𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐕𝐏𝐀𝐅 𝐌𝐫. 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐝𝐨 𝐉𝐫. 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝟐𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐘 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐃𝐚𝐲

J.H. Cerilles State College (JHCSC) officials, led by President Dr. Edgardo H. Rosales, together with Vice President for Administration and Finance, Mr. Wilfredo M. Barnido Jr., formally attended the 20th Congress 1st Regular Session, FY 2026 General Appropriations Bill Day on September 23, 2025. The event was held at the Speaker Prospero C. Nograles Hall, South Wing Annex Building, House of Representatives, Batasang Pambansa Complex, Quezon City.

The schedule was dedicated to Mindanao State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) from Regions IX, X, XI, XII, CARAGA, and BARMM. This gathering formed part of the pre-plenary hearings and plenary deliberations of the FY 2026 Budget Proposal of SUCs, a crucial step in ensuring adequate funding for higher education institutions nationwide.

Accompanying the President and Vice President were key officials of JHCSC, including Finance Officer Ms. Jesu Marie Reducto, CPA, Budget Officer Ms. April Rose Talip, Planning and Development Office (PDO) Director Engr. Archel B. Bacus, and Office of the President Executive Secretary Ms. Prym Crio D. Prostrero. Their presence emphasized the College’s commitment to presenting a unified and transparent budget plan that aligns with institutional goals and national priorities.

The Committee on Appropriations scheduled the pre-plenary meeting to evaluate the budget proposal of the 113 SUCs from NCR, CAR, BARMM, and Regions I to XIII, covering sessions on September 23 and 24, 2025. These discussions aimed to brief both the Committee and Members of the House of Representatives on critical budgetary matters relevant to the forthcoming plenary deliberations.

Among the key points tackled during the sessions were: (1) highlights and major thrusts of the FY 2026 proposed budget of SUCs; (2) actual physical accomplishments versus targets for major programs in FY 2024; (3) issues identified and measures undertaken to address unmet physical targets; (4) budget utilization rate on programs and projects, including unused appropriations as of June 2025; (5) comparative allocation and utilization rates from FY 2020 to FY 2024; (6) challenges in budget execution leading to lower utilization rates; and (7) other relevant details that may guide the Committee in its budget deliberations.

During the course of the hearing, the JHCSC delegation also had the opportunity to meet Hon. Rep. Joseph Kim C. Yu in his office at the House of Representatives, Batasan Hills, Quezon City. This engagement underscored the importance of maintaining strong partnerships with legislative leaders to ensure continued support for higher education initiatives.

Additionally, the officials reconnected with former CHED Regional Director IX, Atty. Marco Cicero F. Domingo and met General Romeo S. Brawner, Jr., Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Such meetings provided valuable opportunities to build networks and foster collaborations that go beyond academic development, highlighting the broader role of SUCs in national progress.

The JHCSC team likewise expressed their gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by Atty. Pinky Peralta-Borlas and Congresswoman Maria Kristina Jihan B. Glepa. Their support and openness reinforced the welcoming environment, enabling productive discussions and meaningful connections throughout the event.

The active participation of JHCSC officials in the FY 2026 General Appropriations Bill Day reflects their unwavering dedication to advancing the College’s mission of delivering quality education, research, and extension services. Their collective effort ensures that JHCSC remains at the forefront of educational excellence while contributing significantly to the development of Mindanao and the nation.