In consonance with the National Budget Memorandum (NBM) No. 153, dated December 27, 2024, the Finance Office conducted a Budget Forum for the Preparation of FY 2026 and Budget Execution for FY 2025 at the Library Conference Room on February 6.

The forum aims to provide an orientation on preparing the FY 2026 Budget and to reorient the various offices, colleges, and campuses regarding the process of financial transactions and budget execution for the FY 2025 Budget.

University President Dr. Noel Marjon E. Yasi emphasized in his message that budgeting should be based on the university's targets and goals.

"More importantly, everyone must be responsible for integrating every peso into their budget and spending every peso throughout the entire year. We must be very specific in our financial plans; hence, we need to identify our needs," said Dr. Merivic G. Catada, Vice President for Administration and Finance (VPAF).

Based on the gathered data, the different campuses, colleges, departments, and offices have very low utilization rates, which affect the overall performance of the university.

Therefore, Yasi plans for their office and the VPAF to create a committee to review the budgets that every campus, college, department, and office submits for approval. "Decisions should be data driven," he added.

The forum consisted of a series of lectures presented by various speakers. In the morning, Rene Boy A. Catubig, CPA, CAO-Finance and the focal person of the forum, began with the topic "Salient Features of the General and Special Provisions of GAA for FY 2025" and the "Guidelines on the Release of Funds for FY 2025" (NBC 595). This was followed by University Accountant Maurice Anaver B. Dordado, CPA, who presented on "Budget Execution and Processing of Common Transactions." The "Review of the Procurement Process" was presented by Reymil T. Cadapan, MBA.

In the afternoon, continuing with the scheduled lectures, Dr. Ryan O. Tayco presented the "Review of NORSU Targets and Goal Setting," after which Catubig discussed "Budget Preparation for FY 2026" (NBM 153). Dr. Aileen Rosette M. Felix, the University Gender and Development (GAD) Director, explained the GAD Budget Process.

Lastly, Mr. Ted Elrico R. Tamparong, University Systems Developer and Analyst, and Ms. Marcializa R. Tilos, Budget Office Staff, thoroughly discussed Budget Preparation through the Finance System with the audience.