Conduct of the FY 2024 Capacity Building Program for Newly-Elected Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Officials dubbed as “Navigating Leadership Excellence through Responsive and Inclusive Local Development Plans and Budgets”

In an effort to enhance local governance and foster inclusive development, the Department of Budget and Management RO XIII, in coordination with the Caraga Budget Administrator Group, Inc. (CBAG), conducted a comprehensive capacity-building program tagged as "Navigating Leadership Excellence through Responsive and Inclusive Local Development Plans and Budgets." This initiative, targeting the newly-elected Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials, underscored the importance of strategic planning and inclusive budgeting in achieving sustainable community development. The simultaneous training-workshop with back to back batches from the different barangays in Caraga was held in the months of February, March and April 2024 at Grand Palace Hotel and Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center, Butuan City.

The capacity-building program was designed to equip local leaders at the Barangay level with the necessary skills and knowledge in planning, budgeting and procurement to effectively manage their respective barangays and SK units. It focused on several core areas:

• Leadership and Governance: Empowering officials with leadership strategies that emphasize transparency, accountability, and community engagement.
• Development Planning and Procurement: Training on the formulation and implementation of local development and procurement plans that address the unique needs of their communities.
• Inclusive Budgeting: Ensuring that budget allocations are equitable and responsive to the priorities of all community members, including marginalized groups.

Interactive workshops covering essential topics such as strategic planning, budget process, and procurement planning were given. These sessions were facilitated and critiqued by the resource persons in budgeting and procurement.

The capacity-building program was a pivotal step towards strengthening the budgeting and procurement process in the barangays. By equipping newly-elected barangay and SK officials with the necessary tools and knowledge, the DBM aims to foster a culture of excellence, inclusivity, and responsiveness in local government.

DBM TRESE’s Feb-Ibig

DBM RO XIII transformed their office into a haven of love and appreciation last February 15, 2024, for their Valentine's Day celebration themed "Love is not something you find. Love is something that finds you."

The event commenced with an opening message by Regional Director Maria Fe D. Jagna, setting the tone for a day filled with love and appreciation. This was followed by a unique activity that fostered teamwork and camaraderie – the Giving of Gifts and Sharing of Love. Each group prepared special presents for everyone, adding a personal touch to the festivities.

Adding a touch of sentimentality, attendees took turns reading messages displayed on a designated "Wall of Love," expressing their feelings and well wishes for one another. Adding a touch of fun was a photo contest with the best "cheesy caption". Ms. Caryl Lusterio (individual category) and FAD (group category)  emerged the “cheesiest”.

The celebration continued with a surprise short program to honor the birthday of Assistant Regional Director Jenneth C. Partosa. The heartwarming moment was followed by a photo opportunity session, allowing everyone to capture memories of the special day.

In ARD Partosa’s closing message, she conveyed a sense of unity and appreciation for the love shared within the DBM RO XIII family. Throughout the event, participants donned various shades of red, symbolizing the love they hold dear for their colleagues and the DBM RO XIII community. The Valentine's Day celebration proved to be a successful event, strengthening the bonds of friendship and love within the DBM RO XIII office.

ASSCAT’s 29^th Charter Day Gala: A Night of Gratitude and Recognition

Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT) marked its 29th charter day lasr March 1, 2024, with a night of recognition and appreciation. The ASSCAT community gathered for a memorable evening of Madiyaw Awards to honor distinguished individuals, dedicated employees, retirees, alumni, and valued partners from both the government and private sectors.

The event showcased the commitment and significant contributions of ASSCAT's supporters. Selected employees were given Longevity awards to celebrate their years of service in government roles and recognize their steadfast dedication.

The evening also highlighted external partners who have made significant contributions in promoting ASSCAT both locally and internationally. Their efforts in various fields were acknowledged for enhancing the institution's reputation and global presence.

Acknowledging the crucial role of partnerships, ASSCAT expressed its gratitude to those who have supported the institution. The "Presidential Awards of Distinction," personally presented by Dr. Capistrano, honored these partners for their unwavering support and collaborative efforts. Among the awardees was DBM RO XIII, ably represented by Senior Budget and Management Specialist and ASSCAT’s technical staff in-charge, Geoffrey J. Abendaño who accepted the award on behalf of Regional Director Maria Fe D. Jagna.

More than just a formal event, the celebration emphasized the vibrant spirit and unified community that characterizes ASSCAT.

