Understanding Culture,

Society, and Politics

Compilation of the Vital Government or State

Institutions in the Philippines

Submitted by:
Karylle Angel D. Forro
Student

Submitted to:
Eric John B. Saroyda
Teacher
Department of Agrarian Reform

The DAR is the main government organization responsible for carrying out fair and
thorough agrarian reform, ensuring that land is fairly distributed to farmers, boosting
farming productivity, and providing secure land rights, all aiming to enhance the lives of
those who cultivate the land.

Conrado M. Estrella III, appointed by President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos

Jr. as Secretary of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), brings a legacy
of public service. With a political science and history background, he served as
a Congressman for Pangasinan's 6th District for over two decades. His
advocacy for farmers' rights resulted in the introduction of numerous
agricultural-focused bills during his tenure. Estrella III, committed to advancing
agrarian reform, aims to prioritize the agricultural sector's needs in the
Philippines under President Marcos Jr.'s leadership.
Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III.

The Department of Budget and Management was formed by Executive Order No. 25 in April 1936,
with the primary objective of overseeing and optimizing the responsible utilization of diverse
government resources, including technology, human capital, infrastructure, and finances. Its role is
crucial in advancing the country's socio-economic and political development goals.

Amenah F. Pangandaman, the current Secretary of the Department of

Budget and Management (DBM), is the first Muslim to hold this position
and the sole female member in the country's economic team. With 20
years of diverse government service across legislative, executive, and
Central Bank roles, she brings extensive expertise in budget management
and economic policy. Prior to leading the DBM, she served as Assistant
Governor at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and held key positions at the
DBM during the Duterte Administration. Pangandaman, with degrees in
Economics and Development Economics, is committed to achieving
inclusive economic recovery, promoting fiscal prudence, sustainability,
Sec. Amenah F. Pangandaman and transparency in government spending. Recognized for her
leadership, she received several awards, including the Rising Tigers
"Woman of Substance" and "Philippines' Women Leaders Award." As Rear Admiral in the Philippine
Coast Guard Auxiliary, she continues to serve while also sharing insights on national budget matters
in her column titled "Beyond Budget" for the Manila Bulletin.

Department of Education (DepEd)

The Department of Education (DepEd) originated from the Education Decree of 1863
as the Superior Commission of Primary Instruction. Over the 20th century, it underwent
reorganizations to adapt to changing administrations and mandates. Eventually,
Republic Act 9155, the Governance of Basic Education Act of 2001, formally
established the present-day DepEd.
DepEd's primary role involves formulating, executing, and coordinating policies, plans, and programs
for both formal and non-formal basic education. It supervises all public and private elementary and
secondary educational institutions, including alternative learning systems. DepEd's overarching goal
is to develop and maintain a comprehensive and suitable basic education system that aligns with the
nation's development objectives.

Sara Zimmerman Duterte, commonly known as Inday Sara, currently holds the
esteemed positions of Vice President and Secretary of Education in the
Philippines. During her tenure as DepEd Secretary, she notably prioritized
educational advancement and initiated comprehensive programs to enhance
the quality of education nationwide. While serving as the concurrent Education
Secretary, Duterte played a pivotal role in planning the transition for the
resumption of mandatory face-to-face classes in all basic education schools in
the Philippines. This initiative, put on hold since 2020 due to COVID-19 risks,
was aimed at the school year 2022–2023. She issued Department Order No.
034 on July 11, 2022, offering schools the option for five-day in-person classes
or blended learning from August 22 to October 31. From November 2 onwards,
mandatory in-person classes were to resume, with adherence to necessary physical distancing
measures. Additionally, Duterte made school uniforms and student vaccination optional for the
upcoming school year. She also discussed the possibility of implementing blended learning
exclusively in select schools or areas with specific needs, including those with unrepaired or
unfinished buildings. Prior to assuming office, Duterte advocated for the reinstatement of mandatory
Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), a proposal that gained significant support among
legislators and government officials.

Department of Environment and National Resources

The Department is the primary agency responsible for the conservation, management, development,
and proper use of the country’s environment and natural resources, specifically forest and grazing
lands, mineral resources, including those in reservation and watershed areas, and lands of the public
domain, as well as the licensing and regulation of all natural resources as may be provided for by law
in order to ensure equitable sharing of the benefits derived therefrom for the welfare of the present
and future generations of Filipinos.
Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga serves as the Secretary of the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources in the Philippines. Appointed by President
Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., she leads the country's delegation to significant
international conferences on climate change and disaster risk reduction. Loyzaga
previously headed the National Resilience Council, focusing on disaster risk
reduction and sustainable development. With a background in political science and
government, she holds a Master of Arts degree in Government degrees from
Georgetown University and Ateneo de Manila University.

