Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah "Mina" F. Pangandaman reinforced the Philippines’ strong commitment to sustainability and climate action at the 4th Philippines-Singapore Business and Investment Summit (PSBIS), highlighting the nation's growing climate-related investments.
“Sustainability is key in our Agenda for Prosperity. This is our promise to the Filipino people, especially future generations,” Secretary Mina said during her opening statement at the panel discussion on "Green Blueprint: Economic Outlook, Priority Expenditures, and Strategic Investment Priorities."
The Budget Secretary emphasized the government's intensive efforts on addressing climate change through strategic budget allocations. “Over the past 10 years, climate-responsive spending has risen steadily by an average of 32.5 percent. For 2025, we’re seeing a 123 percent increase, reaching an impressive USD 17.9 billion,” she said, noting that this rise has been tracked through the Climate Change Expenditure Tagging (CCET) system.
She also shared that the government has exceeded its climate expenditure targets under the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028. Initially aiming for 12 percent of the national budget to support climate initiatives, the allocation for 2025 has now grown to 16 percent—further demonstrating the administration’s dedication to building a sustainable future.
Secretary Mina likewise outlined the key focus areas of the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) 2011-2028, which includes water sufficiency, sustainable energy, food security, knowledge and capacity development, climate-smart industries, and ecosystem stability.
One of the pivotal initiatives she discussed was the Green Public Procurement Strategy, which aims to develop a local green market, set an example for private-sector procurement, attract green investments, and broaden competition in government procurement.
Secretary Pangandaman also underscored that climate change and environmental standards are now essential criteria when evaluating Public-Private Partnership (PPP) proposals, particularly in infrastructure, energy, and transportation projects.
“Nurturing a green economy is not just my personal advocacy; it is a top priority for our administration. Through our Climate Change Expenditure-tagged programs and innovative policies, we are driving high-impact investments that will propel growth while laying the foundation for a sustainable future,” she added.
In closing, the Budget Secretary called on the private sector to join forces with the government in this critical mission: “We invite our partners and stakeholders to join us in taking the green path toward our Agenda for Prosperity.”
The panel, moderated by DBM Undersecretary Margaux Salcedo, featured National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan and Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo Antonio G. Macaraig. Meanwhile, Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Ralph G. Recto gave the keynote address.
Organized by the Philippine Embassy in Singapore, the PSBIS serves as a platform for government officials and business leaders from the Philippines and Singapore to collaborate on strategic investments and explore opportunities for growth.
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