Portrait photo of Department of Budget and Management Undersecretary and AIMM President Goddes Hope O. Libiran

Capping off the celebration of Women's Month in the Philippines this March, it is only fitting to recognize women who have made remarkable contributions in their respective fields. One of them is Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Undersecretary Goddes Hope Oliveros Libiran, who has been making waves in the arenas of civil service and public communication.

Usec. Goddes is the newly elected President of the Association of Information Officers in Metro Manila (AIMM), a group composed of government communicators of the 17 local government units, national government agencies, and all other government offices based in the National Capital Region.

She is also the current Undersecretary and Supervising Senior Official of the Media Affairs and Community Relations Office (MACRO) and Internal Audit Service (IAS) of the DBM. Her recent appointment has already paved the way for the launching of “Usapang Budget,” which aims to create public awareness for the DBM's plans, programs, activities, and projects. This initiative also serves as a venue where the public can actively engage and air their concerns with the DBM.

A cum laude graduate of Broadcast Communication from the University of the East Manila, Usec. Goddes pursued post-graduate studies in Communications Management at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and received her Master's degree in Strategic Public Relations at the University of Sydney, Australia in 2013.

Prior to her appointment at DBM, Usec. Goddes had a successful stint at the Department of Transportation (DOTr), where she served as Assistant Secretary for Communications and Commuter Affairs. Under her watch, the DOTr garnered prestigious recognition for its public relations programs, including two Silver Anvil Awards, a Philippine Quill Award, and the Diamond Award at the 3rd ASEAN PR Excellence Awards for PUV Modernization Program Public Relations Projects.

Before her tenure at DOTr, Usec. Goddes worked at the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), where she spearheaded the establishment of the MMDA Public Concerns and Responses Management Unit (PCRMU). She also helped establish the “mayhuliba.com” website, which allows motorists to check if they have committed a traffic violation in connection with the agency's implementation of the no-contact apprehension policy. Under her leadership, MMDA received various awards for its public relations campaigns, including the Black Boomerang Award for Effectiveness, Bronze Boomerang Award for Awareness, Gold Boomerang Award for Engagement, and Silver Boomerang Award for Utility.

Aside from her government work, Usec. Goddes is also a communications and public relations lecturer at De La Salle University-Manila and Adamson University. She is also a social media influencer with a large following of over 350,000 on her social media account.

Usec. Goddes' leadership and expertise in public service have been recognized by various organizations.

In 2022, she ranked fourth in the "Boses ng Bayan" national survey of government agency spokespersons conducted by the RP Mission and Development Foundation Inc. (RPMD), with a very high job performance rating.

Furthermore, she holds the rank of an Auxiliary Commodore (one-star general) at the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary.

In a world where women are still underrepresented in many fields, Usec. Goddes' achievements serve as an inspiration and a reminder that women can excel in any industry they choose to pursue. Her dedication, expertise, and leadership in public service have not only made her a role model for women but also a valuable asset to the government.

As we conclude the observance of Women's Month, let us continue in honoring the achievements of women who have worked tirelessly to promote the interests of their communities and advance the cause of justice and equality. Let us also extend support and encourage women in public service, so that their voices and contributions may be heard and recognized by succeeding generations. (PIA-NCR)