DBM Press Release
Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman has expressed optimism that the Philippines will sustain its standing as one among Asia-Pacific region’s fastest-growing economies through the government’s ongoing fiscal reforms and good governance policies.
In a keynote message delivered at the 2025 Fiscal Policy Conference, Pangandaman said the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) remains steadfast in pursuing reforms that promote transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in fiscal management.
She emphasized that despite global headwinds and domestic challenges, the Philippine economy continues to demonstrate resilience with manageable inflation and stable employment levels.
According to Pangandaman, the government’s fiscal policy direction is geared toward maintaining macroeconomic stability while ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth for all Filipinos.
The DBM chief noted that these reforms are designed to strengthen fiscal discipline, improve spending efficiency, and boost public confidence in government financial systems.
Pangandaman said the agency continues to enhance its policy frameworks to ensure that the national budget remains a tool for transformation and long-term development.
These messages were underscored during the 2025 Fiscal Policy Conference organized by the DBM’s Budget Policy and Strategy Group on October 27, 2025.
Held at the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Law in Diliman, Quezon City, the event brought together leading economists, governance experts, and development partners to discuss ways to strengthen fiscal integrity through transparent governance.
Professor Solita Monsod, Professor Emeritus at the UP School of Economics, discussed how corruption hinders economic growth and erodes the benefits of capital investments.
She proposed that clear and consistent rules on public fund utilization be complemented by stronger monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure accountability.
DBM Undersecretary Margaux Salcedo, who moderated the panel discussion, cited the agency’s Project DIME (Digital Imaging for Monitoring and Evaluation) as a tool for tracking projects under the General Appropriations Act.
Salcedo added that the DBM continues to study enhancements to the government’s monitoring and evaluation systems to further institutionalize transparency and efficiency.
Dr. Jesus Estanislao, Professor Emeritus of the University of Asia and the Pacific, emphasized that the national budget can serve as an instrument for transformative change when anchored on a long-term development vision.
He also stressed that visionary leadership is essential in enforcing fiscal discipline and sustaining reforms that benefit the broader population.
Asian Development Bank Principal Public Sector Specialist Atty. Jose Luis Syquia, for his part, called for a holistic approach to public financial management and highlighted the importance of digital transformation to promote transparency.
Meanwhile, Dr. Alex Brillantes, Professor Emeritus of the UP National College of Public Administration and Governance, underscored the need for structural reforms, mindset shifts, and stronger leadership to eliminate corruption and uphold fiscal integrity. (END)
