Loving the environment through Green Public Procurement

By Amenah F. Pangandaman

Published Feb 25, 2026 12:05 am | Updated Feb 24, 2026 04:38 pm

BEYOND BUDGET

Assalamu alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

February has always been associated with love. While the most popular kind is romantic love, I believe there are other kinds of love. One is love for the environment. Because for me, loving oneself, another, and the country must also equate to loving the environment that sustains them.

Thus, when I was the secretary of the Department of Budget and Management, I advocated for climate resilience and sustainability, especially through public procurement.

I realized that the government has enormous power to influence outcomes simply through how it spends funds. Public procurement represents an average of 13 to 20 percent of our gross domestic product. In fact, for Fiscal Year 2025, our climate change expenditures grew by 152.7 percent from the previous year’s budget. This was the highest budget increase since 2015, accounting for 18.3 percent of the National Budget, well above the target of 9.0 percent under the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028. For me, the numbers do not reflect mere statistics. These are investments in safer homes and communities, more resilient infrastructure, and a more sustainable future for the nation.

A significant part of our country’s sustainability journey is Republic Act No. 12009, or the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA), the biggest anti-corruption measure in recent history, which incorporates green procurement.

For those who may not know, Green Public Procurement (GPP) is a process by which procuring entities (PEs) seek to procure goods, projects, and services with reduced environmental impact throughout their life cycle. Under the law, PEs must integrate and implement green practices, as well as environmentally relevant criteria or requirements, into the design and specifications of their procurement projects.

This is not only to achieve value for money and meet specific organizational needs, but also to benefit society and the economy while reducing adverse environmental impact. It is part of strategic procurement planning and in support of the Philippines’ commitment to accelerate climate action, strengthen disaster resilience, and achieve broader policy objectives on energy, water, and material efficiency; waste reduction; pollution and emission prevention; climate change mitigation; and circular economy, among others.

The foundations for this reform were laid years earlier through the Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB), which adopted the Philippine GPP Roadmap and technical specifications for prioritized common use and non-common use supplies and equipment. This aims to mainstream GPP in government procurement, ensuring that environmental criteria are considered in government spending. In fact, the GPPB has noted, in its 2018-2022 Agency Procurement Compliance and Performance assessment reports, a gradual increase in the adoption of green specifications in the procurement of non-common use supplies and equipment. From 26 percent of PEs considering the environmental impact of their procurement projects, it increased to 90.91 percent in 2022.

This momentum was further fueled by the 2022 United Nations Environment Programme, which commended the Philippines for its highest rating for sustainable public procurement monitoring efforts. Building on these successes, the GPPB Board, which I then chaired, approved Resolution No. 19-2023, marking a pivotal moment with the introduction of mandatory green specifications for seven broad product categories of non-CSEs. This initiative is a gamechanger, as it paved the way for a more sustainable and flexible procurement system across the nation.

The NGPA further strengthened these reforms. Section 73 of the NGPA introduced GPP as one of its strategic procurement planning approaches. The NGPA also promotes greater weight in evaluating proposals with green specifications.

The GPP is designed to achieve environmental sustainability. Encouraging the purchase of goods and services that have a reduced environmental impact, including energy-efficient products made from recycled materials or that have a lower carbon footprint. By prioritizing these products, PEs can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable practices.

In addition, implementing GPP leads to longterm economic efficiency. Electronic or information communication technology energy-efficient products may have higher investment costs but result in lower operational and maintenance expenses over time.

Further, by adopting GPP, PEs can drive market demand for green products and services, stimulating innovation and development of more sustainable solutions, ultimately leading to a greener economy.

And GPP contributes to improving our country’s public health by reducing pollution and promoting the use of non-toxic materials. It also supports fair labor practices and local sourcing, which have positive social impacts.

Beyond budget, I believe that the GPP is essential in unlocking a sustainable and resilient future for our nation. It is a promise that should be kept.

As Citizen Mina, I hope that we can keep this promise to the Filipino people, especially future generations. But, as with everything grand, we can only achieve this through collective action. The government, civil society organizations, the private sector, and every Filipino must work hand-in-hand to secure this future. Hence, let’s work together towards a sustainable future by supporting Green Public Procurement.

(Amenah F. Pangandaman is the former Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management.)

