The University Student Government (USG) has approved the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for the second semester of academic year (AY) 2024–2025, allocating P3,157,144 to fund various student programs and organizational initiatives.

Based on the 42nd Act of Congress, the appropriated funds are exclusively designated for the operational expenses of the current semester, all of which are proportionally distributed to mandatory, discretionary, and supplemental activities, as well as the Absolute Reserved Fund, primarily aimed at improving student development and University engagement.

Discretionary activities

Among the discretionary activities discussed during the budget hearing were Intramurals 2025, Ginoo at Binibining La Salle Dasmariñas (GBLSD), Persons with Disability Identification (PWD ID), ID Hub: Get Them Done in One, and the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE) Music Festival.

The proposed Intramurals 2025, themed “Palarong Lasalyano: Ang Diwa ng Pagkakaisa,” and GBLSD—both annual intercollegiate events—received a combined allocation of P277,000, as approved by the USG House of Representatives (HoR).

Another proposal approved was a P5,500 budget for the campus distribution of visible PWD IDs, intended to prioritize their accessibility in general University transactions.

Moreover, “ID Hub: Get Them Done in One,” a program that facilitates on-campus registration for essential government IDs including PhilHealth, Social Security System (SSS), Pag-IBIG, and Postal ID, was approved with a P5,000 budget.

On the other hand, the “SOGIE Music Festival: Bida Ka Diva! Animong Bahaghari 2025,” a free, advocacy-driven music festival open to the Lasallian community, featuring key speakers and artists, received an allocation of P500,000.

Mandatory fiscal commitments

In addition to the discretionary activities, the GAA also allotted P1,094,000 for mandatory fiscal commitments, which fund student-centered initiatives.

The programs include the USG Financial Aid Grant for student leaders and students in need, the Feeding Program Appropriations Act, the SOGIE Act, and the Research Grant Reform Act. 

An additional P67,100 was allocated to projects such as the Electronic Sports Organic Act, which develops the campus esports community through tournaments and events, and the Emergency Fund, designed to provide immediate assistance to students in times of crisis. 

Meanwhile, P315,000 is designated for vital services such as sports development for student-athletes, cultural and performing arts programs, disaster preparedness initiatives, and science and technology services like transportation support under the Mobility Scholars Program. However, the Tree Planting initiative was temporarily suspended due to administrative conflicts. 

Supplemental and Absolute Reserved Funds

The GAA also includes a P162,000 provision for supplemental appropriations to support newly-recognized organizations, emerging student initiatives, and unforeseen program requirements.

Moreover, P108,000 is appropriated to the Absolute Reserved Fund, serving as a financial safeguard required by law to maintain the fiscal integrity of the USG, and may only be accessed through congressional approval in case of emergencies or critical funding shortfalls.

The USG emphasized that all budget appropriations made under the GAA will be used only for their intended purpose and shall not be transferred without congressional consent, wherein any unutilized funds shall also be returned to the USG Trust Fund.

Originally published in Heraldo Filipino Volume 39, Issue 2