Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah "Mina" F. Pangandaman received an honorary Doctorate Degree of Philosophy in Economics (Honoris Causa) from the Mindanao State University - Marawi City during its 61st Commencement Exercises today, 20 February 2025.

 

The MSU conferred the honorary doctorate degree to Sec. Mina in recognition of her exemplary performance and firm leadership as Budget Secretary, as well as for serving as an inspiration to her fellow Maranaos in promoting equality and inclusivity in government service, particularly for women and minority groups.

 

"The Mindanao State University System, in recognition of her exemplary performance and sterling record in public service as an intrepid, zealous reformer and her substantive, visionary leadership of the Department of Budget and Management, awards to Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman the ultimate honor (meritissimus highest honor) that an academic institution bestows upon a deserving public servant, a Doctor of Philosophy in Economics (Honoris Causa)," the citation scroll read.

 

"I thank MSU for this Honorary Doctorate in Economics degree, which I receive with great honor and gratitude. It is especially my pleasure to accept this prestigious degree today, particularly as it comes from undeniably one of the best educational institutions in the country," Sec. Mina said.

 

"Rest assured that I recognize the immense responsibility that comes with it. I won’t take this lightly. Hence, as your Budget Secretary, I vow to continue supporting the administration’s mission towards a prosperous and inclusive economy," she added.

 

 

Following the conferment ceremony, Sec. Mina served as the guest speaker at the university's commencement exercises themed "MSU: Sustaining an Equipoise of Technology and Moral-Spiritual Values Amidst Prodigious Change."

 

"While the advent of technology has brought significant change in society, there are still challenges that remain to be faced—challenges that threaten our stability, including conflict, poverty, education gaps, climate change, and gender biases," Sec. Mina said.

 

"And so, dear MSUans, there is still a lot of work to do even after you leave the halls of this institution. But, the good news is, with the skills and knowledge you have received here at MSU, I am positive that your generation is ready and better positioned to address those challenges," she continued.

 

Sec. Mina likewise reminded the graduates to be proud of their heritage, contribute to realizing genuine social progress, keep learning, stick to their core values, and practice gratitude at all times.

 

She addressed MSU's Batch Rangkamanis, which consisted of over 800 graduates. A proud daughter of Mindanao and a Maranao herself, Sec. Pangandaman, highlighted the essence of being "rangkamanis," a Maranao word for glow of honor.

 

"Noong ako po ay maimbitahan bilang Guest of Honor, ang sabi po sa akin ay dahil ako raw po ang “Rangkamanis of the Maranaos.” Bagamat nagpapasalamat po ako sa pagkilala at buong puso ko po itong tinatanggap, gusto ko pong sabihin na sa totoo lang, kayo ‘yun. Kayo po ang legit na Rangkamanis of the Maranaos," Sec. Pangandaman expressed.

 

"All of you here are the glowing honor, not just of MSU but of the whole of Mindanao. With that, dear graduates, wherever life takes you, remember to always keep your light shining brightly," she concluded.

 

 

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