To the faculty members of Mindanao State University (MSU)-Maguindanao and all our champions, advocates, and aspiring experts on the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda, good morning! 

Assalamu alaikum wa Raḥmatullahi wa Barakatuh.  

I am Budget and Management Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman, proudly from Lanao del Sur. As a daughter of Mindanao, I am happy to share with you that I am only the second woman to hold the position of Budget Secretary and now the only Filipina Muslim in the Cabinet of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.  I am also in our country’s Economic Team, in fact the only woman there and Chairperson of the Development Budget Coordination Committee. 

While I take pride in these distinctions, I look forward to a future where women in leadership roles are the standard rather than the exception, especially in the field of WPS. The United Nations Security Council institutionalized this agenda in 2000, and 25 years later, we still need more allies and experts, particularly women and individuals who genuinely consider women's voices, in shaping a more equal and peaceful world.  

Meeting all of you today, although virtually, gives me hope that we are heading in the right direction. I learned that 72% of you are women, 78% are government employees, and there is also a remarkable representation of men and civil society leaders here. The diversity of your class speaks volumes about how the WPS Agenda is not solely a women’s issue or a government concern, but a matter that involves everyone. 

Outline of Lecture 

So today, my lecture will revolve around the importance of multisectoral interventions and adopting a needs-based approach to promoting women's full and equal participation in decision-making to prevent conflict and build peace, based on my experiences as a WPS champion.   

There are a multitude of things we could discuss today, but I want us to concentrate on these three main points: First, the role of DBM in implementing the National Action Plan on WPS; second, the impact of women’s voices on the WPS Agenda; and lastly, the key strategies for mainstreaming the WPS Agenda. As we explore these topics, I hope you find inspiration not only to implement the best practices I will share but also to come up with ideas on how to surpass our achievements.  

I. The Role of DBM in Implementing the NAPWPS 

As you know, our mandate at the DBM is to promote the sound, efficient, and effective management and utilization of government resources. It is also our responsibility to ensure that these resources contribute to our nation’s development, of which the WPS is a vital component. 

Thus, the DBM has been involved in implementing the NAPWPS since its first iteration in 2010-2016 before becoming an executive member of the National Steering Committee on WPS (NSCWPS) in its third and fourth iterations, in 2017-2022 and 2023-2033, respectively.  

Established through Executive Order 865, series of 2010, the NSCWPS serves as the implementing institutional infrastructure of the NAP. Our inclusion in the steering committee allows us to help address the gaps in the financing and localization of WPS initiatives.  

We do this by upholding gender-responsive budgeting—an institutionally recognized principle anchored on several legal frameworks. 

As early as 1995, the DBM has introduced “The Women’s Budget,” or the Gender and Development Budget, in our National Budget, which mandates all departments and agencies to allocate at least or a minimum of five (5) percent of the budget for gender programs, projects, and activities through GAD Planning and Budgeting (GPB). 

The Magna Carta of Women Act of 2009 (Republic Act No. 9710) further institutionalized the GPB and even identified it as an essential mechanism to protect women during disasters, calamities, and crises, incorporate their welfare in peace agendas, and recognize their crucial role in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.   

To strengthen each agency's compliance with the GAD Budget, we involved the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW)—for the first time—in our series of budget fora on the preparation of the FY 2026 National Budget for National Government Agencies (NGAs) and Government-Owned or –Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) last January. The said forum served as a platform to guide our key stakeholders in crafting a gender-responsive budget, ensuring that the “Women’s Budget” is utilized more effectively, and driving meaningful progress toward women's empowerment. 

However, GAD mainstreaming does not end in planning, budgeting, and implementation; it also requires monitoring and evaluation. Hence, Section 32 of the General Provisions of the General Appropriations Act mandates the submission of GAD Plans and Accomplishment Reports to the DBM and PCW to ensure accountability, identify areas for improvement, and strengthen the effectiveness of gender-responsive policies and programs. In line with this provision, we are currently exploring ways to strengthen our monitoring mechanisms through the development of a GAD Accountability Dashboard.

At the national level, the FY 2025 National Budget funds programs that holistically support women—such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) for economic support with Php 64.2 billion; the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) with Php 924 million; the Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso (P3) Program with Php 500 million for entrepreneurship and financial empowerment; and the People’s Survival Fund with Php 1.0 billion for climate protection.   

