Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman participated on Moday, July 7, in the opening of a three-day learning session on strategic budgeting and financial management with members of the Bangsamoro Parliament. The event, organized by the Committee on Accounts in collaboration with the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), aims to equip legislators and officials with the skills required to craft a resilient, inclusive, and transparent budget for the Bangsamoro region.

During her remarks, Pangandaman emphasized that the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) remains a key priority under the national government’s "Agenda for Prosperity." She urged the regional government to develop a budget that reflects the aspirations of a united, self-governing, and progressive Bangsamoro.

 

"Our budget is more than just a financial plan — it is a powerful tool for transformation,” Pangandaman said. 

She expressed hope that ongoing reforms in public financial management at the national level would serve as inspiration for elevating governance standards in the Bangsamoro government.

 

Highlighting the Department of Budget and Management’s guiding principles, she stressed the importance of ensuring that every peso is spent for its intended purpose, managing public funds responsibly amid evolving challenges, maintaining transparency, and actively engaging citizens and experts.

 

"Rest assured, the national government stands with you on this journey toward resilience and inclusivity,” she added.

 

The training was led by AIM professor Maria Nieves Confesor, who outlined objectives around institutional resilience and inclusive governance. 

 

Committee on Accounts Chairperson Khalid Hadji Abdullah noted the session’s timely importance as the Parliament prepares for upcoming budget hearings for fiscal year 2026.

 

The three-day workshop signals a collaborative effort to strengthen public financial management in BARMM, fostering good governance and sustainable regional development.