The Department of Budget and Management Regional Office VIII (DBM-RO8) successfully convened the Regional Budget Forum for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Budget Preparation held at The Tropics, McArthur Park Resort, Candahug, Palo, Leyte last February 10, 2026. The activity was attended by various representatives from National and Regional Government Agencies, including the Department of Public Works and Highways Northern Samar Second District Engineering Office (DPWHNSSDEO). The Office was represented by Engr. Joseph C. Romance, Chief, Planning and Design Section; Ms. Maria Lourdes L. Sebanes, Administrative Officer IV (Budget Officer II); and Engr. Jesther Dhiann P. Sosing. Their participation underscores the Office’s commitment to sound fiscal planning and to ensuring alignment with national and regional development priorities.
The program formally commenced with an inspiring opening message from Director Imelda C. Laceras, of the Department of Budget and Management-Regional Office 8 (DBM-RO8), who underscored the importance of strategic planning, fiscal discipline, and results-oriented budgeting in achieving sustainable development goals for the Region.
This was followed by the keynote message delivered by Hon. Carlos Jericho L. Petilla, Chairperson of Regional Development Council (RDC) VIII, who emphasized the crucial role of collaboration among agencies in aligning budget proposals with the region’s priority programs and development agenda.
Assistant Director Aleli N. Hernandez then presented the “FY 2027 Budget Preparation at a Glance,” providing participants with an overview of the budget framework, timelines, and policy directions guiding the upcoming fiscal year.
A series of comprehensive discussions were followed: a) Preparation of the FY 2027 Budget: Guidelines on the Foundation of Tier 1 and Tier 2 was discussed by Ms. Mylene G. De Veyra, Supervising Budget and Management Specialist (BMS), who clarified the distinctions between ongoing commitments (Tier 1) and new or expanded programs (Tier 2), ensuring agencies properly align their proposals with national priorities; b) Conduct of Program Convergence Budgeting was tackled by Mr. Neuman M. Gallardo, Supervising BMS, highlighting the importance of inter-agency coordination to avoid duplication and maximize resource utilization; c) Budget Preparation Forms and Instructions (Updates) were presented by Ms. Rizza Joy D. Barras, Administrative Officer V, detailing revisions and technical requirements for accurate and compliant submission; and d) Submission Requirements and Budget Preparation Calendar were explained by Ms. Rhona B. Capatoy, Supervising BMS, stressing adherence to timelines to facilitate a smooth evaluation and review process.
The discussion on the 2026 Fund Release Guidelines (NBC No. 599 dated January 05, 2026) was delivered by Mr. Emilio M. Albos III, Chief Administrative Officer, providing agencies with updated policies governing fund release and execution to ensure accountability and efficiency.
The forum concluded with closing remarks from Assistant Director Hernandez, who reiterated the significance of timely, transparent, and performance-informed budget preparation.
The Regional Budget Forum served as a vital platform for strengthening collaboration, enhancing technical capacity, and ensuring that the FY 2027 budget proposals are responsive, strategic, and development-focused for Eastern Visayas.
(Kristin Kalayaan Flores/PR)
