DBM Regional Office XIII officials and staff actively participated in the Caraga Budget Administrators Group (CBAG), Inc. 21st Annual Regional Conference and General Assembly, held from January 22-24, 2025, at the Provincial Capitol compound of Agusan del Sur. This year’s theme, “Caraga Public Financial Management Practitioners: Leading with Integrity and Service Excellence,” underscored the vital role of public financial managers in not only executing their duties with technical precision but also upholding the highest ethical standards and unwavering dedication to public trust.

Keynote Address: The Role of Integrity and Service Excellence in Public Financial Management (PFM)

Delivering the keynote speech, Regional Director Maria Fe D. Jagna emphasized that integrity is the bedrock of public financial management. She stressed that transparency, accountability, and ethical governance are crucial in maintaining public trust and ensuring the responsible stewardship of government resources. This message held particular significance for the Caraga region, where the prudent management of abundant natural resources is a critical responsibility.

Director Jagna further underscored the importance of service excellence, advocating for continuous improvement, innovation, and active stakeholder engagement in the financial sector. She highlighted that leadership extends beyond mere authority; it involves setting a strong example, fostering collaboration, and driving reforms that enhance transparency and accountability in governance.

Technical Sessions: Strengthening Public Financial Systems

During the technical discussions, Assistant Regional Director Jenneth C. Partosa and Chief Budget and Management Specialist Paul A. Abarca served as resource persons, sharing valuable insights on key PFM topics on the following:

• LGU-PFMIP (Local Government Unit-Public Financial Management Improvement Plan) Progress of Implementation and CY 2025 Re-assessment Procedures and Requirements
• Key Features of the New Government Procurement Act
• Updated Guidelines on Local Government Operations and Anticipated Regulatory Issuances for 2025

These discussions provided local government financial practitioners with updated policies, best practices, and actionable strategies to enhance fiscal responsibility and governance efficiency.

Sports Festival: Fostering Camaraderie and Regional Collaboration

CBAG, Inc.’s annual event also aimed to build camaraderie among participants through sports activities. Delegates from across the Caraga region—including Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte/Butuan City, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and DBM—engaged in a dynamic mix of sports and activities, such as

:

• Bocce (Special Games)
• Walkathon
• Volleyball
• Badminton
• Chess
• Darts
• Table Tennis

The competition was fierce yet friendly, fostering teamwork and sportsmanship. Ultimately, the Province of Dinagat emerged as the Overall Champion, with Agusan del Sur placing second and followed by DBM Trese securing the third slot.

A Commitment to Good Governance and Excellence

Throughout the 3-day gathering, the CBAG, Inc. successfully fostered a culture of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, leadership, and sportsmanship – laying the foundation for an even more transparent, efficient, and service-driven public financial management system as well as the work-life balance of PFM stakeholders in the region.