THE nationwide job performance evaluation for the first quarter of 2024, “Boses ng Bayan,” conducted within the Marcos administration by the RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc. (RPMD) from March 18-24, 2024, was a comprehensive endeavor engaging 10,000 respondents in meticulously conducted face-to-face interviews.

These participants were charged with evaluating the overall effectiveness of Cabinet officials in their respective roles.

The assessment highlighted commendable performances by several Cabinet members, notably Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), who emerged as the top performer.

Secretary Abalos, responsible for initiatives to maintain peace, ensure public safety, and enhance local governance, earned an impressive 91% job performance rating alongside a robust 93% trust rating.

Following closely behind was Secretary Rex Gatchalian of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), entrusted with strategies for social protection and poverty alleviation among marginalized groups.

Secretary Gatchalian garnered an 89% job approval rating, complemented by a solid 91% trust rating.

Securing the third position was Secretary Christina Frasco Garcia of the Department of Tourism (DOT), who demonstrated unwavering dedication to advancing tourism for economic prosperity and societal well-being.

Through collaboration with stakeholders from the public and private sectors, Secretary Frasco Garcia achieved an 87% job satisfaction rating alongside an 89% trust rating.

Similarly, Secretary Amenah Pangandaman of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), who oversees the national budget, attained an 85% job performance score and an 87% trust rating, securing the fourth position.

Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla of the Department of Justice (DOJ), who is responsible for upholding the rule of law, completed the roster of distinguished performers.

Secretary Remulla earned an 83% job satisfaction rating paired with an 85% trust rating, positioning him fifth in the rankings. Among other notable cabinet officials who received commendable job performance scores are Finance Secretary Ralph Recto (81%), Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro Jr. (79%), Press Secretary Cheloy Garafil (77%), Health Secretary Ted Herbosa (76%), DICT Secretary Ivan Uy (74%), Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan (72%), DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. (71%), SolGen Menardo Guevarra (68%), Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual (66%), Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo (65%), and Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac (63%). Moreover, cabinet secretaries who attained the majority job satisfaction rating include Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista (61%), Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin (60%), NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan (58%), Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma (57%), Housing Secretary Jerry Acuzar (55%), Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla (53%), and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Laurel Tiu Jr. (50%). Among the twenty-five cabinet officials evaluated, two fell below the majority threshold in job satisfaction assessment: Agrarian Reform Secretary Condrado Estrella III (48%) and Environment Secretary Toni Yulo Loyzaga (46%). Dr. Paul Martinez, Executive Director of RPMD and a Global Affairs Analyst, advocates for evaluating cabinet secretaries via nationwide public opinion surveys to enhance public accountability and governance transparency.

He emphasizes that these surveys provide critical feedback, helping officials align with public needs and encouraging engagement. Furthermore, Dr. Martinez emphasizes that the surveys set objective performance benchmarks, fostering efficiency within government operations.

He views these surveys as essential for ensuring government actions reflect the public’s expectations and needs.