Dr. Noel Marjon E. Yasi, University President, emphasized during the Year-End Consultative Meeting that it is better to view budgeting in the light of implementing plans rather than as mere compliance. "There are two ways to view budgeting: first is for compliance, and second is to implement plans."

The one-day activity was hosted by the Finance Office, headed by Mr. Rene Boy A. Catubig, CPA, at CIT AVR on January 24.

Yasi also added that budgeting is crucial, as it represents the initial stage of planning.

Dr. Ryan Tayco, Planning and Development Office Director, first reviewed the Performance Report for the last four years before presenting the 4th Quarter Physical Accomplishments for 2024. Ms. Marcializa R. Tilos, Budget Staff, presented the 4th Quarter Financial Accomplishments for 2024, followed by Catubig, which presented the other Financial Accomplishments. One of the financial highlights for FY 2024 was the release of CNA, SRI, and Gratuity Pay.

Campus Directors and Assistant Campus Directors from Bayawan-Santa Catalina, Siaton, Bais, Mabinay, and Guihulngan campuses also presented their 4th Quarter Financial and Physical accomplishments, as well as the issues and concerns they experienced in their campuses.

During the open forum, it was pointed out that one of the reasons that can bloat budget utilization is the duplication and addition of unnecessary items. Dr. Cesar P. Estrope, Director of the Quality Assurance Management Center (QUAMC), suggested using the ISO and AACCUP recommendations as the basis for adding items to the PPMP to avoid personalized requests.

"Financial management is really important," said Dr. Merivic G. Catada, Vice President for Administration and Finance. In her closing remarks, she expressed that with the voluminous funds NORSU had, it is expected that NORSU also has huge utilization; however, after categorizing it properly, it was seen that NORSU has low budget utilization. "This is actually a challenge to all of us, not only for finance people. So, if we have to redesign, we have to do it. If we have to reassess, we have to do it. If we have to reworkshop, we have to do it. Just to improve our utilization of funds... We have to spend it wisely," she added.

At the end of 2025, Catada aims for NORSU to have more than 90% utilization of funds per campus and per college.