Sec. Maria Antonia

Yulo Loyzaga
The Department of Finance (DOF) is entrusted with steering the country's fiscal policies towards
economic stability and growth. Established even before the Philippine Republic, its primary role
involves formulating revenue policies to fund crucial government programs, fostering a robust
economy, and ensuring the availability of funds for essential services like infrastructure, education,
and healthcare. The DOF's core tasks include revenue generation, resource mobilization, debt
management, and financial market development, all aimed at nurturing an investment-friendly
environment that fosters economic progress and meets the needs of the people.
Dr. Diokno currently leads the Department of Finance (DOF) as
Secretary. His extensive background includes serving as the
Governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) from 2019 to
2022, where he spearheaded prompt responses to the
pandemic, lessening its impact and paving the way for recovery.
Before this, he held the position of Budget Secretary under three
presidential administrations, focusing on expanding fiscal
policies to finance essential investments in public infrastructure
and human capital development.
In his role as Finance Secretary, Dr. Diokno is steering the economic team towards achieving key
development milestones by 2028: restoring the deficit-to-GDP ratio to pre-pandemic levels, reducing
poverty rates to single digits, and positioning the nation as an upper-middle-income economy by the
conclusion of the Marcos administration. His vision encompasses not just economic growth but also
emphasizes inclusive and sustainable progress, aiming for equitable opportunities and growth for all
segments of society.
Department of Foreign Affairs
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in the Philippines manages the
country's foreign relations, representing its interests globally through embassies
and consulates. It issues passports, provides consular services, and protects the
rights of Filipino nationals abroad. The DFA negotiates treaties, fosters
international cooperation, and ensures the welfare of overseas Filipino workers,
aiming to strengthen the Philippines' position in the world while promoting peace
and prosperity.
Ambassador Enrique A. Manalo assumed office as the Secretary of Foreign
Affairs on July 1, 2022, after taking the oath before President Ferdinand R.
Marcos, Jr. President Marcos appointed Secretary Manalo due to his extensive
experience and distinguished career in the Philippine Foreign Service. With over
four decades in the DFA, Secretary Manalo served twice as Undersecretary for
Policy, advising on international relations matters. He has notable expertise in
multilateral diplomacy, having represented the Philippines in various diplomatic
roles, including at the United Nations in New York and Geneva. Secretary
Manalo holds degrees in Economics from the University of the Philippines and
has received several awards for his outstanding service to the country, including
the Order of Lakandula, Gawad Mabini, and Order of Sikatuna.
Department of Health
The Department of Health (DOH) in the Philippines is responsible for overseeing
public health, ensuring access to healthcare services, disease prevention, health
education, and the formulation of health policies and programs. It manages efforts
related to maternal and child health, disease control, nutrition, vaccination, and
emergency response. Collaborating with various stakeholders, the DOH works
to improve the nation's healthcare system and promote overall well-being for
Filipinos.
Philippine President Bongbong Marcos appointed Herbosa as Secretary of
the Department of Health (DOH) on June 5, 2023, with his official oath-taking
the following day. Herbosa's endorsement by the Philippine Medical
Association, where he holds a "life member" status, and subsequent support
from the Philippine College of Physicians reinforced his appointment.
However, opposition arose from the Alliance of Health Workers due to
Herbosa's past advocacy for the privatization of government hospitals during
his tenure as undersecretary, which contrasts with the group's push for "free
and quality health services" in public health institutions.
Sec. Ted Herbosa
M.D.
The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) in the Philippines is
tasked with managing housing needs, urban planning, and community development. It aims to
provide affordable housing, improve living conditions, and promote sustainable urban growth across
the country.
Secretary Jose Rizalino “Jerry” L. Acuzar, a self-made businessman, became
Secretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development
on July 29, 2022, sworn in by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. His renowned
projects include the acclaimed Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bataan. Rising
from humble beginnings in Balanga, Bataan, Acuzar worked his way up,
starting as a cutter-welder, pursuing vocational studies in drafting, and later
earning a Bachelor's in Architecture from the Technological Institute of the
Philippines. His success stems from a hands-on management style, dedication
to Filipino heritage, and perseverance in the real estate industry.
Sec. Jose
Rizalino “Jerry”

Department of Information and Communications Technology

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in

the Philippines oversees ICT policies, initiatives, and programs. It aims to
enhance internet connectivity, promote digital literacy, support technology
innovation, and implement e-government services to improve public
access to ICT resources across the country.

