Sec. Mina Pangandaman: A force in governance and women's empowerment

Few can rival the depth of expertise and transformative vision embodied by Secretary Amenah "Mina" F. Pangandaman.

-  GODDES HOPE O. LIBIRAN

As the first Muslim Budget Secretary and the lone woman on the country's economic team, she pioneers change and redefines leadership in Philippine governance with resilience and grace.

At the helm of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Secretary Mina has become a key player in President Ferdinand R.

Marcos Jr.'s administration, spearheading reforms that aim for broadbased economic recovery. With her steady leadership at the forefront, the government has enacted the fastest national budget in recent history, demonstrating not only efficiency but also a profound sense of urgency in addressing the needs of the Filipino people.

With a background in economics, Secretary Mina holds a degree from the Far Eastern University and a master's degree in development economics from the University of the Philippines.

Recognizing her contributions to the public sector, she was conferred an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Public Administration from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and an Honorary Doctorate Degree of Philosophy in Economics from Mindanao State University-Marawi City.

Before assuming her role as Budget Secretary, she honed her expertise under the mentorship of some of the nation's most respected luminaries including the late Senate President Edgardo J. Angara, Senator Loren Legarda, and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Monetary Board Member Ben Diokno. These experiences helped shape her governance approach, instilling a deep sense of responsibility and dedication to fiscal management and economic policy.