The newly released Budget ng Bayan Monitor: Agency Performance Review of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) recognized Caraga State University (CSU) as one of the top three performing State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in Mindanao for expenditure performance and management. The university garnered a rating of 4.78 out of 5 (Very Satisfactory) and posted a remarkable 99.7% obligation rate.
According to the report, CSU’s homegrown work and financial planning systems significantly boosted efficiency, resulting in “enhanced budget execution, transparency, and real-time financial monitoring.” It also recognized CSU’s recent inclusion in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings in June, placing 5th in the Philippines and 3rd in the 600-800 global bracket for its impressive feat in advancing poverty reduction, education, partnership, health, and gender empowerment.
In the report, CSU is one of the only three Mindanaoan SUCs featured, sharing the accolade with Davao del Sur State College (DSSC) and Davao de Oro State College (DDOSC). It is also in 4th place on the list in the entire Philippines.
From its Php 786 million budget allocation, CSU was able to obligate Php 784 million and disburse Php 672 million. The university, however, faced disbursement challenges due to the non-issuance of the Notice of Cash Allocation (NCA) for the Free Higher Education program, amounting to Php 92 million. Despite this, CSU managed to sustain its fiscal performance.
The DBM also highlighted CSU’s achievements across research, extension, and academic performance. The university delivered 145 completed outputs, 131 international or CHED-recognized publications, and three GAA-funded research projects addressing community and environmental priorities. With Php 101 million secured for research and Php 13 million generated from commercialization, CSU strengthened faculty engagement and innovation. It also maintained 26 partnerships, trained 4,613 individuals, and implemented two extension programs.
On student support, Php 208 million in free higher education benefited 32,607 students, while 117 received aid under the Tulong Dunong program. CSU likewise recorded an 83% passing rate among first-time licensure exam takers, produced 15 topnotchers, and was recognized as a top-performing institution in five board examinations: Social Work, Geology, Geodetic Engineering, Psychometrics, and the Licensure Examination for Teachers.
During the report’s launch on August 20, Executive Secretary Hon. Lucas P. Bersamin emphasized that the findings should serve as a “springboard for innovation” for SUCs to help build a future of globally competitive Filipinos. DBM Undersecretary Hon. Amenah F. Pangaman further strengthened this statement, sharing how the newly released APR is already “enhanced with new measures for accountability to better evaluate agencies’ financial performance and quality.”
Better, more automated fiscal performance
This recognition from the DBM further strengthens CSU’s resolve to improve its fiscal performance this year. The allocated budget of ₱1.214 billion for FY 2025 is targeted for personnel services, maintenance and operating expenses, capital projects, and financial and automatic expenditures.
On August 11, the DBM Caraga Regional Office visited CSU for a midyear dialogue on the implementation of its Programs, Activities, and Projects (PAPs). In the same engagement, DBM presented the approved CSU FY 2026 budget of Php 1.1 billion under the National Expenditure Program (NEP) for both the Butuan and Cabadbaran campuses. The allocation includes benefits for science and technology specialists and public social workers, alongside a significant increase in funding for Research Services and Advanced Education Programs.