STATE UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES (SUCs) BUDGET HEARINGS

The four state universities in Caraga, namely, Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT), Caraga State University (CarSU), North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU) and Surigao del Norte State University (SNSU) had their Pre-Technical Budget Hearings with the DBM RO XIII technical staff, last March 11, 15, 25 and 26, 2024, respectively, to provide guidance and address their issues and concerns relating to their budget proposals. This initiative was done by the regional office to ensure the clarity and accessibility of their budget proposals, promote comprehensive information on expected expenditures, justifications, documentary requirements and anticipated outcomes. In addition, it assessed the alignment of the budget proposals with the budget priorities framework.

During the Technical Budget Hearing (TBH) Proper held at Gold Bar Hotel and Restaurant in Tandag Surigao del Sur last April 11-12, 2024, the four SUCs presented their budget proposals for FY 2025 aligned with the budget priorities framework and shovel-ready infrastructure projects.

Following this, the NEMSU College of Medicine Personnel Services was formally introduced during a soft launching event, honored by the presence of Congressman Romeo S. Momo, Sr. of the 1st District of Surigao del Sur. In his privilege speech, Congressman Momo commended the university for this remarkable achievement and expressed his hope that it would lead to the cultivation of medical professionals among the Surigaonons. He pledged his unwavering support and commitment to the establishment and ongoing development of the program.

DBM RO XIII Celebrates National Women's Month

DBM RO XIII actively participated in various activities for the 2024 National Women's Month with the theme "Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas: Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patutunayan."

Throughout March, DBM RO XIII embraced the spirit of National Women's Month, a time dedicated to honoring and celebrating the remarkable achievements of women. The office recognized the resilience, strength, and accomplishments of women in DBM Trese and in the community.

Activities Participated

• Kick-Off Parade (March 1, 2024): Ms. Elisa E. Pajaro, Ms. Judi Acdal, and Ms. Katherine

Tacubao represented DBM RO XIII in the Kick-Off Parade, followed by the Kick-Off program held at the Philippine Science High School Gymnasium.

• Wearing of Purple (Every Friday of March): The office displayed solidarity with women's empowerment and gender equality by wearing purple every Friday throughout March.

• Women's Summit (March 8, 2024): Ms. Acdal, Ms. Lusterio, Ms. Pajaro, and Mr. Malicay attended the Women's Summit spearheaded by the Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGADC) chaired by the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) Caraga. The event was held at the Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center in Butuan City. The Women's Summit featured free services from various agencies and local products from the provinces of Caraga sold at affordable prices. Guest speakers also shared valuable insights during the event.

DBM RO XIII's participation in these activities highlights their commitment to recognizing and promoting the significant contributions of women in nation-building.

RD Jagna’s Birthday Surprise

On the early morning of April 11, 2024, RD Fe received a delightful surprise mañanita to celebrate her birthday. Coincidentally, DBM RO XIII selected staff were in Tandag City for the Technical Budget Hearing of the SUCs scheduled for that day. Throughout the day, RD Fe was showered with greetings, surprises, and warm birthday wishes. The day concluded with fun and celebration. Despite it being her special day, RD Fe remained dedicated to her work and continued with the scheduled Budget Hearings.

88^th DBM Anniversary : Sama Summer Together sa DBM

In line with the Department’s anniversary celebration, DBM RO XIII kicked-off its Annual DBM-PS RO XIII Friendly Mini Tournament 2024 last March and April 2024.  In order to continue to develop a healthy and alert workforce, the office allotted a reasonable time for physical fitness exercises through a series of sports activities through a friendly mini-tournament participated by its employees and outsourced personnel. The activity created unity where everyone is focused on a common goal.

Four (4) teams were formed, namely, Blue Eagles, Yellow Tigers, Green Gators and Red Bulldogs. Among the events played were Basketball, Volleyball, Bowling, Badminton, Billiards, Darts, Fuzzball, Table Tennis, Chess, Scrabble and Cheerdance Competition. Each team excelled in various sports events but the Blue Team emerged victorious and was declared the Champion Team for FY 2024. Mr. Neulito A. Tomimbang and Desiree G. Ruben were declared the 2024 Most Valuable Players.

Moreover, the DBM RO XIII distinguished itself during the Department-wide Anniversary Celebration by participating in the Summer Station ID Contest, securing a decisive majority of votes from DBM employees. This overwhelming support led to the well-deserved recognition of DBM Trese as the contest winner.

FY 2024 Annual Planning, Performance Evaluation, and Accomplishment Review (APPEAR)

DBM RO XIII held its Annual Planning, Performance Evaluation, and Accomplishment Review (APPEAR) on June 3-5, 2024 at the DBM Central Office and Province of Bataan.

