Magandang hapon po sa ating lahat! Happy 87th DBM Anniversary! iViva Las Islas Filipinas!
Assalamu alaikum wa Raḥmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
Before anything else, let me greet our Guests of Honor today, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, and former DBM Secretary and now Finance Chief, Secretary Benjamin Diokno. Thank you so much for joining us on this momentous occasion.
I am well aware that all of us here have busy schedules and pending deliverables we have to park in the meantime to join this celebration.
Kaya naman po, ikinagagalak ko pong makita na tayo ay nagsama-sama ngayong hapon upang ipagdiwang ang napakahalagang okasyong ito para sa ating ahensya na itinatag noon pang 1936 bilang Budget Commission.
I also hope that you enjoyed the week-long festivities in celebration of our anniversary.
This year’s theme—Viva Las Islas Filipinas—is centered on fostering and strengthening our sense of nationalism. Hangad po namin na sa pamamagitan ng selebrasyong ito ay lalo po nating maisapuso ang dahilan ng ating paglilingkod—lahat para sa bayan.
Relatedly, this afternoon, we will honor our loyalty awardees—employees who have dedicated years of service and embodied the essence of nationalism. To our loyalty awardees, please know that you are an inspiration for all of us to continue working for the achievement of our aspirations and, ultimately, our Agenda for Prosperity.
Message of Thanks
Let me take this opportunity to extend my gratitude to all the officials and employees who made this celebration a success. I know it was not easy conceptualizing and implementing the week-long activities, but you made it all possible—through hard work and, of course, the cooperation, support, and active participation of everyone.
Also, congratulations to all the winners which will be announced later, as well as to those who participated in the competitions.
Our 87th anniversary is an all-in package—a celebration that involved all the senses. Physically—the museum tour, blood donation drive, and Palarong Pinoy; mentally—the poem writing and reels making contests, and the blessing and launch of our library; and spiritually—the thanksgiving mass. We even had a cooking competition graced by celebrity chefs, Chef Jessie Sincioco and Chef Sandy Daza.
DBM PUBLICATIONS
This afternoon, we will also unveil several DBM publications led by the Communications, Advocacy, and Stakeholder Relations Group under Usec. Margaux Salcedo.
First up is the Public Financial Management (PFM) Learning and Development (L&D) Manual, a professional and practical guide for everyone’s training and development needs.
We will also launch the “Road to Reform: Budget and Management Reforms under the Duterte Administration,” which provides a narrative on the reform journey and milestones of the Department during the term of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
Finally, we have the latest edition of the Government Directory. This edition is close to my heart because, for the first time in around 30 years, the Government Directory pays tribute to the diversity of the Mindanawon life. The overall design of this publication showcases Mindanao symbols and patterns, including illustrations featuring Mindanao culture and traditions.
The directory will be distributed to all the National Government Agencies, Local Government Units (LGUs), members of Congress, media, Philippine embassies, SUCs, and consulates abroad, who have come to regard it as a handy reference.
MORE REASONS TO CELEBRATE
Indeed, we have a lot of reasons to celebrate. We have good people, a good economy, and better news with inflation rate slowing down, government spending targets being surpassed in March, and our projected real GDP being the HIGHEST in the ASEAN region according to the latest World Economic Outlook of the International Monetary Fund.
As we turn 87 this year, we continue standing for efficiency, inclusivity, and sustainability as we craft a national budget where no Filipino will be left behind, including the future generations. We continue advocating for transparency and accountability, keeping our budget and other releases open to public scrutiny. We continue working hard to make DBM future-ready, as we are already on track with our digitalization goals through our improved information systems.
We have more work ahead, but we should certainly celebrate our wins for the past 87 years. Malayo pa, pero malayo na ang ating narating.
All these and more are because of your commitment and dedication to serving the nation—nationalism at its best!
Again, happy 87th anniversary, DBM! Mabuhay po tayong lahat!
Wabillahi Tawfiq Wal Hidaya, Wasalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu.
