Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman has been named a recipient of the University of the Philippines Alumni Association’s (UPAA) 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award in Good Governance.
Pangandaman, the youngest among this year’s awardees, received the recognition during the UPAA Awards held on Aug. 16, joining other officials and justices honored for their contributions in public service.
“Maraming maraming salamat sa aking alma mater at sa UP Alumni Association sa pagkilala. Gagawin ko po itong inspirasyon para lalo pang pagbutihin ang aking trabaho at isabuhay ang ating motto – ‘Honor, Excellence, Service’ (I am deeply grateful to my alma mater and the UP Alumni Association for this recognition. I will take this as an inspiration to further improve my work and live out our motto – ‘Honor, Excellence, Service’),” Pangandaman said.
The first Muslim woman to lead the DBM and the only female member of the government’s economic team, Pangandaman has championed reforms such as the passage of the New Government Procurement Act, the institutionalization of the Philippine Open Government Partnership, and the rollout of the Public Financial Management Reforms Roadmap 2024–2028.
She also pushed for inclusive budgeting to ensure the needs of marginalized sectors, including women, youth, and Muslim communities, are reflected in the national budget.
A graduate of Economics at Far Eastern University and holder of advanced degrees from UP and the London School of Economics, Pangandaman also founded the “Dugtong Buhay Movement,” a multi-agency blood donation initiative. (PNA)
