ISSN: 2782-893X
eISSN: 2799-0664
ISSN: 2782- 893X
—— Financial governance plays a central role in shaping public service delivery in higher education institutions. Philippine State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) are entrusted with the efficient management of public funds while ensuring accessible, equitable, and quality education. Despite existing financial management rules, SUCs face challenges including delayed payroll, compliance-driven budgeting, and limited institutional responsiveness, which hinder service delivery and organizational performance. This paper presents a policy-oriented literature synthesis examining the link between financial governance and public service delivery in Philippine SUCs. Drawing on verified Filipino studies and international frameworks, key governance dimensions such as transparency, accountability, budget execution, leadership capacity, and digital transformation are analyzed. Findings indicate that weak governance impairs payroll efficiency, faculty satisfaction, and institutional performance, while sound governance practices enhance operational efficiency, service responsiveness, and public trust. The study identifies gaps in integrative analyses that connect governance mechanisms to measurable service delivery outcomes, particularly in the Philippine context. A conceptual framework and policy reform matrix are proposed, emphasizing a shift from compliance-based to performance- and service-oriented governance. Policy implications and directions for future research are discussed to strengthen the capacity of SUCs in delivering quality public services. Keywords — Financial governance, state universities, public service delivery, public financial management, higher education policy, Philippines