Investing in tomorrow's Filipinos

By Amenah F. Pangandaman

Published Jan 28, 2026 12:05 am

BEYOND BUDGET

Assalamu alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

Whenever I speak with a child, I feel a quiet sense of excitement. Children see the world differently—with a clarity adults often lose. They are full of curiosity, honesty, and an unshakable belief that tomorrow can still be better. In their queries and laughter, you can glimpse the future taking shape. Thus, I have always believed that children must be at the heart of governance. The decisions we make today will shape the lives they grow into.

This belief guided my work at the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), particularly our push for Public Finance for Children, or PF4C. It carries the simple message that children should never be an afterthought in public spending. They should be a priority. Every peso we allocate must translate into something real in a child’s life—better learning, better health, stronger protection, and a genuine chance to thrive.

For many years, our budgets spoke about children in fragments. Education appeared in one section, nutrition in another, and child protection elsewhere. On paper, everything seemed covered. On the ground, we can see the gaps. Services overlapped, while others failed to reach the children who need them most. PF4C challenges this disconnect by ensuring that our programs work together and that outcomes are felt in communities and not only reflected in reports.

Hence, in May 2025, the DBM, together with the European Union and UNICEF, launched a Public Finance Facility, a cooperation program to support more coordinated and targeted budgeting to improve the lives of the most vulnerable children in our country. This partnership was built on a shared understanding that improving children’s lives requires more than good intentions. It demands sustained, protected, and transparent public spending, guided by evidence and focused especially on the most vulnerable.

PF4C is about weaving children’s rights into the entire budget process—from planning and allocation to implementation and monitoring. This approach is reinforced by the Program Convergence Budgeting, which encourages agencies to align their efforts rather than work in silos. When programs converge, resources go further, duplication is reduced, and services reach children in a more coherent and meaningful way.

Our resources are finite. Competing needs are constant. Hard choices are unavoidable. PF4C does not deny these realities but insists that even in the face of difficult choices, children must never be left behind in our budget.

Armed with this belief, we at the DBM, together with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Bureau of Local Government Finance, launched the Child Budget and Expenditures Tagging and Tracking (CBETT) tool, which grew from a simple concern many of us shared: To make sure that government spending reaches children. Without clear data, even the best intentions remain untested. The CBETT tool gives us visibility. It enables the systematic identification, classification, and monitoring of child-focused budget and expenditures within local budget frameworks. This directly addresses the critical gap in expenditure tracking identified in the Child-Responsive Public Financial Management Assessment Report.

This became even more important after the Mandanas-Garcia ruling, which shifted greater responsibility—and resources—to local governments. LGUs are now on the frontlines of delivering services for children. CBETT helps ensure that as fiscal autonomy expands, accountability and child-responsiveness grow alongside it.

Equally important is opening the budget conversation itself. Through the government’s Open Government initiatives, we have taken steps to make fiscal discussions more transparent and participatory—creating spaces where citizens, including children and young people, can be heard. In fact, during the OpenGov Week last May, we invited children and youth participants for a dialogue titled, “Making Spaces: Children Driving Change for Open Government.” I believe when children are included in conversations about budgets in age-appropriate ways, they learn that governance is not distant or abstract. The government should also truly listen and make sure that lines are open because the best way to move forward is together. Through this, we build consensus, and we make decisions that affect their daily lives and one they can one day help shape.

Education shows how these principles translate into action. Responding to the learning crisis, we at the DBM allocated ₱1.34 trillion to education—the largest education budget in our history. And, for the first time, our country met UNESCO’s global benchmark of four percent of GDP. Over ₱1 trillion supports the hiring of teachers and non-teaching staff, classroom construction, academic recovery programs, and school-based feeding for millions of learners. These are not mere figures. They represent children who can learn better, eat better, and stay in school longer.

Beyond budget, Public Finance for Children reminds us that the true measure of public finance is lived experience—in safe classrooms, accessible clinics, and communities that protect and hear our children. As citizen Mina, I carry this belief beyond public office. Children live longest with the consequences of our choices. When we place them at the center of public finance, we do more than manage resources. We choose the kind of future we are willing to stand for.

(Amenah F. Pangandaman is the former Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management.)

MMFF 2024: Bridging culture and governance

BY AMENAH F. PANGANDAMAN, DBM SECRETARY

Jan 22, 2025 00:00 AM

  

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BEYOND BUDGET

Assalamu alaikum wa Raḥmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

The 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) was undeniably historic, marking its 50th year as a cornerstone of Philippine cinema. This milestone wasn’t just a celebration of the past but also a bold step forward, showcasing the evolution of Filipino storytelling and its ability to tackle timely and universal themes. 

With a lineup that showcased both emerging and established filmmakers, the festival moved beyond conventional crowd-pleasers to deliver meaningful and thought-provoking narratives. This reaffirmed the MMFF’s role as a cultural institution that goes beyond entertainment, serving as a platform that inspires and essentially unites the nation.  

I wholeheartedly agree with Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Don Artes when he said that the standards of the annual film festival have significantly elevated.  He noted improvements in “the quality of entries, inclusivity, the revival of the Student Short Film Festival in collaboration with the Film Development Council of the Philippines, as well as advancements in education, promotions, subsidies for block screenings, talk back sessions, and even the trophies, awards, parade, and overall conduct of activities.”

I can attest to this firsthand, having participated as a juror for this year’s MMFF. My involvement in the cultural event was made even more special by the opportunity to collaborate with an exceptional panel of judges.

The Board of Jurors (BOJ) comprised 13 distinguished individuals, each contributing their distinct insights for a thorough and balanced evaluation process.  Led by Jury Chairperson Mr. Nicanor Tiongson, a respected academic and Professor Emeritus at the University of the Philippines Film Institute, and supported by Co-Chairperson Jose Javier Reyes, chairman and chief executive officer of the Film Development Council of the Philippines, the team was well-equipped for the job.  

As the vice chair, I sought to incorporate a government perspective into the assessment. On the other hand, as someone who enjoys watching movies, I embraced the task with a genuine passion for celebrating the creative works that enrich our culture.
The BOJ further consisted of prominent figures from the local film landscape, including acclaimed actor John Arcilla, Film Academy of the Philippines Director-General Paolo Villaluna, writer-director Roy Iglesias, film reviewer Evylene Advincula, producer Wilson Tieng, and award-winning cinematographer Lee Briones-Meily, whose technical knowledge deepened the discussions.  

Rounding out the group were businessman and columnist Thomas Orbos, legal expert Atty. Cesar Ona Jr., film journalist Marinel Cruz, and iAcademy Chief Operating Officer Raquel Wong, whose financial background provided a unique lens on the industry’s economic aspects. 

This diverse mix of professionals and stakeholders fostered a democratic and informed judging process, which I believe led to a well-rounded selection of award recipients.

Over the course of two days, we immersed ourselves in all 10 entries, diving headfirst into each story's world. Every film offered something different, sparking lively exchanges that revealed the diverse viewpoints of the board.

These conversations laid the groundwork for thoughtful and inclusive deliberation—a beautiful blend of head and heart, reminiscent of the balancing act in governance, where tough decisions are guided by empathy and principle.

We delved into the nuances of cinematography, direction, and storytelling, marveling at the vibrant creativity flourishing in our country. However, as Briones-Meily emphasized in her remarks on the festival's core values, the interests of the audience must remain the primary focus of our selection criteria.

When the final votes were cast in secret, the anticipation brought to mind the tension of budget deliberations—the hope that every decision made would resonate with the public’s needs and aspirations.

When the winners were announced during the Gabi ng Parangal on Dec. 27, the applause confirmed that our choices aligned with the audience’s expectations. This reinforced the importance of inclusive and transparent decision-making.

Overall, my MMFF experience reminded me of the open governance agenda our administration is earnestly pushing. At its core, the goal is to better serve the Filipino people, ensuring that their voices are heard and their interests are prioritized.

Looking back, the MMFF became more than a night of cinematic brilliance, but a reflection of how open governance principles can be embedded in all facets of life. From public service to cultural endeavors, success requires collaboration and an unwavering commitment to deliver on our purpose—to serve the people.

 

(Amenah F. Pangandaman is the Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management.)

2025 OGP APRM: Championing open governance

BY AMENAH F. PANGANDAMAN, DBM SEC

RETARY

Jan 15, 2025 00:05 AM

  

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BEYOND BUDGET

Assalamu alaikum wa Raḥmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

Today marks a milestone in our country’s journey toward more transparent, accountable, and inclusive governance, as we hold the media launch for the Open Government Partnership Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting (OGP APRM). To be held from Feb. 5 to 7 at Grand Hyatt, Bonifacio Global City (BGC), with side events at the University of the Philippines–BGC Campus, the OGP APRM affirms our nation’s leadership in championing open governance in the global stage.

The OGP and PH successes

The OGP is a multilateral initiative that aims to secure concrete commitments from governments worldwide to promote transparency, empower citizens, fight corruption, and harness new technologies to strengthen governance. Since its establishment in 2011, with the Philippines as one of the eight founding members, the OGP membership has grown to more than 75 countries and 150 local governments working alongside thousands of civil society organizations (CSOs) to co-create action plans to enhance transparency, accountability, and public participation in government.

Since President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (PBBM) appointed me to lead the DBM, aligning our national fiscal policies with the principles of open government has been one of our foremost advocacies. 

Our progress has been remarkable. Under PBBM’s leadership, Executive Order No. 31, s. 2023, institutionalized the PH-OGP. In fact, the OGP is a key strategy in our Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, with our 6th National Action Plan as the first-ever medium-term plan to ensure the sustainability of our commitments. With the passage of the New Government Procurement Act, procurement is made more transparent through open contracting wherein stakeholders, including CSOs, will have access to procurement information and proceedings. It also requires bidders to disclose beneficial ownership information to prevent collusion in public procurement. These developments were showcased at the 2023 OGP Global Summit in Tallinn, Estonia, where the Philippines was praised as “a country with open government in its DNA.” This recognition highlights the strides we’ve made in fostering transparency and accountability.

In 2024, we have cemented our position as a global leader in budget transparency by ranking number one in the 2023 Open Budget Survey, not only in Southeast Asia, but the whole of Asia, and 15th worldwide. 

Further, we have expanded our advocacy campaign OGPinas! nationwide, directly engaging with more than 4,000 participants in nine provinces. Inspired by this activity, four of our local government units (LGUs) were selected as new members of the OGP Local Program in April 2024 — Tagbilaran, Larena, Quezon City, and Baguio — joining South Cotabato and Borongan, which were accepted into the program in 2018 and 2020, respectively. With six LGUs as partners in open governance, I am happy to note that they hail from and complete the country’s main islands — Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. I am also proud, as the PH-OGP chairperson, to represent our country as a recently elected member of the OGP Steering Committee.
 

OGP APRM

This February, we at the PH-OGP are excited to host the OGP APRM, which will bring together high-level representatives of government, civil society leaders, and policy-makers from across the region, as well as global and regional partners to exchange experiences, best practices, and progress on open government initiatives and implementation on key issues.

The regional meeting will feature high-level and ministerial sessions, interactive breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and side events, to discuss progress on key open government initiatives and explore ways to tackle the region’s most important issues. Topics include anti-corruption and rule of law, civic space, climate, digital governance, inclusive public participation, mainstreaming and localization of open government, among others. 

I am certain that our selection as host reflects the international community’s recognition of the Philippines’ leadership in promoting open governance. The regional meeting will serve as a platform to showcase our achievements, learn from the experiences of our neighbors, and foster collaborative solutions to challenges in governance.

2025 OGP Fun Run

To kick-start our hosting, we have partnered with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), to organize the OGP Fun Run 2025  happening at the Quirino Grandstand on Jan. 26.

More than encouraging physical activity, the Fun Run symbolizes our collective journey toward more transparent, accountable, and participatory government. It provides an opportunity for citizens to engage with the government, learn about our initiatives, and contribute to meaningful dialogue on governance.   

Proceeds from the Fun Run will support PRC’s lifesaving programs and projects, adding a humanitarian dimension to our advocacy for good governance. Participants may choose from three kilometer, five kilometer, and 10 kilometer race categories, with registration accessible through the social media pages of DBM, MMDA, and PRC.  I hope you and your family will join this activity.  
Beyond budget, the Philippines' active participation in the Open Government Partnership underscores our unwavering commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and participatory governance. Through initiatives such as our hosting of the 2025 OGP APRM and the Fun Run, we continue to lead by example, demonstrating that open governance is not merely an aspiration but a tangible reality in our Bagong Pilipinas.

 

(Amenah F. Pangandaman is the Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management.)