DEPARTMENT of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah “Mina” F. Pangandaman won the “Outstanding Filipina in the Field of Public Service” award during the Gawad Pilipino Awards Night held on March 16 at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
This year’s Gawad Pilipino Awards, in celebration of the 2025 Women’s Month, honored various empowered women with outstanding contributions and advocacies aimed at achieving women’s empowerment and equality towards prosperity and sustainable development for all.
Sec. Mina was named as one of the awardees for the “Natatanging Pilipina sa Larangan ng Lingkod Bayan” (Outstanding Filipina in the field of Public Service) recognition.
Representing the Budget Secretary during the awarding ceremony, DBM Undersecretary Goddes Hope Libiran underscored Sec. Mina’s exemplary leadership as the first Muslim Budget Secretary and the lone woman in the Philippine economic team under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr’s administration. “Sec. Mina takes pride in sharing her insights because, for her, uplifting others is what truly matters,” Usec. Libiran began.
“In a world where women’s efforts are often overlooked, this award affirms our vital role in driving progress—whether in government, business, education, healthcare, or at home,” Sec. Pangandaman said in her message, as delivered by Usec. Libiran.
“Kapag iniisip ko po ang parangal na ito, hindi ko maiwasang maalala ang ilan sa pinakamahusay at pinakamaimpluwensiyang Filipina sa ating kasaysayan—mga babaeng nagbukas ng pintuan para sa iba, matapang na lumaban para sa kanilang mga adhikain, at nagpatunay na walang imposible para sa kababaihan,” she continued.
She recognized notable women who inspired her as a public servant, including the late former DBM Secretary Emilia Boncodin, the first female Budget Secretary; Senator Loren Legarda, whom she considers one of her greatest mentors; and her mother, Mrs. Nancy F. Pangandaman.
“Isa na po dito ang aking Mommy, Nancy Pangandaman. Siya po ang una kong guro, unang inspirasyon, at unang nagturo sa akin kung ano ang ibig sabihin ng sipag, tiyaga, at malasakit sa kapwa,” Sec. Mina shared.
Ending her message, the Budget Secretary emphasized that being a woman in leadership requires a profound commitment to ensuring that every policy and program uplifts and empowers every Filipino.
“This nomination is a reminder of that commitment, and I take it as a challenge to double—if not triple—my efforts in championing gender equality, making sure every Filipina has a voice, a platform, and a future where she can thrive,” she assured.
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