Meanwhile, we also sustain budgetary support for peace and development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). This year, a total of Php 96.6 billion is allocated for BARMM. This includes the Php 83.4 billion Annual Block Grant, which is the share of the Bangsamoro government in the national internal revenue tax collections, supporting them in exercising their powers and functions.   

This amount also provides for the Special Development Fund, amounting to Php 5.0 billion, which will support the rebuilding, rehabilitation, and development of conflict-affected communities. BARMM also has a Php 5.9 billion current share and Php 2.2 billion continuing share in taxes, fees, and charges collected by revenue-collecting agencies and remitted to the Bureau of the Treasury. 

Meanwhile, some Php 5.26 billion has been allocated for the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) Program; Php 912.9 million for the Normalization Program; and Php 36.1 million for socioeconomic development assistance to the former MNLF combatants in pursuit of the Government of the Philippines-MNLF Peace Process Program. 

The government also funds specific programs designed to improve the welfare of the Bangsamoro people. These include the Reducing Vulnerabilities of Children from Hunger and Malnutrition in BARMM or Bangsamoro Umpungan sa Nutrisyon (BangUN), with an allocation of Php 157.6 million, and the establishment of Child Development Centers (CDCs) in 328 low-income LGUs nationwide—including 133 in Mindanao and 99 from BARMM—with Php 1 billion. 

Under Republic Act No. 11696, or the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act, we released a total of Php 4.3 billion from FY 2023 to FY 2024 to compensate for the loss of lives and property destruction during the 2017 crisis. This year, we have allocated Php 1.0 billion to continue supporting Marawi’s recovery and rehabilitation, ensuring that my fellow Maranaos can rebuild and emerge stronger than ever. 

For too long, the implementation of the WPS Agenda has been held back by inadequate funding. Through these budget allocations, we demonstrate our commitment to breaking that cycle by directing the necessary resources where they are most needed. We can fulfill this mission even more effectively with the active participation of our citizens in the National Budget cycle. 

So, as we conclude the first part of my lecture, I challenge you, as future WPS experts, to make use of citizen engagement mechanisms to voice your priorities and hold institutions accountable. Especially for the women in this class, we need you to be part of the conversation, because the struggles of women can only truly be understood and spoken by women themselves. Help us guarantee that the principles of the WPS Agenda are integrated all throughout the budget cycle—from the preparation to the accountability phase—and that these efforts lead to the women’s full participation in achieving and sustaining peace.  

II. The Impact of Women’s Voices on the WPS Agenda 

For the second part of my lecture, I want to emphasize that women are not just beneficiaries of the WPS Agenda but also equal drivers of its progress and success—a crucial reason why women must be included in decision-making processes. 

This inclusion is even more powerful when women occupy high-level government positions. Currently, there are four women, including yours truly, serving as cabinet secretaries of the Philippine government, shaping national policy and driving transformative change across diverse sectors.  

I am proud to serve alongside strong leaders such as Secretary Cristina Aldeguer Roque of the Department of Trade and Industry, Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco of the Department of Tourism. They are all testaments to the fact that when women lead, the entire nation benefits.  

Beyond my role as DBM Secretary, I am also grateful to contribute to our country’s peace and development efforts. As the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security for Caraga, I have the privilege of leading the Joint Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (JRTF-ELCAC), where I am able to champion sustainable peace, inclusive economic growth, and community development in conflict-affected areas. 

I share this privilege together with my fellow women leaders in the Cabinet: Secretary Frasco who handles Central Visayas, Secretary Yulo-Loyzaga who handles Soccsksargen, and Secretary Roque who is an Executive Committee (Execom) member of the NTF-ELCAC. 

Moreover, as Co-Chair of the Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB) with Member of the Parliament and Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal, my role goes beyond strengthening the collaboration and relations between the Philippine National and Bangsamoro governments. I also take it as my responsibility to help build a more stable and peaceful BARMM where women can rise and thrive, and no woman is left behind.  

One of our early achievements at the IGRB has been facilitating the entry of qualified former MILF and MNLF combatants into the Philippine National Police—an important step toward inclusive peacebuilding. Notably, 47 out of the 394 new recruits are women, marking a significant milestone for gender representation in the security sector. 

