The Procurement Service – Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) continues to echo the call for women empowerment this Women’s Month as it joined the celebration of the International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8, 2024 at the Samsung Hall of SM Aura Premier in Taguig City.
Bannering the theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” the event was organized by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) together with the United Nations (UN) Women featuring various discussions on strengthening and financing institutions from a gender perspective, poverty alleviation, gender budgeting, women empowerment in business, and the pros and cons of technology, among other insightful topics.
In attendance to represent PS-DBM were Director Samantha Grace E. Moscoso, who also chairs the PS-DBM Gender and Development Focal Point System, and PhilGEPS Director Maria Teresita M. Semana.
Operating under the administrative supervision of DBM and envisioning itself as the preferred procurement partner of the Philippine public sector, PS-DBM understands the steps it must take to contribute to gender-responsive delivery of public services to accelerate organizational progress ultimately geared towards nation-building. Among its initiatives include the harnessing of technological advancements through the digital transformation of its procurement processes and platforms — anchored on the agency’s 12-point agenda.
Ms. Moscoso reiterates the long-term, recurring theme of the National Women’s Month Celebration: WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society.
“In order to foster gender equality and inclusive society, our collective efforts need commitment. I encourage everyone in PS-DBM to continue to advocate, educate, and empower one another as we strive towards a future where all voices are heard and all individuals are valued for who they are, regardless of gender. We need to put action into our vision. Let us turn our “Babae kasi, kaya pala” to “Babae siya, kayang kaya!”
PS-DBM takes pride in renewing its commitment to women empowerment — with female leaders taking reigns within the agency — under the able leadership of DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman.
PS-DBM is a safe space: by women, for women
In celebration of IWD 2024, PS-DBM echoes this year's theme by taking the campaign message to heart, especially noting that the agency is led by empowered women, with female leaders serving as directors of various functional groups, namely, Procurement Group under Atty. Genmaries S. Entredicho-Caong; PhilGEPS Group under Dr. Semana; and Administrative and Finance Group under Ms. Moscoso.
Along with all female employees of the agency, PS-DBM recognizes their invaluable contributions to the fulfillment of our mandate in this time of reforms and transformation.
"United as One in Procurement and Service, may we never cease to work passionately in closing the gap between the government and the people we serve," Sec. Pangandaman said in her keynote message in the appreciation event of PS-DBM held on February 29, 2024 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.
PS-DBM cultivates a work environment that guarantees a safe space for women. In doing so, PS-DBM also closes the gender gap, ultimately geared towards a more productive workforce in the service of its stakeholders.
Happy Women's Day!