The Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) has secured its Climate Change Expenditure Tagging (CCET) Quality Assurance and Review (QAR) Approval Certification, valid until 2027, marking a major step in strengthening its climate governance and fiscal transparency initiatives.
The certification was issued by the Climate Change Commission, confirming that the institution’s budget allocations and programs are aligned with the country’s climate change adaptation and mitigation priorities. It also validates that DEBESMSCAT’s tagged expenditures comply with technical standards and directly contribute to the National Adaptation Plan.
The CCET-QAR process is implemented under the General Appropriations Act of 2026 General Appropriations Act of 2026, which requires state universities and colleges to integrate climate change tagging in their budgeting systems to ensure accountability and alignment with national climate goals.
With the certification, DEBESMSCAT is expected to strengthen its access to climate-related funding, expand research on climate-resilient agriculture, and enhance program implementation in support of local adaptation efforts, particularly in vulnerable communities in Masbate.
The recognition reflects DEBESMSCAT’s commitment in integrating sustainability across academic and administrative operations, as it continues institutional development and prepares for its transition into university status.
Ladies and gentlemen,