I am also proud to share that we turned over our third IGRB Progress Report to President Ferdinand R. Macros Jr. last July 30, 2024, which he recognized as “a testament to our fruitful partnership and enduring commitment to peace and development.”  

A significant accomplishment we laid out in the report is the activation and operationalization of all seven IGRB mechanisms which will provide platforms for strengthened partnership between the two governments and shall serve as the basis for all laws and policies enacted by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament (BTA) Parliament. 

And following PBBM’s direction during the progress report submission, we also completed the IGRB Manual of Operations to further guide the region’s socioeconomic transformation, even beyond its forthcoming elections. 

As women leaders, we are also duty-bound to participate in significant events that allow us to share the stories of our communities. Our society may often describe women as 'loud,' but our loudness isn't about volume—it's about amplifying the voices of our people. 

This is why I feel so honored to have led the Philippine Delegation and delivered our country’s statement at the 68th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, or CSW68, last March 2024 at the UN Headquarters in New York City.  

Together with thousands of advocates from around the world, we joined the call to accelerate the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty, strengthening institutions, and financing with a gender perspective.  

I also raised our flag during the second International Conference on Communities of Success (ICCOS) in Singapore last October 2024. This event allowed us to showcase our country’s achievements in uplifting the lives of our Muslim brothers and sisters while also learning from their best practices. Most importantly, it allowed me to stand tall as the only woman among the group of male leaders—sending a powerful message that we, women, belong in all places where decisions are being made. 

We’re also exploring ways to collaborate on the organization of the 2026 ICCOS and establishing a regional network to promote Islamic Affairs and Governance. I invite you all to join us in this important mission of empowering our Muslim communities in the Philippines and the Asia Pacific region. 

I also look forward to collaborating with you for the 650th Anniversary of Philippine Muslim History and Heritage in 2030. As a member of the Situmiayat Wakhamsum Aldhikraa National Committee or SWANC, I am dedicated to helping make this commemoration historic—as it symbolizes the continued recognition of the Islamic presence and the vital role of Muslim Filipinos in our country.  

Moreover, we also participate in conventions where the WPS Agenda is the main priority. At the first-ever ministerial-level International Conference on Women, Peace, and Security (ICWPS) which the Philippines hosted in October 2024, we organized a session on financing strategies for WPS initiatives. I am happy to note that the conversations were largely dominated by women leaders, sharing innovative solutions to address the gaps in support for women and girls in conflict-afflicted areas. 

Similarly, at the 2025 Open Government Partnership (OGP) Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting which our country also hosted just last February, we conducted breakout session focused on leveraging open governance to advance the WPS Agenda. Our panelists, representing the academe, government, and civil society, brought unique perspectives but shared one key message: women’s participation in areas such as policy-making, cybersecurity, and governance is essential for achieving prosperity in our community of nations.  

These are just a few of the events and high-level discussions where we have made our voices heard and our calls acted upon.  

As we wrap up the second part of my lecture, I hope you, too, will take up space, and better yet, create space to advance the WPS Agenda. Take courage, and remember that all women already have a voice, they just need to be empowered to use it.  

III. Key Strategies for Mainstreaming the WPS Agenda on a National and Global Scale 

The final part of my lecture highlights the four key strategies for mainstreaming the WPS Agenda on a national and global scale.  

First, we must embed the WPS Agenda into governance systems by promoting accountability, citizen participation, and inclusivity— principles that are crucial to building lasting peace in Mindanao. 

One of the foundations of good and accountable governance is an efficient and sound public financial management (PFM) system. Since 2018, we have partnered with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the BARMM Ministry of Finance, and Budget and Management to strengthen and improve BARMM’s PFM system through capacity-building activities.  

Similarly, we brought our OGPinas! Nationwide Advoacy Campaign on open government in BARMM to provide avenues for government-civil society partnerships and strengthen public participation in governance processes. This paved the way for the BARMM government to affirm its commitment to promoting open governance principles to empower the Bangsamoro. 

Second, we must invest in capacity-building to implement WPS initiatives. I am glad to share that we launched the WPS Center of Excellence (WPS CoE) last March, just in time for the celebration of the National Women’s Month. Through this, we now have a collective platform to embed WPS into the Philippine Comprehensive Peace Processes, spearhead capacity-building efforts, and enhance collaboration and resource mobilization among local and international partners. 

