others,” Secretary Pangandaman said.
“I call on all information officers to remember that every word is powerful, and your words, in particular, start conversations capable of spurring change. Let us all be wise and communicate with the goal of building the nation,” the Budget Secretary added.
Meanwhile, DBM Undersecretary and concurrent AIMM president Goddes Hope Libiran encouraged the participants to fulfill their duty as information officers and forge a strong partnership among other national government agencies and LGUS to better communicate the programs, projects, and advocacies of the administration.
“As information officers, we have a great responsibility — a responsibility that comes with the privilege to serve the public. But I don't want the [information] officers to be just merely officers by name. I want us to deliver. I want us to leave a legacy," Usec. Libiran said.
“Let us continue to promote the dissemination of information that is just, accurate, sufficient, and useful. Let us do our part in making our voices louder to stir important national and global conversations that matter.”
Speaking at the same event was Malacañang Press Briefer Daphne Oseña-Paez, who echoed the crucial duty of communicators to shape a future in which Filipinos can fully and freely access vital information.
“It’s very, very important for all of us to set the tone and to make sure that the people get the right information — na wala nang mga middlemen — that our government is transparent and approachable, and here are the steps that we take para ma-deliver lahat ng magagandang programa ni President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.,” Ms. Paez said.
The activity likewise involved discussions about key government priority programs, such as the implementation of the Mandanas-Garcia Supreme Court Ruling on Full Devolution, presented by DBM Director John Aries Macaspac, and the National Government Rightsizing Program, explained by DBM Acting Chief Budget and Management Specialist Andrea Lorraine Salvador.
The event was organized by the DBM in collaboration with the Philippine Information Agency - NCR, headed by Regional Director Emver Cortez.
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