17 December 2024

 

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM), under the able and dynamic leadership of Secretary Amenah "Mina" F. Pangandaman, was hailed as Champion of Information Integrity at the first 'Parangal: Gawad ng Kahusayan sa Komunikasyong Publiko,' organized by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

 

No less than President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. graced the awarding ceremony held at the Philippine International Convention Center on Monday, 16 December 2024.

 

"The Information Integrity Award celebrates defiance in the face of what is a new phenomenon of misinformation. Falsehoods are corrosive and erode trust, they destabilize governance, and divide societies," President BBM explained.

 

"Nowadays, disinformation is not just a threat—it is a weapon that is used to distort facts, to sow fear, to weaken democracy. However, the awardees we honor tonight stood firm and proved that integrity is the unshakable foundation of public trust," the President continued.

 

"Our deepest gratitude to President Bongbong Marcos and the PCO for this incredible honor. This recognition is truly an achievement that reflects the collective efforts of so many dedicated individuals here at DBM. Let’s keep shining a light on the truth and championing the integrity of information for all Filipinos,” Sec. Mina said.

 

On behalf of the Budget Secretary, DBM senior officials Media Affairs and Conmunity Relations Undersecretary Goddes Hope Libiran and Advocacy, Capacity Development, and Economic Affairs Assistant Secretary Diana Camacho-Mercado received the award.

 

“On our end at the DBM, with the efficient and inspirational leadership of our Secretary Mina Pangandaman, we vow to renew our commitment to serving the Filipino people with even greater zeal. As what Sec Mina advicates, we will continue to break down barriers, enhance transparency, and build a more informed and engaged society,” Usec. Libiran expressed.

 

“The Philippines actually ranks number one in budget transparency in Asia and 15th in the world. So, rest assured that we will continue to work to make the budget open, transparent and accessible to the Filipino people,” Asec. Camacho-Mercado, for her part, said.

 

As part of the DBM's efforts to foster fiscal transparency and good governance, the agency maximizes the use of various multimedia platforms to make accurate budget information more accessible and comprehensible.

 

This is carried out through the production of various publications about the government budget and DBM-led Public Financial Management reforms, including the People’s Budget Series, President’s Budget Message, Technical Notes on Proposed National Budget, Quick Glance budget brochures, DBM Annual Report, and the DBM Bulletin, which features DBM’s major programs/projects, and events.

 

Moreover, to enhance audience reach and dissemination, DBM manages various social media accounts and creates a user-friendly and interactive platform for easier access of information through its official website.

 

The DBM also ensures that information about the national budget is disseminated in a timely manner by producing a series of press releases about the national expenditure program and social media content posted on the Usapang Budget Natin pages and featured in the Usapang Budget Natin teleradyo program.

 

Meanwhile, for this year's awarding ceremony, the DBM was also nominated in different categories, including the Outstanding Digital Campaign Website of the Year, Outstanding Digital Campaign (Long-Form), and Outstanding Public Communicator with Usec. Libiran as nominee.