Amenah F. Pangandaman

Amenah F. Pangandaman is the 12th Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). She holds the distinction of being the only female member of the country’s Economic Team and the only Filipina Muslim in the President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ‘s Cabinet. With 20 years of experience spanning both the legislative and executive branches, as well as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, she brings a profound understanding of Philippine bureaucracy and inter-agency dynamics.

A staunch advocate of policies and reforms that promote local development, especially inclusive economic growth in Mindanao, Secretary Mina is also co-chair of the Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB), leading discussions and initiatives to empower the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Underscoring the importance of resource management, accountable governance, and inclusive development, she launched the Public Financial Management Competency Program (PFMCP) for PFM practitioners in the region. Her efforts have also been crucial in securing the budget for the peace process and uplifting the lives of former rebels, their families, and communities.

Under Secretary Mina’s leadership, DBM supported the creation of the Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) tasked to facilitate the awarding of compensation or reparations to the victims of the 2017 Marawi Siege. This initiative aims to prevent radicalization and violent extremism while fostering healing and reconciliation. As a daughter of Mindanao herself, she emphasizes that peacebuilding and socioeconomic recovery in the region are integral to addressing its challenges.

Advocating transparency, open governance, and public trust in institutions, Secretary Mina also highlights the role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), People’s Organizations, and the grassroots in promoting peace. In 2023, she successfully introduced the OGPinas! advocacy campaign to the Zamboanga Peninsula and BARMM. Having been elected as a new member of the OGP Steering Committee, the Budget Chief will represent the country and play a crucial role in promoting collective action on key thematic issues and other OGP priorities. Sec. Mina also introduced the Support and Assistance Fund to Participatory Budgeting (SAFPB) to enhance water and sanitation services across municipalities, supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028. The Budget Chief was likewise recognized as a prime mover of the Mindanao, Sulu, Palawan (MINSUPALA) Innovative Research and Development Consortium that focused on advancing research and development in the MINSUPALA region, aiming to improve institutional capabilities, collaborative planning, and resource utilization for regional development.

A truly dedicated public servant, which she believes that “there is no substitute for hard work and a heart for public service,” a mark of a true public servant. Secretary Mina continues to be an inspiration to all women and girls to make a positive impact in their communities.