SLSU Convenes Multi-Sectoral Stakeholders for ₱4.469- Billion FY 2027 Budget Consultation Under KAUBAN
Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) reaffirmed its commitment to transparent and participatory governance as it convened a University-wide stakeholders’ consultation on February 13, 2026 via Zoom for its Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Proposals under the banner KAUBAN: Key Alliance for University Budgetary Allocations and Needs.
Spearheaded by the University Planning and Development Office (UPDO), the activity brought together a diverse cross-section of the SLSU community and its development partners. Present were members of the Management Committee composed of the University President, Vice-Presidents, and Campus Directors; leaders of student governments and campus publications; representatives of faculty organizations and administrative staff associations; Administrative Officers; alumni leaders; Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs); the Finance Division; Public Affairs & Strategic Communication (PASCom); project proponents; and planning and engineering personnel from all six campuses.
At the heart of the consultation was the presentation of fourteen (14) Tier II programmatic proposals, broken down into fifty-two (52) sub-programs and projects, amounting to a consolidated proposed investment of ₱4,469,292,476.00 for FY 2027. These proposals – largely infrastructure-driven and strategically aligned – are set for submission to the Regional Development Council (RDC) VIII through the Investment Management System (IMS) under enhanced Public Investment Management (PIM) guidelines.
In his opening message, Dr. Jude A. Duarte, University President, emphasized that the consultation is rooted in sound fiscal stewardship and shared responsibility:
“The consultation aims to develop a sound, realistic, responsive, aligned and programmatic FY 2027 budget that complies with fiscal space, absorptive capacity, and other regulatory requirements. This consultation is not merely a procedural requirement, but a fundamental principle of good governance and effective financial management. Stakeholder’s pro-active participation is very important. Your voices and insights guide decision-making process, identify areas for improvement, optimize resource allocation for maximum impact, and foster innovation to better serve students and the community. As an academic institution, we want to exemplify and maintain transparency, integrity, and responsiveness in serving our beneficiaries, students, and the community, ensuring that university funds are truly directed and used for the benefit of our beneficiaries.”
During the session, UPDO and campus planning heads presented the prioritization criteria, strategic justifications, and expected outcomes of each proposal. Participants were given an open and moderated platform to articulate concerns, recommend refinements, and validate the alignment of proposed investments with academic needs, infrastructure development, student services, and community engagement.
A defining milestone of the consultation was the formal presentation and ceremonial signing of the Budget Partnership Agreement (BPA) – a document institutionalizing stakeholder participation across the budget cycle, from preparation to monitoring and evaluation. The BPA affirms that SLSU’s budgeting process extends beyond compliance and is anchored on sustained dialogue and accountability.
In her closing message, Dr. Christine Alma Mae M. Daguplo, Vice-President for Administration and Finance, reflected on the significance of the gathering:
“What transpired today is far more than a compliance activity for the FY 2027 Budget Proposals. We witnessed governance in its most genuine form, people coming together to shape the future of our University. This is the spirit of participatory governance that SLSU upholds under Strategic Goal No. 2 of LUPAD: Ascending of the Mighty Kingfishers. The signing of the Budget Partnership Agreement is not the end of this engagement. Rather, it marks the beginning of a continuing partnership – a beginning of many more dialogues between the university and our stakeholders so we can get your insights, recommendations and even your concerns.”
True to its name, “Kauban” – a Cebuano word meaning “partner” – the initiative reflects SLSU’s evolving culture of collaborative leadership. By opening its budget formulation process to scrutiny, insight, and shared responsibility, the University continues to strengthen trust with its stakeholders while ensuring that every peso proposed for FY 2027 is aligned with institutional priorities and community impact.
Through KAUBAN, SLSU demonstrates that responsible fiscal management, inclusive dialogue, and visionary planning are essential pillars in advancing quality public higher education for the province and the region.
