The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Caraga successfully conducted the Regional Budget Forum for the FY 2026 Budget Preparation, marking a significant milestone in fostering collaborative planning and budgetary transparency for the upcoming fiscal year. The highly anticipated event convened key officials and personnel, including representatives from thirty-four (34) national government agencies, State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), and civil society organization representation.

Held last January 30, 2025, at the LMX Convention Center in Butuan City, the forum provided a crucial platform for stakeholders to discuss and align budget priorities. Key topics included the salient features of National Budget Memorandum (NBM) No. 153, dated December 27, 2024, budget preparation forms, submission requirements, the calendar of activities, and essential guidelines necessary for the seamless preparation and submission of agency budget proposals.

More than just a fitness event, the Valentine’s Day sports activity was a meaningful reminder that taking care of oneself is the best way to show self-love. Employees ended Valentine’s Day feeling energized, motivated, and more connected, not only with their colleagues but also with their own well-being.

"On our end at the DBM, patuloy lang po kaming magtatrabaho para sa mas magandang kinabukasan ng ating mga mamamayan at kaunlaran ng ating Bagong Pilipinas. We will continue to strive to be a beacon of integrity in government. After all, we are entrusted with the crucial responsibility of ensuring the equitable, prudent, transparent, and accountable allocation and use of the national budget—our People’s Budget."

Strengthening Regional Development through Budget Alignment

More than just a fitness event, the Valentine’s Day sports activity was a meaningful reminder that taking care of oneself is the best way to show self-love. Employees ended Valentine’s Day feeling energized, motivated, and more connected, not only with their colleagues but also with their own well-being.

NEDA Caraga stressed the importance of ensuring that budget proposals are data-driven, results-oriented, and aligned with the region’s long-term growth targets. Furthermore, the presentation detailed the procedural aspects of the RDC review process, including submission timelines and coordination mechanisms with DBM to facilitate efficient budget preparation and evaluation.

Caraga’s Remarkable Progress in Poverty Reduction

In her closing message, NEDA OIC-Regional Director Gemimah A. Olam highlighted a significant milestone achieved in FY 2024 for Caraga. She referenced the Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) release of the 2023 Full-Year Official Poverty Statistics on August 15, 2024, based on the initial results of the Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES). The data revealed that 11 out of 18 regions recorded significant declines in poverty incidence in CY 2023, with Caraga demonstrating the most remarkable improvement—decreasing by 11 percentage points from 25.9% in 2021 to 14.9% in 2023.

She emphasized that this achievement is a testament to the persistent efforts and commitment to implementing sound and high-impact programs and projects through the submitted annual budgets. This progress has significantly contributed to poverty reduction in the region. To sustain these gains, she urged continued consistency in identifying programs and projects that address the region’s pressing development challenges. She also emphasized the importance of making significant impacts on industrializing and innovating the fishery, agroforestry, mining, and eco-tourism sectors to bring about inclusive and sustainable development by 2028. She further stressed that agency organizational outcomes should directly contribute to achieving regional and national priorities.

Moving Forward with Fiscal Discipline and Stakeholder Collaboration

The successful conduct of the FY 2026 Regional Budget Forum reaffirms DBM Caraga's commitment to participatory governance, fiscal discipline, and sustainable regional development. By bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders and fostering collaborative discussions, DBM Caraga continues to take concrete steps toward achieving its development goals and improving the quality of life for the people of the region.

DBM Caraga expressed its gratitude to all participants and reaffirmed its commitment to sustained engagement with stakeholders throughout the budget process. This ensures that financial resources are allocated strategically and effectively in support of Caraga’s progress. As the region moves forward, the collaborative efforts of government agencies, academia, and civil society will remain crucial in realizing a more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous Caraga.