Earlier this month, we also joined the launch of the European Union-funded program institutionalizing the WPS Agenda in Mindanao through higher education. I share your excitement that the Diploma Program you're enrolled in is now receiving the recognition and support it truly deserves, including backing from our international partners. And so, I hope this becomes an inspiration for you to become the experts in WPS that we need, both here in BARMM and beyond. 

Third, we need to localize the WPS Agenda to ensure that it is rooted in the realities of local communities, making it more relevant and responsive to their needs. When it comes to best practices in localization, we need not look far as BARMM has set a strong example in this regard.  

With the help of our development partners such as UN Women, the Bangsamoro Women Commission developed the Bangsamoro Regional Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (RAPWPS).  

This plan was crafted not only to advance the rights and roles of women but also to help fulfill the vision of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL): to build a peaceful community where women are recognized as partners in nation-building. 

Lastly, advancing the WPS Agenda requires strong global collaboration. A key milestone of the ICWPS was the adoption of the Pasay Declaration by the UN member states. This reaffirmed the international community’s commitment to accelerating progress toward gender equality and ensuring women’s meaningful participation in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and recovery efforts.  

So, when the work feels heavy and your efforts seem to go unnoticed, remember this: you are not alone. The adoption of the Pasay Declaration is a testament to the fact that thousands across the globe—leaders, advocates, and most importantly, trailblazing women—stand with you in this journey.  

And while we have already come a long way, the road ahead remains long. But I am confident that each day will be brighter than the last because we have you. Today, you may see yourselves as students working toward earning a Diploma on WPS, but to us, you are already the kind of leaders we need to carry this agenda forward. Thank you for taking this course and for choosing to be part of the solution. 

This ends my lecture, and I hope that I was able to not only instill knowledge but also inspire you to take on this challenge and remain steadfast in this collective pursuit.  

Maraming, maraming salamat po!   

Wabillahi Tawfiq Wal Hidaya, Wasalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu.  

END 

To my dearest colleagues and fellow public servants from the Central and Regional Offices of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), magandang umaga po!  

Assalamu alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.  

First, congratulations to our Budget Information Legislative Service (BILS), led by our Undersecretary for Legal and Legislative Group, Usec. Janet Abuel and Director Trisha Baraan, for spearheading this Orientation on the DBM’s Actions on Proposed Legislative Measures and Executive Issuances.  

This orientation is instrumental in fostering collaboration among our bureaus, services, and offices (B/S/Os), including our ROs who are joining us online, in preparing our consolidated position on proposed legislation with budgetary and organizational implications.  

These include the measures under the Common Legislative Agenda (CLA) of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).  

Foremost among these priority measures that we intend to pass before the end of the 19th Congress is the Progressive Budgeting for Better and Modernized Governance or the PBBM Governance Bill. This Bill aims to institutionalize and strengthen the government’s best practices on Public Financial Management (PFM) by strengthening our cash management, expediting the digitalization of our PFM processes and systems, and promoting fiscal discipline through the institutionalization of the Cash Budgeting System. It is currently in the last stages and we are pushing for its enactment because it will not only modernize the budget process but also facilitate citizen participation throughout the budget cycle.  

Speaking of citizen participation, we are likewise renewing our call for the institutionalization of Freedom of Information (FOI). In his keynote address at the 2025 Open Government Partnership (OGP) Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting which the Philippines hosted last February, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. himself highlighted that “citizens can only truly participate in governance if they have access to information.” 

And as Chair of the Philippine Open Government Partnership (PH-OGP), I join the President in pushing for the immediate passage of the FOI Bill into law, true to our commitment to the OGP principles of transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance.   

Another priority bill of the DBM is the National Government Rightsizing Program, and now it is called the Government Optimization Act, which was approved by the Senate on second reading just last February.  

Through the GOP, we will optimize the government’s institutional capacity by establishing a lean, efficient, and responsive workforce. We will likewise strengthen various government entities by creating priority critical new positions that will effectively perform their respective functions—all to enhance the delivery of public services to the Filipino people.  

Similar to the PBBM Governance Bill, the GOP is now in its advanced stages and its passage will be a testament to our commitment to bureaucratic efficiency.  

