DBM chief Pangandaman pushes Marcos’ education drive in Mindanao

 During the launch of the “Pay IT Forward: A Digital Transformation Advocacy” in Manila

MANILA, Philippines – Budget Secretary Amenah “Mina” Pangandaman emphasized the importance of investing in education, especially in Mindanao, during the launch of the “Pay IT Forward: A Digital Transformation Advocacy” in Manila on April 25, 2025.

launch of the “Pay IT Forward: A Digital Transformation Advocacy” in Manila

The advocacy project, in partnership with Department of Budget Management (DBM), iAcademy, RepublicAsia Media, and GMA Kapuso Foundation, aims to spark progress and contribute to the transformation of the country’s education sector through digital empowerment.

Launch of the “Pay IT Forward: A Digital Transformation Advocacy” in Manila

“We really need to keep doing something, investing on education of our children to ensure na may future po tayo,” Pangandaman said.

“If we don’t take care of our children, wala pong mangyayari sa Pilipinas. Uplifting the status of education in the country is a legacy that President Bongbong Marcos wants to leave behind,” she continued.

Budget Sec. Mina Mangandaman during the launch of the “Pay IT Forward: A Digital Transformation Advocacy” in Manila

To kickstart the initiative, initial efforts will involve providing internet access in select educational institutions, offering free digital skills training to educators, and donating tablets to schools/students and other school supplies to enhance their learning experience.

The awarding of equipment to school and students is set to take place in May in Marawi, Lanao del Sur.

During the launch of the “Pay IT Forward: A Digital Transformation Advocacy” in Manila

“Sobrang tagos sa puso ko ang anumang proyekto o programa na makakatulong sa pagpapaunlad ng Marawi. As a lot of people know, I am from Mindanao. And since I started my role at the DBM, I continue to make sure that I represent— and give Mindanao a voice in the cabinet, in the executive, and in all possible decisions. I am from Marawi, and we all know that our city is still undergoing rehabilitation, at kailangan na kailangan po natin ng tulong para d’yan. I am happy that projects like this— providing internet access and technological equipment to our youth in far-flung areas— reach even BARMM, especially Marawi,” Pangandaman said.