Grace under fire: A birthday tribute to President BBM

Today, we celebrate the birthday of our country’s leader, President Ferdinand “Bong-bong” Marcos Jr.

- GODDES HOPE 0. LIBIRAN

Having served in government since the time of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and observing the administrations of President Noynoy Aquino and President Rodrigo Duterte, I have seen how each president brought with them their own character, strengths, and priorities. President GMA was known for her economic expertise and decisive management style. President PNoy carried a strong advocacy for honesty and good governance. President Duterte was marked by his political will and relentless focus on peace and order.

Now, under President BBM, I see a different kind of leadership—one defined by grace under fire, by quiet strength that resists noise and distractions, and by visible change that comes from promises fulfilled.

Though soft-spoken and calm, President BBM has already delivered on many of his campaign and SONA promises—proof that quiet leadership can move mountains.

Through the Department of Budget and Management headed by Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, the President pushed forward reforms that opened government to its people. He is the first President to institutionalize the Open Government Partnership, making citizen participation, civil society engagement, and grassroots involvement a permanent part of governance. This is a historic leap for transparency, making government less about secrecy and more about accountability.