We will likewise be processing fiscal reforms or revenue reforms from the Economic Team; our position paper on the Rationalization of the Mining Fiscal Regime, the Amendments to Republic Act No. 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), the E-Governance Act, and the Comprehensive Infrastructure Development Master Plan, among others. You know, here in the DBM, we receive a lot of Executive Orders, Admin Orders, and Bills both from the Senate and the House of Representatives. I think 90 percent of those filed in the Senate and the House passes through DBM for comments. So, mabuhay po kayong lahat!  

And I am happy that the DBM is still spearheading reforms—ang dami na po nating napasang batas! So, thank you for helping us craft and prepare the National Budget and the New Government Procurement Act. We were in the Senate and House for three months, mula umaga hanggang gabi, and then after that, we are also helping with the crafting of the IRR which is equally important and nakakapagod din. We go home at 6 AM just to be able to beat the deadline. So, thank you very much for your help, to our Legal Team, our B/S/Os, and everyone. Sabi nga nila, this administration is a whole-of-government approach; here in DBM, it’s a whole-of-DBM-approach. So, thank you very much, palakpakan po natin ang ating mga sarili! 

And there are no better people to lead us in these discussions than our colleagues from BILS who represent us in the deliberations on these legislative measures and proposed executive issuances.  Maraming salamat at mabuhay po kayo!  

So I am now leaving you in the very capable hands of our resource speakers from BILS, as well as from our Legal Service who will discuss the constitutional and legal provisions of the legislative process.  

As a final remark, thank you for your unwavering commitment and dedication to not only carrying out your duties and responsibilities but also going the extra mile to help fulfill the needs and aspirations of the Filipino people.  

Thank you once again and may today’s orientation be fruitful and dynamic.  

Wabillahi Tawfiq Wal Hidaya, Wasalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu.  

END

To our esteemed host, Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX), led by President EJ A. Qua Hiansen; 

Distinguished leaders and members of the business community;  

A pleasant day to everyone.  

Assalamu alaikum wa Raḥmatullahi wa Barakatuh.  

Thank you for inviting me to be your guest speaker for your 3rd General Membership Meeting. It is truly an honor to stand before such a distinguished group of financial leaders who play a crucial role not just in shaping the economic landscape but also in promoting transparency, integrity, nationalism, professional excellence, and social responsiveness.  

On Women Leadership  

Before I begin, I would like to take a moment to celebrate the women leaders present here today. Happy Women’s Month! I hope our presence in this space can serve as a reminder that women, too, are integral to driving change and influencing the future of our nation’s economy.  

As Budget and Management Secretary—proudly the second woman to hold this position and the only female member of the Philippine Economic Team—leadership, for me, is more than just representation; it’s about ensuring that the policies and reforms we craft empower EVERYONE—all genders and all communities, especially the marginalized. As I said when I received the “Outstanding Filipina in the Field of Public Service” at the Gawad Pilipino Awards, “In a world where women’s efforts are often overlooked, this award affirms our vital role in driving progress—whether in government, business, education, healthcare, or at home.” 

On this note, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the remarkable women leaders in the private sector. I am particularly proud to acknowledge FINEX Executive Vice President Mharicar "Cai" C. Reyes, honored as the “Best Woman CEO in Human Resources” at the Women’s Tabloid Awards 2024.¹ Congratulations! Her visionary leadership not only earned her this distinction but also propelled Asticom Group of Companies to be named “Company of the Year” and “Fastest Growing Economy of the Year” during the TITAN Women in Business Awards 2023.² 

And to all the women here today, let us together champion the cause for an even more gender-responsive Philippines. 

Now, allow me to provide you with updates on recent macroeconomic and fiscal developments in the Philippine economy, which have placed us as one of the fastest-growing countries in the Asia-Pacific region.  

Sustaining the Country’s  Strong Macroeconomic Fundamentals  

The Philippines stands out as a frontrunner among emerging markets in the region, thanks to our strong capital formation and accelerated government spending. Our economy demonstrated resilience, expanding by 5.6 percent in 2024, outpacing Malaysia China, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand.  

Inflation, which continues to be a pressing global issue, remains manageable in the Philippines. For February 2025, it settled at 2.1 percent, a significant improvement from last year’s 3.4 percent and well within our target range.  

Our employment rate has also risen to 95.7 percent, meaning 48.49 million Filipinos are now employed, benefiting from our demographic advantage: a young and highly skilled workforce—with a median age of 25—that will continue to fuel business growth in the coming years. 