Ivan John Uy, previously linked to the Philippine Chamber of

Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Supreme Court of the
Philippines, served as a legal researcher and later as the chief
information officer. He chaired the Commission on Information and
Communications Technology and played a role in conceptualizing the
Philippine Digital Strategy 2011–2016. Appointed by President
Bongbong Marcos, Uy became the Secretary of the Department of
Information and Communications Technology (DICT). He aims to
enhance digital literacy, particularly focusing on digital hygiene in
elementary schools to address cybercrime impacts.
Sec. Jose
Rizalino “Jerry”

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in the

Philippines oversees local government units (LGUs), focusing on
strengthening governance, ensuring service delivery, and managing
peace, order, and disaster response at the local level.
Benjamin "Benhur" C. Abalos, Jr. serves as the Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local
Government (DILG). Formerly Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and
Mayor of Mandaluyong City, Abalos garnered awards for Mandaluyong, including the United Nations
Public Service Award. The city achieved recognition for its initiatives in education, business-
friendliness, revenue generation, good governance, and environmental management. As DILG
Secretary, he aims to enhance local governance and public service delivery in the Philippines.

The Department
of Justice (DOJ)
in the Philippines
oversees the legal
system, law
enforcement, and
protection of
citizens' rights. It supervises various agencies, prosecutes criminal cases, offers legal counsel, and
works on legal reforms to ensure fairness and accountability in the justice system.

Secretary Remulla, now leading the Department of Justice, authored significant House Measures in
Congress, showcasing his commitment to legislation on disaster resilience, rural development
financing, and digital payments.

In his current role, he pledged allegiance to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., promising to fulfill the
entire six-year term and uphold the DOJ's vision of ensuring justice for all,
irrespective of birth circumstances or economic status.

In the 18th Congress, Jesus Crispin Catibayan Remulla authored significant

House Measures, including:

 HB05989 – Creation of the Department of Disaster Resilience

 HB06134 – Mandating Banking Institutions to Strengthen Financing
for Agricultural, Fisheries, and Rural Development
 HB08992 – Promotion of Digital Payments for Government Financial
Transactions and Merchants Sec. Jesus Crispin
Catibayan Remulla

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) oversees labor issues, ensures workers' rights,
and fosters employment opportunities in the Philippines. It enforces labor laws, facilitates job
placement, promotes occupational safety, and provides assistance to workers, including Overseas
Filipino Workers (OFWs).
 Laguesma began his career at the Ministry of Labor and Employment (now
DOLE) in the 1970s under Ferdinand Marcos' presidency. He climbed the
ranks, serving as DOLE Undersecretary from 1990 to 1996 under Aquino
and Ramos. Later, he became Presidential Assistant under Ramos and
served as DOLE Secretary from 1998 to 2001 during Joseph Estrada's
administration. Additionally, he worked as the commissioner of the Social
Security System during Benigno Aquino III's presidency. Initially hesitant
due to his age, Laguesma accepted an offer from president-elect Bongbong
Marcos to return as DOLE Secretary.

Laguesma pledged to transform the labor department into a "more

responsible and responsive institution that reaches out to needy workers,
especially those in rural and far-urban areas."
Sec. Bienvenido
“Benny” E. Leguesma

Department of National Defense

The Department of National Defense (DND) in the Philippines manages defense

policies, oversees the Armed Forces, and safeguards the country against internal
and external threats to ensure national security and sovereignty.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. tasked DND Sec. Gilberto Teodoro Jr. with establishing a sustainable
pension scheme for military and uniformed personnel (MUP). Teodoro
pledged to continue enhancing territorial defense efforts, particularly in
the West Philippine Sea, through the Armed Forces modernization
program. Additionally, he plans to seek a separate budget from Congress
to bolster the DND's capabilities and expertise in program management,
analytics, contracting, and international relations for career development.
Sec. Gilberto "Gibo"
Teodoro Jr