Former Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno officially turned over the Department of Finance (DOF) leadership to newly appointed Finance Secretary Ralph Recto in a ceremony on Monday at the DOF office in Manila.
“Ralph is a seasoned policymaker and an undeniable patriot. He has sponsored several key economic and tax reforms that have transformed our economy for the better and reignited the country’s growth potential,” Diokno said.
“Ralph is no stranger to the kind of hard work, tough decision-making, and consensus-building required of this post,” he added.
In response, Recto praised Diokno for his service and also expressed confidence that Diokno would continue contributing to the welfare of the nation in his new role as a monetary board member of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
Recto said he draws reassurance from the knowledge that he has a skilled team within the DOF, its attached agencies, and bureaus.
“I find reassurance in knowing that I am not alone in this journey. I am surrounded by a team of highly talented and competent individuals within the DOF, its attached agencies, and bureaus, all equipped with the necessary skills to navigate the challenges we face today and those that await us in the future,” he said.
“I also look forward to tapping the wisdom of my illustrious predecessors,” he added.
Recto expressed confidence in surmounting any challenges in pursuit of actualizing the President’s vision articulated in the national development plan through increased effort, sincere dedication, rethinking the way of doing things, and innovating governance.
Present during the turnover ceremony were DOF Undersecretaries Catherine Fong, Bayani Agabin, Maria Edita Tan, Zeno Abenoja, Maria Luwalhati Dorotan Tiuseco; and DOF Assistant Secretaries Nino Alvina, Dakila Napao, Glenda Rumohr-Figueroa, Juvy Danofrata, Karlo Adriano, Jun Bernabe Jr., Joyce Briones, and Jenaira Jalasco.
After the turnover ceremony, Recto began a series of briefings, led by the heads of DOF offices and is scheduled to have briefings with heads of the DOF attached agencies and bureaus throughout the week.*PNA