The three-day APPEAR event commenced with a courtesy visit to Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman, along with senior officials and bureau directors at the DBM Central Office (CO). The visit aimed to strengthen connections with our CO partners and counterparts, providing a platform to discuss updates, address issues and concerns, and foster better acquaintance and collaboration. As a token of appreciation for the warm welcome, DBM RO XIII presented Balanghai Boat mementos, which symbolize the rich cultural heritage of Butuan.

The team also went to the historical Intramuros and dropped by the Procurement Service Central Office in Paco, Manila.

In Bataan, Team Trese first set foot in Mount Samat which is a historical site and is known for its memorial cross which serves as a significant reminder of the bravery and sacrifices of Filipino and American soldiers during World War II. It is also surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views of the countryside. The natural beauty of the area provides a serene backdrop to the historical site, making it a peaceful place for visitors to explore.

The highlight of the Bataan tour was the experience at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. It is a unique heritage resort located in Bagac, Bataan, Philippines offered a distinctive experience that combined history, culture, and luxury, allowing visitors to step back in time and immerse themselves in the rich architectural and cultural heritage of the Philippines. The resort featured meticulously restored Spanish-Filipino colonial houses, known as bahay na bato, which have been transported from different parts of the Philippines. These houses date back to the 18th to early 20th centuries and showcase a variety of architectural styles.

Knowledgeable guides lead tours around the property, providing historical context and interesting stories about each house, its original location, and the families who lived there. The tour offers a deep dive into Filipino history and culture. Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar presented a rich and immersive experience that combined the beauty of historical architecture with modern luxury. It is a place where DBM Trese employees appreciate the cultural heritage of the Philippines while enjoying a unique and memorable getaway.

The team also visited the DBM RO 3 office for a benchmarking activity to identify best practices that could be adopted to further enhance our services. The brief visit included friendly interactions with all the staff and a tour of their office building. The highlight of the visit was their exemplary record management system, which stands as a testament to the regional office's excellent performance management.

The APPEAR culminated with the visit to the National Museum of the Philippines which is a rich and immersive experience that offered a deep dive into the country's history, art, and cultural heritage. Overall, it was not just a tour through history and art but also a journey that celebrated the enduring spirit and cultural legacy of the Filipino people. The tour provided a profound experience that connected DBM Trese employees with the past, present, and future of the Philippines.

In addition to the engaging and informative tours, DBM Trese enjoyed a rejuvenating opportunity to unwind and prioritize their mental well-being amidst their busy office schedules. This included ample time for rest, relaxation, and fun-filled activities, contributing significantly to their overall health and vitality.

FY 2025 Local Budget Forum and Budget Preparation Updates for the FY 2025 Annual Budgets of Local Government Units (LGUs)

DBM RO XIII, in collaboration with CBAG, Inc., kicked off the first batch of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Local Budget Forum on June 18-20, 2024, at Grand Palace Hotel and Convention Center, Butuan City. The forum was attended by the members of the Local Finance Committee of the Provinces of Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, their municipalities, and Butuan City.

The forum provided crucial updates for budget preparation in FY 2025. Participants received briefings on:

• Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 11964, or the Automatic Income Classification of LGUs Act;
• LGU-PFM System Implementation and Profiling for FY 2025 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) Assessment; and
• FY 2025 Indicative National Tax Allotment (NTA) Shares and Guidelines for FY 2025 Annual Budgets of LGUs

The forum also covered various DBM issuances and budget preparation updates for FY 2025. These included clarifications on:

• Special provisions for release and reversion of the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) in different General Appropriations Acts (GAAs)
• Guidelines on Personnel Services (PS) limitations and determining waived PS items; and
• Overview of the Special Health Fund (SHF), its planning and budgeting process, and frequently asked questions (FAQs)

By equipping LGUs with the latest information and regulations, DBM RO XIII aims to ensure a smooth and efficient budget preparation process for FY 2025. This, in turn, will contribute to better resource allocation and service delivery for citizens in Caraga Region. The next batch of Budget Forum will be conducted on July 8-10, 2024 which will be participated by the Local Finance Committee of the Provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur and their municipalities.

The first semester of FY 2024 was marked by a series of enriching and diverse activities that significantly contributed to our professional and personal growth. It provided deep insights into our clients, interactive workshops that enhanced performance skills, and collaborative engagements that fostered teamwork and innovation. Additionally, the assessment activities and sports competitions added vibrancy in the work-life balance, ensuring a well-rounded and fulfilling experience. Overall, the first semester was a dynamic blend of learning, collaboration, professional and personal development.