Day: May 1, 2024

Digepres closes Ethics Week with journalist Altagracia Salazar as an ethical role model

The prominent journalist shared the importance of ethics in regulating moral behavior, both personally and professionally. The General Directorate of Budget (Digepres) concluded "Ethics Week 2024: For a Culture of Integrity" with a meeting featuring renowned journalist Altagracia Salazar, coinciding with National Citizen Ethics Day on April 29. The week-long activities aimed to further promote an ethical culture among Budget Directorate staff. The closing event was led by the Director of the General Directorate of Budget, José Rijo Presbot, accompanied by Deputy Director Ivan Ramírez, Glenny Villanueva, head of the Public Ethics Department of the General Directorate of Ethics and Governmental Integrity (DIGEIG), representing Milagros Ortíz Bosch, as well as department heads, area supervisors, and Budget Directorate staff. The welcoming remarks were delivered by Soribel Medina Lagrange, general coordinator of the Governmental Integrity and Regulatory Compliance Commission (CIGCN) and Governmental Integrity Officer (OIG) of Digepres, who thanked those present for their participation and encouraged them to maintain a firm commitment to ethical values within and outside the institution. In his remarks, Budget Director José Rijo Presbot thanked Altagracia Salazar for her presence, highlighting her as a professional who dignifies journalism and serves as an ethical role model. “Altagracia is a dignified, honest, and hardworking woman, impervious to malice, degradation, irresponsibility, blackmail, bribery, or any of the corrupting influences displayed by some inferior beings who claim to practice ‘journalism,’” Rijo Presbot quoted, referring to an editorial by journalist Fausto Rosario about the reporter. Addressing the audience, Altagracia Salazar explained the situations she faced for practicing journalism ethically, which led her through difficult times. However, she understood that it was the right path if she wanted to practice her profession honestly, transparently, and fairly. “Ethical values never go out of style; the best way to make them visible is through consistency,” she said. “Ethical values make us different and prevent us from being bought,” explained the veteran journalist. Salazar also emphasized that consistency plays a very important role, and that values are not imposed, but rather result from the dedicated effort we put into cultivating them. As part of the closing program, the second episode of the documentary “The Budget in History,” which has six episodes, was released. This episode, titled “Beginnings of the Economy and the Budget in the Dominican Republic,” is an initiative of the Communications Department, contributing to the institutional record of this budget year. During Digepres Ethics Week, the importance of integrity and transparency in government management was promoted both internally and externally within the organization. Special guests and Budget Department staff participated. National Day of Civic Ethics and Institutional Commitment: Every year on April 29, the country celebrates “National Day of Civic Ethics,” and on this memorable day, Ulises Francisco Espaillat, one of the most prominent politicians, is honored. The democratic and honest institutions that the country enjoyed in the 19th century are a symbol of civic integrity and transparency. Digepres, under the leadership of the General Directorate of Ethics and Governmental Integrity (DIGEIG), established its Governmental Integrity and Regulatory Compliance Commission (CIGCN) in compliance with Decree No. 791-21, which declares the implementation and election of Governmental Integrity and Regulatory Compliance Commissions (CIGCN) in all public institutions a high national priority. This marks the first time the Integrity Commission has representatives from all organizational groups, ensuring the participation and commitment of employees at all levels. The event was held in the Juan Bosch Hall at Digepres.