๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ | ๐๐๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐ฑ๐ฒ, ๐ฌ๐๐๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐๐ฅ ๐ซ๐๐ฉ๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐ฉ๐จ๐ฌ๐๐ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ ๐๐ญ
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Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) President Dr. Silverio Ramon DC. Salunson, along with representatives from four internal sectors, faculty, non-teaching staff, students, and alumni, formally agreed to finalize the Budget Partnership Agreement (BPA) for 2026 during a ceremonial signing at the Office of the President (OP) Conference Room on 27 February.
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The key sectors were represented by the following: Dr. Joseph Paul T. Abad (United Faculty Association); Ms. May Q. Parayno (Non-Academic Staff Association); Mr. Jethro M. Jimenez (Supreme Student Council); and Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training (VPRET) Dr. Dr. Edmar N. Franquera (Alumni Association).
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Dr. Salunson stated that his administrationโs proposed projects, presented by Engr. Rochel E. Vibar, Chief of Infrastructure Development, Land Use, and Zoning (IDLUZ), includes the rehabilitation and modification of old academic buildings, integration of renewable energy collection systems, and construction of soil and crop science laboratories, among others.
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โThese projects aim to enhance infrastructure, modernize facilities, and support the growing needs of our students, faculty, and staff,โ Dr. Salunson emphasized. He also mentioned that the priority projects align with his long-term vision of fostering a sustainable and innovative learning environment, and expressed confidence that these projects would significantly contribute to the institutionโs growth and development.
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This was seconded by Dr. Leonell P. Lijauco, Vice President for Planning and Quality Assurance (VPPQA), who stated that the projects had been submitted to the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) based on their prioritization process and that NEDA had recommended them for funding.
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Echoing the same concern, Dr. Arnold R. Lorenzo, Vice President for Finance and Administration (VPFA), explained that TAU needs to prioritize its development needs. โWhen NEDA makes a decision, they consider our prioritization, which is determined in consultation with our stakeholders, in addition to the project's alignment with government thrusts and priorities, as key criteria for funding,โ Dr. Lorenzo elaborated.
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Meanwhile, Ms. Helen G. Ruzol, Chief of the Budget Office, provided an update on the status and accomplishments of the 2024 budget utilization. She highlighted that TAU achieved an obligation rate of 99.96% and a disbursement rate of 93.82%.
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In his closing message, CAO for Financial Services Mr. Dante A. Revamonte, hailed the activity, calling it an โinclusive and participatory approach to financial planning and resource allocation.โ Mr. Revamonte also stressed that such agreement is about stakeholder empowerment which seeks to โbuild a more responsive, inclusive, and sustainable TAU.โ
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Mandated by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for government agencies, the BPA outlines priority projects identified in the University's Land Use Development and Infrastructure Plan (LUDIP).
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