During the 2025 Budget Execution Forum held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin encouraged all government employees to maintain their focus on serving the Filipino people despite the surrounding political distractions. Bersamin emphasized the importance of breaking down barriers and promoting true collaboration across various government levels to achieve the Marcos administration’s goal of prosperity.
Bersamin highlighted the necessity of a ‘whole-of-government’ approach, urging government agencies to work together seamlessly. He stressed that the mission to serve Filipinos should be carried out with unwavering integrity, relentless dedication, and genuine compassion. He encouraged his fellow public servants to move forward, undeterred by any distractions, and to concentrate on improving the lives of the Filipino people to the best of their abilities.
The Executive Secretary also underscored the importance of transparency, accountability, and public participation in advancing open governance. He noted that digital transformation, in line with the government’s development priorities, would help make the country ‘future-proof.’ Bersamin called on all government workers to uphold the highest standards of good governance and to renew their commitment to building the envisioned ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ (New Philippines) as the new year begins.
The forum, organized by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), served as a platform to discuss the execution of the 2025 budget. On January 20, the DBM released National Budget Circular 595, which provided the framework for implementing the national budget under Republic Act (RA) 12116, the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), as well as continuing appropriations under RA 11975, the 2024 GAA, and automatic appropriations.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed RA 12116 on December 30, 2024, which includes a PHP6.326 trillion national budget for 2025. Bersamin described the 2025 national budget as more than just figures on paper; it represents the government’s unified vision for a prosperous Philippines.