Medium-Term Fiscal Program 

On the fiscal front, our commitment to growth-enhancing fiscal consolidation remains steadfast. In fact, our budget deficit for 2024 dropped to 5.7 percent of GDP—a marked improvement from the 6.2 percent recorded in 2023 and well within the fiscal outlook of the DBCC.  

This was mainly driven by the government’s better-than-expected spending and revenue performance in 2024, which reached Php 5.925 trillion and Php 4.419 trillion, respectively.  

We are also working very hard to achieve an “A” credit rating and I am proud to share that through fiscal discipline, we earned an upgrade from S&P Global,  revising the Philippines’ credit outlook from “stable” to “positive”—among a series of high credit rating affirmations last year. As you may know, this allows us to borrow at lower costs, creating room for more meaningful investments in key sectors. 

I am also proud to report, in case you haven’t heard, that the Philippines was recently removed from the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)—an achievement that will further boost investor confidence and increase foreign direct investments.  

FY 2025 National Budget  

On the budget side, we are committed to maintaining our economic growth momentum by fully utilizing the FY 2025 National Budget as an essential tool for growth, guided by three essential principles: Fiscal Discipline or spending within our means; Allocative Efficiency or spending on the right priorities; and Operational Efficiency or spending with measurable results. 

Guided by these principles, the National Budget for FY 2025—amounting to Php 6.326 trillion and equivalent to 22.0 percent of GDP—will propel economic and social transformation by prioritizing programs and projects aligned with the Philippine Development Plan 2023 to 2028.  

By Sector  

The Social Services sector received the highest allocation, amounting to Php 2.030 trillion, or 32.1 percent of the National Budget, followed by the Economic Services sector, with Php 1.968 trillion, or 31.1 percent of the budget.³

As mandated by the Philippine Constitution, education⁴ remains the government’s top priority, covering 16.7 percent of the national budget, well within the 15 to 20 percent threshold set by the UNESCO Education 2030 Framework. 

On top of this, the budget of the Department of Health has consistently increased annually by 11.61 percent since the administration took office in 2022. PhilHealth also has some investible funds and some Php 80.0 billion from Continuing Appropriations, which can be used until the end of December. 

We are also strengthening social protection with a budget of Php 217.50 billion for the Department of Social Welfare and Development to ensure no one is left behind in our pursuit of prosperity. 

Further, we are determined to improve agricultural productivity with the Department of Agriculture and its attached agencies receiving a budget of Php 237.4 billion this year.   

Infrastructure Development  

Infrastructure development remains one of our top priorities, with 5.0 to 6.0 percent of GDP allotted annually for infrastructure spending. 

For this year,  Php 1.645 trillion or 5.7 percent of GDP shall continue to support the Build-Better-More Infrastructure Program.  

This will fund key infrastructure projects, driving the development of road networks, bridges, railways, and other critical transport systems that will facilitate connectivity and economic activity across the country. We will also build social infrastructure, such as school buildings, hospitals and health centers, water supply, and irrigation systems, to help boost inclusive economic growth. 

Over the medium term, we will build 186 infrastructure flagship projects or IFPs with estimated high investment returns and sizable socioeconomic impact, ranging from physical and digital connectivity to renewable energy and transport systems. 

Public-Private Partnerships 

To fund these critical infrastructure projects, we are leveraging innovative financing mechanisms, including strategic co-investments with the private sector through Public-Private Partnerships or PPPs.  

And I am happy to share that private sector participation is now made faster and easier with the new PPP Code. 

In fact, we have successfully awarded three (3) PPP airport projects in 2024, including the country’s main international airport—the Ninoy Aquino International Airport—and airports in Laguindingan and Bohol. We have also approved the privatization of two (2) airports, one in Dumaguete and another in Siargao. 

Moreover, we are developing the Luzon Economic Corridor—a transformative hub for commerce, industry, and logistics. This will help drive regional development and fuel economic growth. 

Finally, we have recently enacted the CREATE MORE Act or the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy, which provides competitive and generous fiscal and non-fiscal incentive packages to our investors.  

Climate Change Expenditures 

While all these point to a promising and thriving economy, we also recognize the importance of taking the green path toward a future-proof and sustainable economy.  

