Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman expressed optimism that the Philippines will maintain its position as one of the Asia-Pacific region’s fastest-growing economies, citing confidence in the government’s ongoing fiscal reforms and good governance policies.
Pangandaman delivered a keynote message at the 2025 Fiscal Policy Conference organized by the DBM’s Budget Policy and Strategy Group on Oct. 27, 2025, in Quezon City.
She said the DBM remains steadfast in pursuing reforms that promote transparency, accountability and citizen participation in fiscal management.
Despite global headwinds and domestic challenges, the Philippine economy continues to show resilience with manageable inflation and stable employment levels, according to the DBM chief.
She said the government’s fiscal policy direction aims to maintain macroeconomic stability while ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth for all Filipinos.
The reforms are designed to strengthen fiscal discipline, improve spending efficiency, and boost public confidence in government financial systems. Pangandaman noted the agency continues to enhance its policy frameworks to ensure the national budget serves as a tool for transformation and long-term development.
The conference, held at the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Law, brought together leading economists, governance experts and development partners to discuss ways to strengthen fiscal integrity through transparent governance.
Professor emeritus Solita Monsod of the UP School of Economics discussed how corruption hinders economic growth and erodes the benefits of capital investments.
She proposed that clear and consistent rules on public fund utilization be complemented by stronger monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure accountability.
DBM Undersecretary Margaux Salcedo, who moderated the panel discussion, cited the agency’s Project DIME (Digital Imaging for Monitoring and Evaluation) as a tool for tracking projects under the General Appropriations Act.
Salcedo said the DBM continues to study enhancements to the government’s monitoring and evaluation systems to further institutionalize transparency and efficiency.
Professor emeritus Dr. Jesus Estanislao of the University of Asia and the Pacific said the national budget can serve as an instrument for transformative change when anchored on a long-term development vision.
He said visionary leadership is essential in enforcing fiscal discipline and sustaining reforms that benefit the broader population.
Asian Development Bank principal public sector specialist Jose Luis Syquia called for a holistic approach to public financial management and highlighted the importance of digital transformation to promote transparency.
Meanwhile, Professor Emeritus Dr. Alex Brillantes of the UP National College of Public Administration and Governance underscored the need for structural reforms, mindset shifts and stronger leadership to eliminate corruption and uphold fiscal integrity.
