Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman was bestowed with the PUP Tanglaw ng Bayan award for her contribution as a champion of budget reform and advocate of financial inclusion, especially for Mindanao.

The award was presented to the Budget Secretary as she graced the mid-year graduation ceremony of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Graduate School today, 21 April 2023.

The award was likewise conferred to Secretary Pangandaman for sparking inspiration and admiration from the PUP academic community for her diverse perspective and extensive experience in various branches of government, particularly in the economic sector.

In her speech at the graduation ceremony, Secretary Pangandaman encouraged students to help create change for the country.

"To all of the graduates: make the best choices and maximize your chances well in every moment. You can create change in the lives of others, in your community, and eventually, our country," Secretary Pangandaman expressed.

"It is you, the next generation of leaders, public servants, professionals, volunteers, and private workers and entrepreneurs, who will shape the social landscape of the Philippines. Embrace this responsibility and opportunity as we stand together for social justice, and work towards equity, concretize genuine prosperity for every Filipino," the Budget Secretary added.

For the part of the government, Secretary Pangandaman said that the Marcos Jr. administration ensures that priority expenditures are aligned with the 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda which aims to address the immediate and pressing concerns of the Filipino people.

She noted that as consistent with the constitutional mandate and commitment of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the highest allocation is provided to the Education, Culture, and Manpower Development Sector.

"Through revitalized education, we aspire to provide every Filipino a fighting chance to manage life’s uncertainties so they can choose to achieve their full potential. Sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay prayoridad sa edukasyon, matutulungan natin ang bawat Pilipino, lalo na ang ating mga kabataan na makamit ang kanilang mga pangarap," Secretary Pangandaman said.

She continued, "These are just some of the things we have been doing to ensure that every allocation, decision, and program implementation will benefit the Filipino people today and the future generations. This is our Agenda for Prosperity."

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