Hence, our climate change expenditures for FY 2025 will more than double to Php 1.156 trillion from only Php 457.4 billion in 2024, the highest increase since we started tracking in 2015. Among our top priorities will be investing in sustainable energy and climate-smart industries and services, which will substantially increase by over 2,000 percent as we build the foundations of a sustainable economy.  

Digitalization  

We are also keen on building not just public infrastructure but also digital infrastructure. Hence, we have allocated Php 68.9 billion to support the government’s digital transformation. 

Implementation of the FY 2025 National Budget  

To effectively implement the National Budget and ensure prudent fiscal management, no less than President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. declared that “all increases in appropriations and new budgetary items shall be subject to cash programming; applicable budget execution rules; and vetting and approval of concerned offices.”  

This implies that all Congress-Introduced Changes and/or Adjustments in the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA)—worth roughly Php 757.0 billion—will require a special budget request and supporting documents before funds will be released. This serves as an added safeguard to prevent misuse of the budget, ensuring that increases or new budgetary items introduced by Congress secure approval from the President and the Department Heads and comply with budget rules and guidelines. 

Challenges  

However, we recognize that there are still other challenges that need to be addressed to ensure the effective implementation of government programs and projects. That’s why the DBM is implementing several game-changing digitalization and procurement reforms to further boost government spending. Allow me to share some of our initiatives with you.   

Program Convergence Budgeting 

First, Program Convergence Budgeting.  

To address the overlap and redundancy of government programs, we are strengthening our efforts on Program Convergence Budgeting (PCB).  

For the Proposed FY 2026 National Budget, we have identified 13 PCB programs, with several key programs already in motion. Among these are the PCB on Livelihood and Employment, the Water Resources Program, and the PCB on the Sustainable Development Goals. On top of this, we are adding a new project, led by the DBM—the PCB on Public Financial Management (PFM) Systems! As DBM Secretary, I am deeply committed to ensuring that this initiative lives up to its potential.  

Budget Reforms  

Meanwhile, to address delays in the submission of Financial Accountability Reports and discrepancies in online and manual submissions, we are determined to fully digitalize and harmonize our PFM systems and policies.  

As such, we launched the PFM Reforms Roadmap 2024 to 2028, our blueprint for the full digitalization of PFM processes through the adoption of the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) across all government agencies.   

We are first developing the Budget and Treasury Management System or BTMS, which we launched last December. This will serve as a core central system that will link and facilitate data exchanges between existing separate systems, enabling real-time monitoring of government transactions.  

Procurement Reforms  

Another landmark reform that will capitalize on digitalization is the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA)—hailed as the biggest anti-corruption measure in the country’s recent history. 

Through the NGPA, we have established an electronic Marketplace or e-marketplace—an online platform where agencies may directly procure supplies and equipment from competent and reputable suppliers. I am happy to share that we have started using this platform for the procurement of motor vehicles, airline tickets, cloud computing services, and even software licenses. This project is similar to Lazada and Shopee!  

We are also championing sustainability through green public procurement, encouraging agencies to procure common-use supplies and equipment with green specifications.  

DBM also recently released Joint Budget Circular No. 2025-1, which provides guidelines on the government-wide adoption of the Government Purchase Card—an alternative payment solution for procuring goods and services. This aims to eliminate procurement lead time; shorten the time to liquidate government transactions; and develop a database of financial information. 

In the true spirit of open government, we have likewise introduced open contracting; hence, data and documents will be disclosed at all stages of procurement, from planning to contract implementation. Not only that, as we are committed to having an open government, especially as I am also the Chairperson of the Philippine Open Government Partnership (PH-OGP) or PH-OGP, we have made sure that we introduced a participatory procurement process where the public can serve as observers during procurement proceedings. 

Promoting Open Governance  

Speaking of OGP, we cannot emphasize enough that we do recognize that having an open and transparent government is also essential in building a thriving business climate. Hence, we have placed transparency and accountability at the forefront of our Agenda for Prosperity. 

I am proud to share that for the first time, under the PBBM Administration, we have institutionalized the Philippine Open Government Partnership through Executive Order No. 31, signed last 2023. 

The Philippines has also been recognized as the most fiscally transparent country not just in Southeast Asia but in the entire Asia, thanks to our timely and comprehensive publication of all key budget documents that are open for public review and scrutiny. We also maintained our lead in Southeast Asia for Public Participation in the latest Open Budget Survey.  

