5 November 2026
The Benguet State University (BSU) Finance Division organized a Budget Forum themed “Towards Effective and Results-Based Budget Preparations for FY 2028” at the DSG Hall, College of Teacher Education.
Heads of offices and representatives attended the activity, which aimed to give participants a clear understanding of applicable budget preparation guidelines, requirements, forms, and procedures. This ensured that the university’s budget proposals would be complete, properly justified, and compliant with the prescribed national government guidelines.
VP for Administration and Finance Richard H. Kinnud delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing that while BSU offices vary in size, capacity, programs, and priorities, the entire university remains unified in pursuing its vision, mission, and institutional goals.
He highlighted that budgeting extends far beyond listing figures, allocating funds, or determining financial distribution per office. Instead, it is a statement of the university’s priorities, reflecting its intended accomplishments and ways toward achieving its institutional goals.
VP for Business Affairs Josel M. Florentin, representing University President Kenneth A. Laruan, also noted that a budget is more than a table of numbers. He stated that every centavo and peso allocated represents a promise to students traveling long distances for education, faculty members dedicating efforts beyond regular job requirements, and farmers whose livelihoods rely on university research.
“The budget forum is not a formality; it is our way of saying that public funds belong to the public, and that every one of us—from the leadership of our president to the staff—answers for how this budget can be used,” Florentin stated.
To guide the budget planning process, he urged participants to observe three principles: Be honest regarding institutional proposals and needs; Be fair in setting priorities to ensure the greatest good reaches the greatest number; and Be accountable, keeping in mind that every peso and centavo spent will be subject to inquiry.
“If used correctly, a budget doesn’t restrict us; it actually empowers us,” he emphasized. “So let us remember that we are not merely managing resources—we are stewards of the future of our beloved Benguet State University”.
Following this, Supervising Administrative Officer of the Budget Office Estrellita M. Daclan provided an overview of the activity. She reminded the participants about the timeline for FY 2028 budget preparation pursuant to DBM-DBCC Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1 dated October 8, 2026, and encouraged them to ensure submission of documents are complete, accurate, and properly prioritized.
Resource speakers from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM)-CAR then delivered their presentations.
Senior Budget and Management Specialist Chin Chin C. Cagaoan discussed the overview of the Fiscal Year 2028 budget preparation guidelines and provided updates on budget preparation forms and instructions.
Budget and Management Specialist I Trishia Mae P. Abaya lectured on budgeting for Personal Services, Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses, and Capital Outlay, and presented the Common Budget Preparation Issues.
Procurement Management Officer III Sheila Marie Rodriguez also discussed updates on Virtual Store and E- Marketplace.
Question and answer sessions followed after each lecture, allowing participants to clarify guidelines, address concerns, and discuss specific budget preparation queries with the resource speakers.
The activity concluded with a closing message from Finance Division Chief Andres Arnold W. Lampacan. He thanked the resource speakers from DBM-CAR and the participants for their active engagement. He enumerated ways forward, including on-time budget document submissions, compliance and alignment with the DBM issuances, and maintaining open communication with the finance division and planning unit.//EBawayan