BY JOSE PAOLO S. DELA CRUZ
According to various sources, the name Amenah means “faithful, truthful or honest.” In the case of the Philippines’ Budget and Management chief, the name could also mean hard-working, sincere and determined — not to mention, fun.
No two days are alike for Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman, one of the youngest members and one of the few women in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Cabinet.
On a particular week this November, she found herself at the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) headquarters in Manila on Monday, Tawi-Tawi on Tuesday, the Senate on Wednesday, Davao on Thursday and Nueva Ecija on Friday. Regardless of when and where, though, her work ethic and objectives remain the same.
“Even if we arrive in Manila from a trip at midnight, you can be sure that I will be in the office by 8 a.m., if not earlier, on the next day. I also catch up with paperwork wherever I am, so don’t be surprised if you see me at a table in the corner during an event signing piles and piles of papers,” she explains.
But make no mistake, the 48-year-old Budget Secretary is no busybody. And she has the track record to show for it.
“When we were appointed, the economic team was able to hit the ground running because we’ve already created a roadmap called the Medium Term Fiscal Framework (MTFF). We consider this the Administration’s north star in terms of economic goals. This is accompanied by an Eight-Point Socioeconomic Agenda, which is designed to ensure that economic targets are always inclusive and sustainable,” she says.
Having a north star, so to speak, makes it easier for Amenah to do her job, which culminates yearly in the crafting of the National Budget. In fact, the 2023 General Appropriations Act made history as the fastest budget to ever be passed in the country. The same level of efficiency can be seen in how the DBM crafted the P5.7-trillion National Budget for 2024.
“The budget must be aligned with the goals stated in the MTFF and in the Eight-Point Socioeconomic Agenda. That is what we call our Agenda for Prosperity. I am happy to share that we are on track with this agenda, which will ultimately lead to having single-digit poverty levels in the country and the achievement of upper middle income status,” she emphasizes.
In her own backyard
While the government’s collaborative approach often sees Amenah sharing the headlines with fellow members of the Economic Team, one should also note that she runs a tight ship over at the DBM.
“I am proud to share that through Executive Order No. 29, we have adopted the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) as we pursue the digitalization of all Public Financial Management (PFM) systems. With the Budget and Treasury Management System (BTMS) as its integral component, it shall serve as a centralized database for all government financial operations and help fast-track the payment and delivery of goods and services,” she explains.
The measure will also ensure transparency, which the government agency is pursuing through its active participation in Open Government Partnership, which, was also institutionalized by Marcos through Executive Order No. 31.
Identifying transparency as one of her main thrusts, Amenah also feels grateful to lead a faithful and honest workforce at the DBM. “Everyone — from the budget analysts to our undersecretaries — is a faithful public servant who only wants to serve the Filipino people. It’s my honor to lead them in the pursuit of our economic goals,” she says.
But how exactly does she inspire such a work ethic from her subordinates? The key, according to her, is to lead by example. “When people see that I am in the office before 8 a.m., even if I had just arrived from a trip the evening before, and then they see me working until 8 p.m., they would not want to slack off. But I also have to give credit to the people I work with because even on their own, they are very hardworking. The officials and employees at DBM are some of the most hardworking people that you will see.”
Despite her busy schedule, the budget chief readily debunks the stereotype of the dedicated but lifeless workaholic public servant. “I also value work-life balance. No matter how hectic my days are, I always make time for family and friends,” Amenah adds. Her megawatt smile and sartorial choices revealing her more playful side.
“After our tenure, when we have successfully put in place measures to ensure a future-proof and sustainable economy for the Philippines and have done our part to achieve the goals of this administration, that is the only time I can relax and do things for myself,” she says.
“I dream of spending leisurely days in Italy someday— contentedly sipping Prosecco and eating lots of pasta while lounging along the coast of Amalfi. I’ve even taken Italian lessons!” she says with a chuckle, before adding that she also likes “to travel, read, watch Netflix and spend time with my dog, Bimby.”
Of course, this curious writer had to ask. Have appropriations been made to find Mr. Right? “No comment! Right now, I am focusing on helping the PBBM Administration achieve its goals for the country. I am married to public service and I am proud of that,” she gamely answers.
— Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman
No mere novelty
While being the only Muslim woman in the second Marcos administration certainly has its novelty, Amenah’s appointment resonates deeply with the underrepresented people and sectors of Mindanao.
Luckily, the only child of public servants Almen and Nancy Pangandaman would grow up to one day take on the cause of her fellow Muslims. The loving parents, who always encouraged their unica hija to work hard for what she wants, continue to cheer her on.
Aside from being DBM chief, Amenah is also co-chair of the National Government-Bangsamoro Government Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB), which was created through the Bangsamoro Organic Law in 2019. Alongside BARMM Minister Mohagher Iqbal, she ensures that the body enables the two governments to coordinate and resolve existing issues, through regular and mutual consultations, as well as continuing negotiations.
“As a Muslim, I am in a unique position to ensure a harmonious working relationship that strives for peace and prosperity, and for inclusive and sustainable development in the BARMM and Mindanao,” says Amenah, who was also recently formally adopted as a regular member of the BARMM Council of Leaders.
Together with National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chairman Emmanuel Calairo, Amenah also helped conceptualize the commemoration of 650 years of Islamic presence in the Philippines — a cause that she considers dear to her for it will, undoubtedly, promote Islamic culture in the country.
Risen from the ranks
It is often said that it takes a village to raise a child. And then there’s Amenah, who was raised by legends in the political and economic arenas.
The Budget Chief, who used to work for the late Sen. Ed Angara, turns a tad nostalgic when she shares how her former boss always told her that “every Filipino deserves a fighting chance.”
“This has always stayed with me. I think my time with Sen. Angara made me grow a heart for public service. Working with him also trained me to ensure that there is no room for mistakes. He’s also the one who instilled a reform-oriented mindset in me,” she adds.
From Sen. Loren Legarda, on the other hand, she learned to care about culture, heritage and environment. “She’s the one who inspired me to embrace my Maranao heritage and give Muslims like me a more prominent voice in the government,” she says.
And, of course, there’s Finance Secretary Ben Diokno, who taught Amenah to be decisive. “He taught me to stand by decisions made for the benefit of the Filipino people and see them through despite roadblocks and challenges. And to always consider what will benefit the most people, rather than just the interest of a few,” she shares.
Despite her achievements, the lady who rose from the ranks admits that sharing the stage with these political and economic greats still feels surreal, even now that she’s a Cabinet Secretary.
And while they’re not always on the same page, Amenah admits that she continues to learn a lot from them. “In the end, wanting the best for the Filipino people always prevails and we always work together towards that. That’s what they have always taught me, in the first place,” she concludes.
Photography by Dix Perez
Art Direction by Dexter De Vera
Styling by Edrick Paz
Hair and makeup by Nicole Elizalde
