What Is DBM? A Comprehensive Overview To Department of Budget And Management

What is DBM? A Comprehensive Introduction to Department of Budget And Management

Updated:

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM), a Philippine national government agency, plays a crucial role in steering the nation towards fiscal discipline and efficiency.

In this article, we’ll explore the history, mission, vision, key officers, career opportunities, office locations, contact details, and attached agencies of DBM. 

By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of how DBM’s mission to promote sound resource management is pivotal in achieving national development goals.

History and Founding

Established as the Budget Commission in 1936, the Department of Budget and Management evolved through key legislative acts, introducing reforms like the line-item budget and performance budgeting. 

Undergoing significant transformations, it became the Department of Budget and Management in 1987, playing a pivotal role in formulating and implementing the National Budget for the country’s development.

Here is the important milestone of the Department of Budget and Management:

  • 1936: Budget Commission established by Executive Order No. 25 under Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon.
  • 1937: Commonwealth Act No. 246 introduces the first budget law, emphasizing a line-item budget framework.
  • 1954: Republic Act No. 992 (Revised Budget Act of 1954) replaces the triumvirate with the Office of the Budget Commissioner and introduces performance budgeting.
  • 1954: Reorganization Act of 1954 (RA 997) defines the major organizational structure of the Budget Commission.
  • 1972: Presidential Decree No. 1 (Integrated Reorganization Plan) extensively reorganizes the Executive branch, keeping the Budget Commission under the President.
  • 1977: PD 1177 (Budget Reform Decree of 1977) strengthens planning, programming, and budgeting linkages.
  • 1978: PD No. 1405 converts the Budget Commission into the Ministry of the Budget, with the head having Cabinet status.
  • 1981: Executive Order No. 711 reclassifies/renames the Ministry of Budget into the Office of Budget and Management (OBM).
  • 1987: Executive Order 292 (Revised Administrative Code of 1987) converts OBM into the Department of Budget and Management, defining its responsibilities in formulating and implementing the National Budget for efficient resource utilization.

Mandate, Mission & Vision

Established by Executive Order No. 25 on April 25, 1936, the Department of Budget and Management is tasked with fostering the prudent and effective use of government resources—technological, manpower, physical, and financial. 

This mandate, outlined in the executive order and subsequent issuances, serves as a crucial instrument in realizing national socioeconomic and political development goals.

The department leads public expenditure management, striving for equitable, prudent, transparent, and accountable allocation of public funds to enhance the quality of life for all Filipinos.

By 2028, the department aims to be a champion of sustainable economic growth, implementing transformative budget policies and strategies for fiscal discipline, operational efficiency, and technology adoption, with a team of competent and agile public servants.

The Department of Budget and Management has 12 Units to carry out its functions:

  1. Office of the Secretary
  2. Internal Audit Service (IAS)
  3. Media Affairs and Community Relations Office (MACRO)
  4. Department Liaison Unit
  5. Information and Communications Technology Group (ICTG)
  6. Legal and Legislative Group
  7. Internal Management Group
  8. Budget Policy and Strategy Group
  9. Advocacy, Capacity Development, Economic Affairs, and Stakeholder Relations (ACES) Group
  10. Budget Preparation and Execution (BPE) Group
  11. Organization and Systems Improvement Group
  12. Local Government and Regional Operations Group

Key Officer

The DBM is led by Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman. The department also has five undersecretaries and 6 assistant secretaries who play significant roles in its operations.

About DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman

Position and Notable Achievements:

  • Incumbent Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management.
  • First Muslim Budget Secretary and the only female member of the country’s economic team.

Experience and Expertise:

  • 20 years of government service in legislative, executive branches, and the Central Bank.
  • Unique perspective on Philippine bureaucracy and a profound understanding of economic sector dynamics.
  • Previous roles include Concurrent Assistant Governor at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and Undersecretary at the DBM.

Budget Process and Legislative Involvement:

  • Played a key role in enacting budget laws as Chief-of-Staff to former Senate President Edgardo J. Angara.
  • Committee of Finance Chairperson Senator Loren B. Legarda’s Chief-of-Staff overseeing budget laws.

Current Initiatives and Commitments:

  • Committed to supporting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ‘s administration for broad-based and inclusive economic recovery.
  • Focus on prudent fiscal management, budget system modernization, sustainability, green principles, and strategic investments for economic growth.

Championing Reforms:

  • Advocates financial inclusion, Digitalization, Climate Change and Green Public Procurement, and Open Government Partnership.
  • Champions of good governance, fiscal transparency, and accountability.

Leadership and Recognitions:

  • Honored with the Rising Tigers “Woman of Substance” award.
  • Named “Public Servant of the Year” on the Asia Leaders Awards Men & Women Who Matter List.
  • Received the “Philippines’ Women Leaders Award” from the World Women Leadership Congress.
  • Recognized by PUP with the “Tanglaw ng Bayan” award for budget reform and financial inclusion advocacy.

