DFA Reaffirms Support for DBM's Drive for Open, Transparent, Accountable Governance 

Cabinet Secretaries Enrique A. Manalo of the DFA (5th in foreground) and Amenah F. Pangandaman (6th in foreground) of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) are joined by DFA and DBM senior officials and DFA management team in the celebration of the 15th Anniversary of the DFA’s Office of Internal Audit Service (IAS) and the formal launch of the Conduct of the Baseline Assessment of  Internal Control System (BAICS) on 27 February 2025 at the DFA temporary headquarters in Pasay City. (Photo credits: DFA-OPD Royce Vann Paul Pantua)

MANILA 03 March 2025 – Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique A. Manalo welcomed Budget and Management Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman in the DFA temporary offices in Pasay City on 27 February 2025, and together, reaffirmed DFA and DBM’s commitment to promoting an open, transparent and accountable governance being espoused by the Marcos administration.  Secretary Pangandaman was the Guest of Honor during the formal launch of the conduct of the DFA-wide Baseline Assessment of Internal Control System (BAICS) which also coincided with the celebration of the 15th year anniversary of the establishment of the DFA’s Office of Internal Audit Service (IAS).

Speaking before DFA’s senior officials and management team, Secretary Manalo acknowledged DBM’s support to various reforms in the DFA and highlighted DBM’s key role as a vanguard and advocate for responsible and accountable governance. 

Secretary Manalo also reiterated DFA’s efforts to maintain full compliance with government rules and regulations in its consular operations all over the Philippines and abroad while fostering capacity-building among its employees. He rallied DFA colleagues to “adopt an audit mindset and uphold excellence in the Philippine Foreign Service.”

For her part, Secretary Pangandaman underscored the “heightened demand from the Filipino public for transparency and accountability from their government” and how DFA’s baseline assessment will help the DFA “enhance integrity of operations and improve organizational outcomes, guide heads of agencies to institute corrective and preventive measures to achieve agency objectives” and move the DFA "another step closer to attaining an enabling environment that fosters growth and development.”  She also emphasized the government’s role in “upholding public trust through more than just compliance.” The Philippine Government can ”demonstrate responsible practices that ensure every Filipino taxpayer’s money is judiciously allocated and spent.” 

Both Cabinet Secretaries reaffirmed their commitment for continued cooperation and collaboration in promoting the 4Es principles of audit - ensuring economical, efficient, effective and ethical operations in their respective departments. END

(From left to right) DBM Undersecretary for Advocacy, Capacity Development, Economic Affairs, and Stakeholder Relations Group Margaux V. Salcedo, DFA Undersecretary for Migration Affairs Eduardo Jose A. De Vega, DFA Undersecretary for Administration Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega, DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman, DFA Secretary Enrique A. Manalo, OP-IAS Deputy Executive Secretary Cynthia S. Vergara, DBM Undersecretary for Local Government and Regional Operations Group Wilford L. Wong, and DFA-IAS Assistant Secretary Hjayceelyn M. Quintana lead the celebration of DFA-IAS’ 15th anniversary and launch of the conduct of Baseline Assessment on Internal Control Systems of the DFA, held on 27 February 2025 in Pasay City (Photo credits: DFA-OPD Royce Vann Paul Pantua)