Last May 6, 2026, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Regional Office XIII conducted a comprehensive Fire Drill and Orientation, serving as the final phase of the project: “Supply, Delivery, Installation, Testing, and Commissioning of Firefighting Systems at DBM Regional Office XIII.” The activity commenced with a rigorous technical inspection, where the team from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) – Butuan City Central Fire Station was warmly welcomed by the DBM RO XIII Regional Director, Maria Fe D. Jagna, CESO III. Fire safety experts and concerned office staff from both the regional and central offices collaborated to scrutinize every component of the newly installed infrastructure, ensuring that the detection and suppression systems were not only properly fitted but fully primed and compliant with the highest national safety standards.
The transition from technical validation to operational readiness was marked by the piercing sound of the fire alarm, triggering a surprise evacuation drill. DBM ROXIII personnel demonstrated readiness, promptly pausing in their duties to follow established exit protocols in a calm and orderly fashion. This exercise was essential in proving that the staff could navigate the building’s corridors under pressure while maintaining accountability for everyone’s safety.
Following the successful evacuation, the participants gathered in the Multi-purpose Hall, where the orientation proceeded. Within this venue, BFP officers provided an in-depth lecture on the four stages of fire—incipient, growth, fully developed, and decay—and trained the staff on how to properly act in case of a fire, emphasizing the importance of staying calm, alerting others immediately, and identifying the safest exit routes before smoke impairs visibility.
The day’s training culminated in a high-impact, hands-on fire simulation held in a controlled open area. Under the professional guidance of the BFP, DBM RO XIII staff were given the opportunity to confront actual flames, transforming their newly acquired knowledge into a life-saving skill. The core of the exercise was the mastery of the "TPAS" method: Twisting the plastic seal to break it, Pulling the safety pin, Aiming the nozzle precisely at the base of the fire, and Squeezing the lever while Sweeping from side to side to fully extinguish the blaze.
By successfully merging these sophisticated new firefighting systems with rigorous, confidence-building training, DBM RO XIII has fortified its headquarters, ensuring that its public servants are prepared to act decisively and maintain the continuity of government operations during any emergency.

The Department of Budget and Management Regional Office (DBM RO) XIII once again affirmed its unwavering commitment to good governance and quality public service, earning a “no nonconformities (NC)” result in the recently concluded Internal Quality Audit (IQA) conducted on February 24-26, 2026.
For two (2) days, the IQA Red Team rigorously reviewed the Regional Office’s conformance with its Quality Management System (QMS) – a system meticulously aligned with ISO 9001:2015 standards. The audit covered a series of in‑depth conversations, document examinations, and on‑site validations on select units, ensuring that every process, output, and workflow reflected the principles of transparency, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
Leading the IQA was Director Rowel D. Escalante, head of the Corporate Planning and Management Service (CPMS). He briefly explained that the benefit of having the IQA is to put the office one step ahead of the external auditors. He further explained that when they do their audit, everything is almost perfect because the IQA has already done its job looking thoroughly at the processes and how the QMS is implemented in the regional office. Director Escalante was accompanied by dynamic team members – Ms. Jean Eriz R. Galang, Ms. Ara Joy F. Cruz, Ms. Feane Joven C. Lamasan, Ms. Kyla Nicolean A. Isaac, and Ms. Nanezze O. Comple – each bringing their own expertise and energy into the day’s engagement. Adding to the collective strength of the group, Ms. Zillah Joanne P. Gallardo also joined them virtually, ensuring that the team remained complete and connected despite the distance.
The zero NC outcome serves as a significant achievement – serving not just as a compliance milestone, but as a strong affirmation of the office’s robust internal systems, disciplined workforce, and firm adherence to established quality standards. It also reflects the collective dedication of DBM RO XIII personnel, whose day‑to‑day commitment ensures that public service remains responsive, dependable, and grounded on integrity.
Despite the exemplary results, the audit also identified opportunities for improvement and observations, which the Regional Office regards as constructive and forward‑looking insights. Rather than viewing these observations as gaps, DBM RO XIII embraces them as pathways to further refine processes, strengthen internal controls, and heighten readiness for future audits – internal or external.

As DBM RO XIII moves ahead, this achievement reinforces its position as a champion of quality and accountability in public service. With its QMS continuously guiding its operations, the office remains steadfast in its mission: to deliver timely, transparent, and impactful budget services to the people of Caraga and beyond.
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