The Department of Budget and Management just marked its 89th anniversary, and what a celebration it was! With the theme “Turning Up the Heat, Keeping the Beat,” the day was filled with energetic fun, gratitude, and a deep sense of unity.

In a meaningful step toward inclusive and transparent fiscal planning in higher education, the Technical Budget Hearing (TBH) and Consultation Meeting for the FY 2026 budget proposals of State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in CARAGA Region was successfully held last April 10-11, 2025, in the Del Carmen Campus of Surigao del Norte State College.

The two-day event convened officials from four (4) SUCs—Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT), Caraga State University (CSU), North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU), Surigao del Norte State University (SNSU)—alongside CHED Caraga Regional Director Dr. Nelia A. Alibin and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) RO XIII Regional Director Maria Fe D. Jagna, Assistant Regional Director Jenneth C. Partosa and their respective technical staff.

A key highlight during the activity was the presence of DBM OPCCB Director Gerald R. Janda, who shared latest updates on Personnel Services (PS) matters, including position classification and compensation. Director Janda also  provided guidance throughout the deliberations and took part in the comprehensive evaluation of each SUC’s proposed budget for FY 2026.

The consultation sessions served as a platform for SUCs to present their financial needs, clarify technical issues, and explore innovations for resource optimization and institutional strengthening.

The outcome of the Technical Budget Hearing (TBH) will play a vital role in shaping final budget recommendations for the four (4) SUCs in FY 2026, enabling better program delivery, student services, and institutional growth.

This initiative was made possible through the strong support and leadership of DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman, who remains steadfast in advancing responsive public financial management and equitable access to quality education through inclusive budget processes.