Ensure funds are spent wisely, govt workers urged

AMID criticism of the 2025 national budget, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged government workers to help his administration ensure that the funds allocated to their respective offices are spent wisely. In a speech during the One Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) graduation ceremony in Pasay City on Friday, the president asked the 661 graduates to be "stewards of transparency and good governance." "We are working to ensure that the government budget and spending shall help improve the lives of our people and propel our nation to greater heights," Marcos said. Marcos urged the 661 graduates, who were holding senior and middle management positions in various agencies, to ensure transparency and integrity in fulfilling their roles. "I trust you to ensure that every centavo appropriated to your offices be spent judiciously and wisely for projects that sustainably benefit the Filipino people, not only of this present generation but all those who are to come," Marcos said. "Without a doubt, our nation is in need of leaders who are committed to the greater good. Leaders who embody the highest ideal of a disciplined Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines) — always opting to choose a difficult right over a convenient or easy wrong," he added. The president told them to start by helping the government improve the delivery of services and the ease of public transactions, such as reducing red tape and eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic processes. He also urged the DAP graduates to "never lose sight of your core" and "remember why you joined the public service and why you even pursued additional and rigorous competitive programs in this academy." "The Filipinos deserve no less than our utmost diligence, accountability, and our integrity. So, I ask that every time you come to work, ensure that your efforts are geared towards uplifting the lives of our fellow Filipinos," he said. The president also encouraged the graduates to be patient because one day, they would see the effects of their work. "The time will come when you will see that you continue to go at the problem, and sometimes it feels like you're banging your head against a brick wall. Well, keep banging," Marcos said. "Because one day we will see the effects that banging your head against the wall and continuing the work that you have committed your life to. You will see that the effects and the results of your hard work, and to the benefit of other people. You will have changed lives. You will have made lives better for ordinary people — people you do not even know." Created in 1973, the DAP is mandated to conduct human resource development programs, research, training, consultancy and publication activities to address developmental challenges and support national progress. Of the 661 graduates, 456 are civilian government officials and personnel, 118 are Armed Forces of the Philippines officers and personnel, 43 are Philippine Coast Guard officers, and 44 are from the private sector. Eight were conferred the Executive Doctorate in Education Leadership; 45 Master in Development Management-Middle Managers Class; 27 Master in Public Management (MPM) Online; and 56 MPM Major in Health Systems and Development (Department of Health). A total of 118 completed an MPM Major in Development and Security (DevSec) of the AFP, 43 each the MPM Major in DevSec with a Specialization in Maritime Safety and Security of the Philippine Coast Guard, and a Master in Productivity and Quality Management Major in Microfinance-Center for Agriculture and Rural Development Mutually Reinforcing Institutions. Twenty-two earned a diploma in Development Management (Senior Executives Class), seven earned a diploma in Development Management (Middle Managers Class), one each earned a diploma in Productivity and Quality Management, and one earned a certificate in Public Management. Four earned a diploma in Public Management and 23 certificates in Public Management for Cabuyao City, Laguna.