Former DBM Undersecretary Canda dies

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 24) — Tina Canda, former undersecretary of the Department of Budget and Management has died at the age of 62.

News of her death was confirmed by the DBM in a social media post, saying she died on Aug. 23 -- on what would have been her 41st year of service.

"Usec. Tina served the DBM for four decades—from being a Budget Analyst and a Division Chief to becoming the Undersecretary for Budget Preparation and Execution and the OIC Secretary during the crucial COVID-19 transition period," the DBM said in tribute, adding she was the "epitome of excellent public service."

In a separate statement, DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman expressed sadness at Canda's passing, saying she was a "tower of strength" at the agency and her work ethic was evident even after being diagnosed with stage-4 cancer..

"For me and a lot of her co-workers at the Department, Usec Tina was a gentle soul with a strong, dependable character," she said, adding Canda was a "brilliant leader."

"She leaves behind a tremendous legacy of policies, best practices, and a solid work ethic in the DBM," Pangandaman added.

Born in 1961, Canda graduated from the University of Santo Tomas cum laude in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts, Major in Economics, and received her Master in Management from the Philippine Christian University in 1999. Her career with the DBM began in 1982 as a budget analyst.

Canda retired from the DBM in January.