Pangasinan State University (PSU) President Dr. Elbert M. Galas successfully defended the university’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Budget Proposal during the Regional Budget Review and Consultation organized by the Regional Development Council of the Ilocos Region.
Framing his defense around the principles reflected in his initials EMG: Efficiency, Management, and Growth—he emphasized the university’s efficient use of public funds, managed through transparent and accountable systems, and directed toward institutional growth that benefits students, faculty, and communities across the region. In his presentation, President Galas firmly justified the university’s FY 2027 financial requirements through PSU’s notable achievements in 2025 and displaying how previous budget allocations had been properly and lawfully utilized.
By sharing how past funding translated into concrete institutional achievements, PEMG substantiated the necessity of the university’s requested appropriations, earning not only approval but high commendations from the members of the RDC, evident by their applauses and praises recognizing PSU’s excellence right after the President’s presentations.
The three-day consultation, issued under Advisory No. 2 by the council, was held from March 4 to 6, 2026, at the Speaker Pro Tempore Francisco I. Ortega Convention Center.
President Galas presented and defended PSU’s proposed budget on the final day of the consultation, March 6, 2026, in accordance to the official Program of Activities released by the Regional Development Budget Coordination Committee I (RDBCC-1). He took the floor at 3:00 PM, representing PSU.
Supporting the preparation and presentation of the university’s FY 2027 budget proposal were Dr. Jeanilyn L. Villanueva, Vice President for Administration and Finance Management; Ms. Jesille Q. Viernes, Budget Director; and Mr. Gregorio F. Delos Angeles Jr., Director of the University Planning Office.
The defense defined the regional planning process, where participating agencies were required to justify their proposed budgets and demonstrate alignment with the priorities outlined in the Regional Development Plan 2023–2028 Midterm Update and the Regional Development Report 2025.
President Galas delivered his defense during an afternoon session focused on higher education institutions. He followed presentations from the Commission on Higher Education, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College, and Mariano Marcos State University.
His presentation was followed by the University of Northern Philippines before the session adjourned at 4:01 PM.
The consultation also served as a venue for key national government agencies—including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Education, and the Department of Health which were scheduled earlier in the day to present and justify their funding requirements for projects aimed at advancing economic and social development in the Ilocos Region in the coming year.
