Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Acting Secretary Kim Robert C. De Leon underscored Central Luzon’s vital role in the country’s economic growth during the launch of the 2026 Regional Economic Briefing (REB) in Pampanga on Tuesday.

De Leon said the region’s strong agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, trade, tourism, and innovation sectors, coupled with major infrastructure projects such as the North-South Commuter Railway and MRT-7, are expected to boost connectivity, attract investments, and create quality jobs.

“When Central Luzon grows, the Philippines grows with it,” De Leon said, emphasizing the government’s goal of ensuring that economic growth translates into tangible improvements in the lives of Filipinos.

He also highlighted DBM reforms, including the implementation of the New Government Procurement Act, digital procurement initiatives that have generated more than P1.099 billion in government savings, and the Government Optimization Program aimed at improving public service delivery.

De Leon likewise introduced DBM COMPASS, a digital platform designed to make government budget information more accessible and transparent to the public.

He said Central Luzon has the potential to become not only an economic powerhouse but also a model of efficient, transparent, and people-centered governance.

The event was attended by Pampanga Governor Lilia G. Pineda, DBM officials, regional government leaders, business representatives, members of the academe, civil society groups, and development partners.