The Procurement Service-Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) applauds its Executive Director (ED) Atty. Genmaries “Gen” S. Entredicho-Caong, Deputy ED Atty. Philip Josef T. Vera Cruz, and Deputy ED Atty. Marlita Vallestero-Dagsa who are recipients of the 2025 University of Santo Tomas (UST) Outstanding Thomasian Alumni Award of Distinction.
The award was accorded by the UST Law Alumni Foundation, Inc. (USTLAFI) on the occasion of the 291st Foundation Anniversary of the Faculty of Civil Law and the 2025 Annual Homecoming and Reunion held in Parañaque on November 29, 2025.
Recognized for their outstanding accomplishments, the PS-DBM executives were among other Thomasian lawyers whose role and service to the community and nation, whether in the public or private sector, contribute to “reinforcing the values of honesty and accountability in society”—the theme of the celebration.
In a souvenir program handed to alumni to commemorate the event, the cover story highlights the mission of awardees to be “role models of honesty and integrity” in the midst of the widespread corruption scandal that hounds the country today.
“Fighting corruption is an overwhelming, almost enormous challenge considering its deep-rooted presence in our society. But we can start to change things for the better in small ways, beginning in our homes… and workplaces… by modelling ethical behavior,” it reads.
Fighting corruption is an undertaking that PS-DBM has always endeavored to succeed in. Empowered by the enactment of the New Government Procurement Act, which solidifies and expands its mandate, PS-DBM is steadfast in its fight for good governance—and the world is taking notice.
In the recently held Open Government Partnership Global Summit in Spain, PS-DBM won an anti-corruption award for the Philippines, cementing its commitment to accountability, transparency, and integrity in public procurement.
This milestone, among other transformative breakthroughs, could not have been achieved by PS-DBM without its leaders, who, as the Award of Distinction proves, imbibe the values of an academic institution devoted to the pursuit of truth and promotion of justice.
As PS-DBM continues to be in the forefront of combatting corruption through procurement reforms, it takes pride in being led by officials whose integrity remains intact. Our heartfelt congratulations to ED Gen, DED Philip, and DED Mayette! Your PS-DBM family is proud of you. | December 2, 2025/KB