Budget Chief Urges Local Leaders to Embrace Openness

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman called on local leaders to support the national government’s push for open governance and stronger community engagement during the oath-taking of newly elected officials in Negros Occidental’s fifth district on Monday.

The ceremony was held in Moises Padilla town and attended by mayors, vice mayors, councilors and provincial board members.

Pangandaman emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability and civic participation through the Open Government Partnership agenda.

“We must bring government closer to the people by making governance more inclusive and responsive,” she said.

“Local officials must expand civic spaces and empower citizens to have a voice in decision-making.”

She congratulated officials from Himamaylan City and the municipalities of Isabela, Binalbagan, Moises Padilla, La Castellana and Hinigaran.

She reminded them that public service is a call to action, not a platform for politics as usual.

“In times of national challenges—economic uncertainty, inflation, poverty—we must lead with integrity and purpose,” Pangandaman said.

“We are accountable to the people, and we must carry their hopes with discipline and efficiency.”

She affirmed the national government’s support for local governments through funding, technical aid and policy guidance.

“It is my earnest hope that you will fulfill your oath as newly elected officials to uphold and defend the Constitution to the best of your abilities,” she said.

“May your tenure be marked with success, accomplishments and meaningful impact in the best interest of every Negrense.”

Pangandaman said she looks forward to working with local leaders to tackle shared challenges.

“As public servants, we are bearers of the people’s hopes,” she added.

“We are accountable to the people we serve.

While we may hold positions of authority, our role is to fulfill our duties with discipline, integrity and efficiency—not to elevate ourselves above them.”

She urged leaders to sustain the trust Negrenses have placed in them.

“The Negrenses are counting on you to deliver a better future for Negros Occidental and the towns and city you represent,” she said.

Fifth District Rep. Emilio Bernardino Yulo III, who invited Pangandaman, said the choice of Moises Padilla, the smallest LGU in the district, as the venue symbolizes unity.

“This is a call to be better, to serve more and ensure no one is left behind,” he said.

Moises Padilla Mayor Ella Celestina Garcia-Yulo said it was an honor for their town to host the event, highlighting the inclusivity and attention given to small communities.

Among those sworn in by Pangandaman were Isabela Mayor Miguel Angelo Yulo and Vice Mayor Renato Malabor Jr.; Himamaylan Vice Mayor Justin Gatuslao; La Castellana Mayor Añejo Nicor; Moises Padilla Mayor Ella Celestina Garcia-Yulo and Vice Mayor Felix Mathias Yulo; Hinigaran Mayor Mary Grace Arceo; Binalbagan Mayor Emmanuel Aranda; and Provincial Board Members Rita Gatuslao and Hadji Trujillo.

Several local councilors also took their oath during the ceremony.