Educational Background:

  • Holds a degree in Economics from the Far Eastern University.
  • Diploma and master’s degree in Development Economics from the University of the Philippines.
  • On leave from the Executive Master of Public Administration Program at the London School of Economics.

Additional Roles and Achievements:

  • Chairs the Development Budget Coordination Committee and the Intergovernmental Relations Body.
  • Joined the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary as Rear Admiral.
  • Regular columnist in Manila Bulletin’s Opinion section with a weekly column titled “Beyond Budget.”

Career Opportunities

At the Department of Budget and Management, you can play a key role in national development by ensuring the smart use of government resources. 

Keep an eye out for job openings posted by the department—they might have just the opportunity you’re looking for! 

For a helpful guide on applying, check out our job application guide .

Main Office

DBM’s main office is located at Boncodin Hall, General Solano St., San Miguel, Manila.

Regional Offices 

DBM has regional offices across the Philippines to ensure efficient budget management at the regional level.

DBM National Capital Region (NCR) 

You can reach DBM National Capital Region (NCR) at:

  • Address:  2/F Arcache Building, General Solano corner Nepomuceno Street, San Miguel, Manila. 
  • Tel. No.: +63 (02) 7003-8837 
  • Trunkline: +63 (02) 8657-3300 local 8801, 8802, 8001, and 8002.

DBM Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)

You can get in touch with DBM Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) at:

  • Address: No. 8 Gen. F. Segundo St., Legarda-Burnham, Baguio City. 
  • Tel. No.: (074) 620-5096 local 8803, 8804 
  • Telefax No.: (074) 443-4702.

DBM Region I – Ilocos Region

You can reach DBM Region I – Ilocos Region at:

  • Address: Government Center, Sevilla, City of San Fernando, La Union. 
  • Tel. No.: +63 (072) 619-4659 local 8806, 8101-8104, 8805, 
  • Fax No.: +63 (072) 888-3352.

DBM Region II – Cagayan Valley

You can get in touch with DBM Region II – Cagayan Valley at:

  • Address: Regional Government Center, Carigsur, Tuguegarao City 3500, Cagayan Valley
  • Tel. No. : +63 (078) 304-1338 local 8131, 8132, 8807, 8808
  • Fax No. : + 63 (078) 304-2545.

DBM Region III – Central Luzon

You can reach DBM Region III – Central Luzon at:

  • Address: Diosdado Macapagal Government Center, Brgy. Maimpis, City of San Fernando, Pampanga 2000 
  • Tel. No. : +63 (045) 455-2487 local 8201, 8203, 8203, 8204, 8809, 8810, (045) 435-1479
  • Telefax No. : +63 (045) 455-2486, (045) 455-2672

DBM Region IV-A CALABARZON

You can get in touch with DBM Region IV-A CALABARZON  at:

  • Address: 2/F Arcache Building, General Solano Street, corner Nepomuceno Street, San Miguel, Manila
  • Tel. No. : +63 (02) 8657-3300 local  8012

DBM Region IV-B MIMAROPA

You can reach DBM Region IV-B – MIMAROPA at:

  • Address: 2nd Floor, CSP Bldg, Brgy. Sta Cruz, 815 Quezon Avenue, Quezon City
  • Tel. No : +63 (02) 8374-7270 Local 8814
  • Telefax : +63 (02) 8374-7269

DBM Region V – Bicol Region

You can get in touch with DBM Region V – Bicol Region at:

  • Address: Regional Center Site, Rawis, Legazpi City 4500 
  • Avaya Local Nos.: 8815, 8816
  • Tel. No. : +63 (052) 482-0175

DBM Region VI – Western Visayas

You can reach DBM Region VI – Western Visayas at:

  • Address: 251-A General Hughes St. Iloilo City
  • Avaya Local Nos.: 8301, 8302
  • Tel. No : +63 (033) 337-2589
  • Telefax : (033) 338-0864, 335-1235

DBM Region VII – Central Visayas

You can get in touch with DBM Region VII – Central Visayas at:

  • Address: Sudlon (near Eco-Tech Center), Lahug, Cebu City
  • Direct Line. : +63 (032) 236-2875

DBM Region VIII – Eastern Visayas

You can reach DBM Region VIII – Eastern Visayas at:

  • Address: Brgy. 77, Villaruiz Subdivision, Marasbaras, Tacloban City
  • Tel. No.: (053) 888-0548 local 8821, 8822

DBM Region IX – Zamboanga Peninsula

You can get in touch with DBM Region IX – Zamboanga Peninsula at:

  • Address: N.S Valderosa St. Pettit Barracks, Zamboanga City
  • Tel. No.: +63 (062) 991-5682 local 8431, 8432; 992-2505

DBM Region X – Northern Mindanao

You can reach DBM Region X – Northern Mindanao at:

  • Address: Zone 1, Bulua National Highway, Cagayan de Oro City
  • Tel. No.: +63 (088) 856-3719; locals 8501, 8504

DBM Region XI – Davao Region

You can get in touch with DBM Region XI – Davao Region at:

