By ALEX Y. VERGARA / Photography by DIX PEREZ
As one of the few women, one of the youngest, and the only Muslim member in the Marcos Cabinet, Secretary Amenah Pangandaman is proving to be an incomparable Budget Chief — leading by example, exuding dynamism while exhibiting kindness, and honoring her Maranao heritage with a strong sense of gratitude.
She may be one of the youngest members of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Cabinet, but Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, a trained economist and the only Muslim in the administration’s executive team, is no neophyte when it comes to matters relating to her turf and beyond, including the government’s legislative branch.
Before assuming the post of Assistant Secretary and Undersecretary at the DBM under the previous administration, Pangandaman started her career in public service as a researcher at the Philippine Senate, working her way up to eventually become Chief of Staff to then Senate President Edgardo J. Angara.
“Having been part of not only the executive branch but also the legislature for so many years, I have extensive experience in these two areas with regards to the budget cycle. These collective experiences have molded me and prepared me to take on the role of Budget Secretary. With my unique experience, I am able to resolve concerns or issues on both sides,” she says.
For 2024, the National Budget is anchored on the theme “Agenda for Prosperity: Securing a Future-Proof and Sustainable Economy.” It is guided by the administration’s eight-point socioeconomic agenda and the objectives of the Philippine Development Plan 2023 to 2028.
“We have crafted the National Budget to give life to the Administration’s transformative vision for the country, which is to achieve upper middle-income status, reduce poverty to single-digit levels and achieve prosperity for all, including the future generations,” she says.
Pangandaman also takes pride in being an advocate of open governance, and her Philippine Open Government Partnership (PH- OGP) team has achieved major milestones in this international initiative under her leadership. “For the first time since the Philippines became a founding member in 2011, our government has institutionalized the Philippine Open Government Partnership (OGP) through the issuance of Executive Order No. 31, which reflects the country’s commitment to promoting good and open governance,” she shares. “The Executive Order provides a solid policy and legal framework to ensure that the open government principles are embedded in programs and policies in all branches of government — the executive, legislative and judiciary. In fact, I just came back from the Open Government Partnership Global Summit, where the Philippines was acknowledged and even made an example for its various efforts towards open government,” Pangandaman adds.
Since taking on the role of Budget Secretary, Pangandaman’s primary goals have included digitalization and procurement reform. “I envision DBM to lead in ensuring an inclusive, sustainable and future-proof economy through the proper crafting and execution of the national budget,” she adds. More than a year into her role as Budget Chief, through DBM’s efforts, President Marcos has issued Executive Order No. 29, s. 2023, fully digitalizing all Public Financial Management processes across government agencies through the adoption of the Integrated Financial Management System.
“Although not necessarily related to my gender, I always make it a point to be kind, especially amid the demands of the job. I believe that it’s in stressful situations that we must be our kindest. And these virtues — gratitude, kindness, and a heart for public service — guide my conduct and management style.” — Secretary Amenah Pangandaman
In terms of inclusion — an area she’s also passionate about — Pangandaman has been instrumental in ensuring lasting peace and economic development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). She is the co-chair of the National Government- Bangsamoro Government Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB), which is mandated to strengthen relations between the national government and BARMM. “As a Muslim, I want to give Mindanao a more prominent voice in government. We have had many gains from the IGRB — all in pursuit of inclusive growth for the country,” she says.
On an administrative level, Pangandaman still subscribes to the power of leading by example in running her department. Bureaucratic efficiency, for instance, is no mere buzzword or slogan for her. “The 2023 General Appropriations Act was the fastest budget passed,” Pangandaman shares with pride. “I think that is a primary example of efficiency. At DBM, we walk our talk.”
But this could not have been done without the efficient leadership as well of our President, the Cabinet, and our legislators. We have been adopting a whole-of-government approach which is a core value of this administration,” she explains. “We also make sure that we are aligned with the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework, the eight-point socioeconomic agenda and the Philippine Development Plan, and with the President’s advocacies such as prioritizing the Build Better More infrastructure program, which will result in further economic growth,” she adds.
Leading by example is also important to her. Pangandaman makes sure, for instance, to be the first to arrive at the office, even if she just came from a work-related trip abroad the day before. “I try my best to imbibe and radiate a work ethic of efficiency and also an enthusiasm for what we do,” she says.
Pangandaman draws on innate strengths associated with women through the ages: being meticulous, having attention to detail, exuding patience and simply responding to that innate instinct to nurture and care for others.
But she does not let gender get in the way of her leadership. “Although not necessarily related to my gender, I always make it a point to be kind, especially amid the demands of the job. I believe that it’s in stressful situations that we must be our kindest. And these virtues — gratitude, kindness, and a heart for public service — guide my conduct and management style,” she shares.
Pangandaman is likewise always mindful of honoring her Maranao heritage not only through the outfits she wears to support local designers and weavers but also by embodying Muslim virtues in her general outlook in life. “As Muslims, we say ‘Alhamdulillah’ to express gratitude. I always keep in mind that what we have in our lives is because of Allah’s grace, and this makes me strong amid life’s challenges — be it in my personal or professional life. Because of this gratitude, I hold public service close to my heart. Not everyone is given the chance to serve the Filipino people, and I am grateful for the honor to do so,” she says.
These virtues and belief system guide her as she continues to work towards seeing her cherished dreams for the country come true. “I want every Filipino, especially my fellow Muslims in the BARMM, to experience the economic gains that we in the economic team are working so hard to achieve. I would really like to see the actualization of our Agenda for Prosperity.”
Shot on location at Teus Mansion, Malacañang / Art direction by Dexter Francis De Vera / Styling by George Palmiano of MGP
Special thanks to First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Deputy Social Secretary Dina Arroyo-Tantoco
