Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah "Mina" F. Pangandaman received an award during the 2025 International Women's Assembly for her outstanding contribution to the "Empowerment of Women and Philippine Society in the area of Bridging the Gender Gap in the Workforce, and Enhancing Women Skills for Inclusive Growth in Business and Entrepreneurship."

 

The YWCA Founder’s Federation of the Philippines, Inc. presented the recognition in celebration of International Women's Day on 08 March 2025.

 

The Budget Secretary was one of the principal speakers during the event, discussing the topic "Economic Empowerment: Bridging the Gender Gap in the Workforce and Enhancing Women's Skills for Inclusive Growth in Business and Entrepreneurship." Over 500 women leaders and advocates nationwide were in attendance.

 

"Economic empowerment is not just about financial independence; it is about giving women the resources, opportunities, and support systems to fully participate in shaping the future of our nation. A thriving economy is one where women are not just included but are empowered to lead, innovate, and excel," Sec. Mina underscored.

 

"As you know, the government, under the leadership of our beloved President Bongbong Marcos, is extremely serious about promoting women's empowerment and gender development in all sectors of society," she continued.

 

Among the initiatives to advance women's rights and promote gender equality Sec. Mina highlighted is the government's commitment to reinforcing the Gender and Development (GAD) Budget Policy. This policy mandates all government agencies to allocate at least five percent of their annual budget to gender and development initiatives.

 

She also noted several ongoing government flagship programs that support women-led small businesses, including the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program or SETUP of the Department of Science and Technology, Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso (P3) of the Department of Trade and Industry, and the establishment of Negosyo Centers nationwide. The said programs continue to receive funding under the 2025 General Appropriations Act.

 

"Gender inequality is not just women's concern; it is a societal issue that affects us all, regardless of gender.  I urge each of you to continue to champion women's empowerment and advocate for policies that prioritize gender equality.  ‘Wag nating kalimutan na babae tayo, hindi babae lang," Sec. Pangandaman concluded.   

 

 

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Ika-10 ng Marso 2025

 

 

Tumanggap ng parangal si Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah "Mina" F. Pangandaman sa ginanap na 2025 International Women’s Assembly para sa kanyang katangi-tanging kontribusyon sa "Empowerment of Women and Philippine Society in the area of Bridging the Gender Gap in the Workforce, and Enhancing Women Skills for Inclusive Growth in Business and Entrepreneurship."

 

Ipinagkaloob ng YWCA Founder’s Federation of the Philippines, Inc. ang parangal sa pagdiriwang ng International Women’s Day noong ika-8 ng Marso 2025.

 

Nagsilbi bilang isa sa mga principal speaker ang Budget Secretary na tinalakay ang paksang “Economic Empowerment: Bridging the Gender Gap in the Workforce and Enhancing Women's Skills for Inclusive Growth in Business and Entrepreneurship." Higit 500 na mga kababaihang lider at advocates sa buong bansa ang dumalo sa aktibidad.

 

"Economic empowerment is not just about financial independence; it is about giving women the resources, opportunities, and support systems to fully participate in shaping the future of our nation. A thriving economy is one where women are not just included but are empowered to lead, innovate, and excel," pagbibigyang-diin ni Sec. Mina.

 

"As you know, the government, under the leadership of our beloved President Bongbong Marcos, is extremely serious about promoting women's empowerment and gender development in all sectors of society," kanyang pagpapatuloy.

 

Kabilang sa mga inisyatiba para isulong ang women’s rights at itaguyod ang gender equality na binanggit ni Sec. Mina ay ang layunin ng gobyerno na palakasin ang Gender and Development (GAD) Budget Policy. Ang polisiyang ito ay nag-aatas sa lahat ng ahensya ng gobyerno na maglaan ng hindi bababa sa limang porsyento ng kanilang taunang budget para sa gender at development initiatives.

 

Binigyang-diin din niya ang ilan pang mga flagship program ng gobyerno na sumusuporta sa mga negosyong pinangunahan ng mga kababaihan, tulad ng Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program o SETUP ng Department of Science and Technology, Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso (P3) ng Department of Trade and Industry, at ang pagtatatag ng mga Negosyo Centers sa buong bansa. Patuloy na pinopondohan ang mga nasabing programa sa ilalim ng 2025 General Appropriations Act.  

 

"Gender inequality is not just women's concern; it is a societal issue that affects us all, regardless of gender.  I urge each of you to continue to champion women's empowerment and advocate for policies that prioritize gender equality.  ‘Wag nating kalimutan na babae tayo, hindi babae lang," pagtatapos ni Sec. Pangandaman.

 

 

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