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)
Fuel Hoarding and the Economy
Mas maupay diri la anay kita magbaligya, para humataas na an presyo, darudako an ganansya! (Alleged whispers from the Gas dealer to his pump attendant.)
When gasoline dealers deliberately hold back their supply and wait for prices to rise before selling, the result is an artificial scarcity that punishes ordinary consumers. In Eastern Visayas, where fuel is the lifeblood of transport, agriculture, and even disaster response, this practice is more than just profiteering—it is a direct assault on the daily survival of communities. Jeepney drivers, tricycle operators, and fishermen are forced to pay more for every liter, which in turn raises fares and the cost of food. Farmers who rely on fuel for irrigation pumps and machinery see their already thin margins shrink further. And in a region that is no stranger to typhoons, hoarding fuel during times of crisis can delay relief operations, leaving vulnerable families stranded without aid.
The law is clear: hoarding and profiteering are illegal under the Philippine Price Act. Yet enforcement remains a challenge, especially in far-flung provinces like us, where monitoring is less consistent.
The Department of Energy has repeatedly warned against premature price hikes, but reports of stations charging well above official schedules show how tempting it is for some dealers to exploit volatility in the global oil market. In Eastern Visayas, where incomes are lower than in Metro Manila, the impact of such practices is magnified. Every peso added to the price of fuel ripples through the economy, making basic goods more expensive and deepening inequality.
This is not just an economic issue. this is a moral issue. When the Gas Dealers deliberately hoard their supply and create artificial scarcity, undeniably, the result is price increase of goods and this is a symptom of bad economy, bad governance.
We must do something about this!