DEBESMSCAT Kicks Off 2026 Operational Planning with Comprehensive Workshop

August 18, 2025 —  The Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) has officially commenced its Operational Planning and Gender and Development (GAD) budgeting workshop in preparation for fiscal year 2026. 

The two-day activity, which began today, seeks to chart the institution’s strategic direction while laying down the financial framework for its programs and initiatives in the year ahead.

The opening program featured welcome remarks and institutional updates from College President Dr. Arnel B. Millesca, who joined the event via teleconference. This was followed by an overview of the workshop’s objectives and expected outputs delivered by Engr. Nenette M. Laurio, Director of Planning and Development Services.

A series of key presentations guided the first day’s discussions. Dr. Erwin H. Malto, Vice President for Administration and Finance, outlined the national and institutional planning and budgeting frameworks, including the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) guidelines for State Universities and Colleges (SUC) leveling. Meanwhile, Dr. Elreen A. Delavin, Vice President for Academic Affairs, presented the academic priorities for 2026, highlighting upcoming major activities as well as national and international accreditation engagements. 

Dr. Delavin also led, together with the GAD Office, a session on the Gender Mainstreaming Evaluation Framework (GMEF) to assess and strengthen gender-related initiatives across all offices.

Research and extension thrusts likewise took center stage. Representing the Office of the Vice President for Research, Development, Extension, Innovation, Creative Works, and Knowledge Management, Dr. Alvin Mahawan, Director of Research and Development Services, outlined the institution’s research agenda for the year. This was complemented by Mr. Dennis G. Corlet, Director of Technical and Extension Services (TAEXS), who discussed extension priorities and community-based programs.

Financial and administrative planning also formed a significant part of the discussions. Mr. Armando P. Cabrera III, CPA, Director of Financial Management Services, presented the budget distribution per unit for the 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP), Special Budget, and Other Income. 

Dr. Joey Pardeño, GAD Director, presented the proposed GAD Planning and Budget, while Mr. Andrew Escorel, Director of Procurement Planning Management Services, tackled the updates and discussed the Project Procurement Management Plan (PPMP) and Purchase Request presentations.

The second day of the workshop, scheduled for August 19, will focus on the planning phase. Offices and units across the institution will draft their respective outputs, which include the 2026 Operational Plan, Project Procurement Management Plan, Projects, Receipts, and Expenditure Plan, and Gender and Development Plan.

Present during the activities were the deans of all colleges, directors of various offices, unit heads, DEBESMSCAT – Cawayan Campus personnel, and representatives from the Supreme Student Council.