Reshaping our public institutions

A reformist who has left a substantial legacy in our financial institutions, where he served as DBM and DOF secretary and BSP governor, economist Ben Diokno throws in his two cents’ worth in our exploration of how life is better in celebration of the 125th anniversary of the Manila Bulletin

I served four Philippine Presidents (Corazon Aquino, Joseph Estrada, Rodrigo Duterte, and Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.) as Budget and Management secretary, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) governor, and Finance Secretary. 

After a long service to the republic, I can now finally slow down and invest time in my personal projects and new hobbies. Last year, I published a book reflecting on my experiences as BSP governor during the pandemic. I’m already working on a couple more publications. 

I’m happy to see how the reforms I’ve championed over the years are now creating a foundation for the next generation of public servants to build upon.

On a more personal note, I’ve recently picked up golf, a sport I never had time for when I was secretary and governor.

Serving the public has been a privilege and, as I run the final lap of my career, I’m happy to see how the reforms I’ve championed over the years have reshaped our public institutions for the better. What’s even more rewarding is knowing that these reforms are creating a foundation for the next generation of public servants to build upon.