  • Address: KM. 3, McArthur Highway, Matina Davao, City
  • Tel. No. : +63 (082) 298-4312; 297-4321; Avaya 8531, 8532, 8534, 8527
  • Fax No. : +63 (082) 299-2344

DBM Region XII – SOCCSKSARGEN

You can reach DBM Region XII – SOCCSKSARGEN at:

  • Address: DBM Compound , Brgy. Morales, Koronadal City
  • Tel. No.: +63 (083) 228-9788; local 8601, 8602
  • Fax No.: +63 (083) 228-5546

DBM Region XIII – CARAGA

You can get in touch with DBM Region XIII – CARAGA at:

  • Address: J. Rosales Avenue, City Hall Drive, Butuan City 8600
  • Tel. No.: +63 (085) 817 1600; local 8631, 8832
  • Fax No.: 341-4427

Attached Agencies

In the intricate web of government operations in the Philippines, the Government Procurement Policy Board-Technical Support Office (GPPB-TSO) stands as a crucial pillar, working in tandem with the Procurement Service and the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) to streamline and optimize the nation’s procurement processes.

GPPB-TSO: A Beacon of Technical Support

At the heart of this triumvirate is the Government Procurement Policy Board-Technical Support Office (GPPB-TSO), a specialized agency tasked with providing technical assistance and support to the Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB). 

Leveraging its expertise, the office offers comprehensive guidance to government agencies, ensuring compliance with procurement laws and regulations.

Procurement Service: Streamlining Procurement Processes

Working in tandem with the GPPB-TSO is the Procurement Service, an attached agency under the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). 

The Procurement Service acts as the government’s centralized procurement agency, harnessing economies of scale to obtain cost-effective goods and services for various government entities.

The service operates on the principle of consolidating procurement requirements, maximizing efficiency, and achieving savings for the government. 

Through strategic sourcing and efficient procurement processes, the Procurement Service facilitates the acquisition of quality goods and services while adhering to legal and ethical standards.

PhilGEPS: Revolutionizing Electronic Procurement

In the digital era, the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) emerged as a transformative force in government procurement. 

Under the administration of the GPPB-TSO, PhilGEPS serves as an electronic portal that modernizes and enhances the efficiency of the government’s procurement processes.

PhilGEPS provides a centralized platform for the posting of procurement opportunities, bid submissions, and award announcements. 

By digitizing these processes, PhilGEPS not only expedites transactions but also promotes transparency and accountability in government spending. 

This electronic system empowers suppliers, contractors, and government agencies with real-time access to procurement information.

The collaboration between GPPB-TSO, the Procurement Service, and PhilGEPS exemplifies a harmonious synergy aimed at enhancing the overall efficiency and transparency of government procurement. 

Through their concerted efforts, these agencies contribute significantly to the prudent management of public funds and the promotion of fair competition among suppliers.

Conclusion

As we explore the corridors of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), it becomes evident that this agency is not just a bureaucratic entity—it’s a key player in steering the ship of national fiscal discipline and efficiency in the Philippines. 

From its rich history to its pivotal mission, DBM is a cornerstone in the nation’s journey towards sustainable development.

For those eyeing career opportunities within DBM, this exploration has shed light on the agency’s inner workings, key officers, and attached agencies. 

The DBM isn’t just about budgets; it’s about shaping the financial landscape of a nation. 

So, if you’re a jobseeker aspiring to contribute to the crucial mission of promoting sound resource management, you’re in the right place.

Helpful Tips for Job-Seekers:

  • Stay Informed: Keep abreast of the latest developments in budgetary and financial matters. DBM values individuals who understand the dynamic landscape of resource management.
  • Skill Enhancement: Equip yourself with skills in finance, economics, and public administration. DBM looks for individuals who can bring practical insights to the table.
  • Networking: Connect with professionals in the field. Attend seminars, webinars, and networking events to build relationships that could open doors to opportunities within DBM.
  • Tailor Your Application: When applying, customize your application to showcase how your skills align with DBM’s mission. Highlight experiences that demonstrate your commitment to sound resource management.
  • Continuous Learning: DBM appreciates individuals who are committed to growth. Showcase your eagerness to learn and adapt to the evolving landscape of fiscal governance.

In concluding this journey through the realms of DBM, remember that your potential contribution to the agency is not just a job; it’s a partnership in sculpting the financial future of the Philippines. 

With a comprehensive understanding of DBM’s mission, you are now better equipped to navigate the seas of opportunities that lie within the Department of Budget and Management. 

References/Citations

  1. Department of Budget and Management
  2. Department of Budget and Management – Wikipedia
  3. Department of Finance (Philippines) – Wikipedia
  4. Department Of Budget And Management – Yellow Pages PH
  5. Department Of Budget And Management Regional Office XI – Davao Del Norte
  6. VI. DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT A. OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
  7. Career Opportunities
  8. DBM Central Office
  9. Office Directory – dbm.gov.ph 
  10. REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT