BUTUAN CITY — A new initiative aimed at strengthening local economic enterprises (LEEs) was launched on July 1 in Butuan City through a partnership between the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Caraga and Caraga State University (CSU). The program, named Trese HITSAS, will run from 2026 to 2028 and focuses on enhancing LEEs through capacity building, technological innovation, and digitalization. Local chief executives, officials, and stakeholders from across Caraga attended the launch, underscoring the region's commitment to improved governance and financial sustainability.
A Multi-Faceted Strategy for Transparent and Responsive Governance
According to DBM Caraga Regional Director Maria Fe D. Jagna, the initiative embodies a comprehensive approach to achieving responsive and transparent public service delivery. The program is part of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) framework and aligns with the Bagong Pilipinas vision, fostering collaboration among government agencies, academic institutions, civil society, and other stakeholders. The implementation will proceed in phases: project launch and pilot implementation, evaluation and learning, scaling up, and institutionalization to ensure lasting impact. DBM has already begun conducting surveys with identified LGUs to assess gaps that need to be addressed.
Digital Transformation and Capacity Development for LGUs
Caraga State University is playing a pivotal role in developing the program's digital infrastructure. University President Rolyn C. Daguil presented the platform's mock-up and roadmap during the launch, offering stakeholders a preview of the system's implementation across the region. The university will develop a website where LGUs can access and track local economic enterprise performance data, serving as a baseline for improvement. Modules on strategic financial management and business plan creation will also be developed to strengthen LGU capacity.
The digital platform will enable LGUs to manage their enterprises through data-driven decision-making, access capacity-building courses, and utilize digitalized performance monitoring and reporting tools. The long-term goal is to replicate the platform nationwide to promote better governance and citizen oversight, ultimately strengthening local economic enterprises and empowering LGUs to serve their constituents more effectively.
