NISU Achieves 99.60% Budget Utilization Rate in FY 2024, Earns DBM Commendation
The Northern Iloilo State University (NISU) earned high praise from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) during the Technical Budget Hearing for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 and Annual Performance Review for FY 2024 held at the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U) in La Paz, Iloilo City on March 27, 2025.
Headed by DBM Regional Director Maria Liane L. Gayomali, the event convened the department’s technical panel and key representatives from NISU to evaluate the university’s fiscal and operational performance for the past year and review proposed funding for FY 2026.
Representing NISU were University President Dr. Bobby D. Gerardo, Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Ma. Theresa G. Palmares, Chief Administrative Officer Dr. Mylene B. Estebal, Accountant III Mr. Norman Cordovero, and OIC - Budget Officer Ms. Kathleen Buñe.
During the Annual Performance Review, Dr. Gerardo presented NISU’s accomplishments across three core areas: Financial Performance, Physical Performance, and Timeliness in the submission of Budgetary and Financial Accountability Reports (BFARs) to various oversight government agencies. The university notably excelled in Financial Performance, achieving 99.60% in Budget Utilization Rate (BUR) for obligations in FY 2024. Out of its ₱561,957,000.00 allocated budget, NISU effectively utilized ₱559,682,000.00, with 99.53% disbursed for payment of obligations incurred, including Free Higher Education Subsidy (FHEs), scholarships and free tuition for students under national funding programs.
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is holding regional technical budget hearings for FY 2026 to make sure that regional concerns are addressed in the national budget, development is balanced across areas, and resources are efficiently allocated.
In the Physical Performance review, NISU also garnered a favorable evaluation for successfully meeting its set targets through the coordinated efforts with the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Vice President for Research and Extension. Evaluators highlighted how the university’s programs remained true to its Vision and Mission and its guiding tagline, "NISU: An Icon of Hope for Development."
A key highlight of the deliberation was the announcement that NISU qualified for the Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) for FY 2023, having achieved a total evaluation score of 85%—the highest among State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the region. Carlos Hilado Memorial State University in Talisay City followed with 80%, and Central Philippines State University in Kabankalan City posted 75%.
The Annual Performance Reviews (APRs) are conducted by DBM to strengthen accountability, verify goal attainment, and enhance public expenditure management. It facilitates a more objective and standardized evaluation of performance across departments and projects are delivered efficiently and effectively, contributing to the achievement of national development goals.
The DBM urged NISU to further enhance its academic offerings by making sure all programs are accredited by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and have Certificates of Program Compliance (COPC), reinforcing the institution’s commitment to quality education and transparency.
This recognition reflects NISU’s consistent performance, effective fund management, and dedication to its role as a catalyst for regional development and academic excellence.