We also hosted, for the first time, the OGP Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting last February, bringing together over a thousand open government champions and reformers from more than 40 countries to share best practices, exchange ideas, and commit to advancing an open government. We held three major plenaries, three high-level roundtables, 35 side events, and more than 20 breakout sessions on OGP policy areas, including fiscal openness.  

Through initiatives like the PH-OGP, we aim to create an environment where financial institutions can operate with certainty, knowing they are engaging with a government that is transparent, accountable, and truly open. Perhaps in the future, we can also collaborate with FINEX for our open government initiatives, and hopefully, you can join us again on the PH-OGP Steering Committee. 

Closing 

As you can see, the FY 2025 National Budget is not just a set of figures and allocations—it is a strategic investment in our Agenda for Prosperity. Every peso we invest in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and social welfare is an investment towards fulfilling the needs and aspirations of the Filipino people.  

However, we recognize that we can only achieve this through a whole-of-society approach, with our partners in FINEX and all of you leading institutions in the business community playing a crucial role in this endeavor.  

So we look forward to our continued and strengthened partnership as we drive innovation, create jobs, and build a more resilient, sustainable, and prosperous Bagong Pilipinas. 

Thank you very much.  

Wabillahi Tawfiq Wal Hidaya, Wasalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhuh.  

END 

¹Reference: https://awards.womenstabloid.com/leadership-awards-2024/

²Reference: https://thewomenbusinessawards.com/winner-info.php?id=360

³FY 2025 GAA, by Sector

⁴FY 2025 GAA, Top 10 Departments

To my fellow Philippine Open Government Partnership (PH-OGP) Steering Committee members, distinguished leaders and members of the government and civil society, esteemed panelists, and all the champions of open government and gender equality: Magandang umaga and Happy National Women’s Month sa ating lahat! 

Assalamu alaikum wa Raḥmatullahi wa Barakatuh. 

First, I would like to thank the remarkable women leaders, advocates, public servants, and changemakers who have shared their inspiring stories of continuously breaking barriers and building bridges towards a more open and gender-fair world. 

Today’s forum delivers a strong message that every woman has the power to drive change, lead communities, and make a difference, especially if they are empowered to do so. 

This National Women’s Month theme reminds us that women’s empowerment should be inclusive, leaving no one behind in our journey towards having access to equal opportunities. 

This vision calls for a multi-sectoral approach because it is only through collective resolve that we can address such a deeply rooted societal issue. And OGP is the ideal platform to facilitate this collaborative effort as open governance is not just a policy framework—it is a movement towards building a future that is truly open for everyone’s participation, especially women’s. 

We proved this commitment during the recently held OGP Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting, where thousands of high-level government representatives, civil society leaders, and policymakers gathered to shape the future of open governance worldwide.  

While I was not able to attend all 60 plus sessions, I am proud to share that each one was dynamic, meaningful, and impactful—primarily because I know that women were present in every room, not just as passive participants but as progressive leaders contributing to every discussion and decision.  

Today, we have witnessed once again that our nation will truly prosper if we let women do what they do best: uplift not only themselves but everyone around them. They break barriers today so that the next generation of women and girls can live without limits and flourish without fear. They build bridges so that future leaders can access more opportunities to reach their fullest potential. And most importantly, they inspire us to do the same.  

Despite the progress we've made so far, we cannot deny that significant barriers still remain, particularly for women in marginalized communities. While they may not be present in forums like this, they also carry stories of struggle, resilience, and hope—stories that are equally deserving of our recognition. 

With that, I am honored to welcome you to the “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas” art exhibition. This is more than just a showcase of artistic talent—this is a tribute to the indomitable spirit of women across all sectors.  

Each artwork tells a story of women who have dared to make a difference, stood firm on their principles, and transformed communities with their courage and vision.  

And so may you find inspiration and continue our advocacy for gender equality through these powerful representations—not only this month, but every day. As women consistently play a vital role in making our world better, it is also incumbent upon us to champion the cause and protect the rights of every woman. 

So let us work together, with our renewed energy and purpose from today’s event, to ensure that every woman in every sector can thrive in a Bagong Pilipinas that is truly open, inclusive, and empowering. 

Thank you very much. 

END