The Commission on Audit
marked 110 years of public service with a grand week-long celebration from May
4-8, 2009. The wide array of festivities included sports tournaments and fun
games, a "Dekada" competition where teams presented the highlights of a
particular decade in song and dance, livelihood trainings, symposia, awarding of
the most outstanding employees, and religious services.
Chairman Reynaldo A. Villar and Commissioner Juanito G. Espino, Jr. led COAns
in commemorating a century and a decade of faithful performance of COA’s
mandate. While the Commission rejoices in the glory of the past and present
achievements, it also looks forward to facing the challenges of the future. Thus
the theme for this year’s celebration: Enhanced Audit Functions through Policy
Reforms.
In his message, Mr. Villar recognized the "unwavering support and splendid
performance of our people" in superbly carrying out the Commission’s mandated
function as praetorian of the nation’s resources.
"As we undertake policy reforms to further enhance the operation of this
institution and the capabilities of our people, let us continue to work together
and take resolute stance to continually improve our auditorial functions in
response to the call of change with a view of sustaining global competitiveness
in the fields of auditing and accounting," Mr. Villar said.
Echoing the Chairman’s sentiments, Commissioner Espino observed that "though
effective policy reforms in the Commission will entail major shake-ups and
unexpected results, delivery of quality outputs, vigilance, employment of
efficient audit procedures and effective use of our human and financial assets
will guarantee us to face these challenges."
Mr. Espino encouraged COAns to "dedicate their efforts and sustain
perseverance for a better performance and quality output."
“The march is a way to get in celebration mode” - Charles Richards
The thunder of drums and blare of the trumpets created anticipation as the
parade of athletes, COA officials and employees accompanied by street dancing
heralded the opening of the celebrations on May 4, 2009.
Earlier in the morning, ecumenical services for various religious
denominations were celebrated.
The COA Sports and Cultural Complex became a sea of green, gold, blue,
lavender and red as COAns showed their colors and cheered for their respective
teams in the "Dekada" presentation during the opening ceremonies.
Teams were judged according to relevance (appropriateness and responsiveness
to the assigned decade including music and costume), overall impact,
choreography and time limit.
The judges were Assistant Ombudsman Victor C. Fernandez, Civil Service
Commission Director Editha Dela Pena, Commission on Elections Director Betty B.
Pizana, Commission on Human Rights Director Aurelia Sabio and Mr. Ruben A.
Lecito of the Supreme Court.
The Blue/White Team composed of the Sectors on Planning, Financial and
Management, Government Accountancy, and Special Services emerged champions.
The team vividly evoked the spirit of the 70s by showing the storms of
protest that followed the declaration of Martial Law and the Plaza Miranda
bombing, and light hearted moments such as the "kolehiyala" fad, the
Philippines’ Miss Universe victory and the popular Guy & Pip tandem.
The performers, dressed in 70s disco fashion (in flared trousers, bell
bottoms and psychedelic shirts), did The Hustle, El Bimbo, Salsa and Boogie (to
name a few) to songs such as "My Shirona," "Annie Batumbakal," "Rock Baby Rock,"
and "Grease Lightning," and an interpretation of Freddie Aguilar’s "Anak." The
team thrilled the audience with their almost perfect choreography and
enthusiastic performance accompanied by a live band.
Placing second was the Lavender/Yellow Team composed of the Chairman’s
Office, Office of the Commissioner I, Commission Secretariat, Administration
Sector and Professional Development Sector (PDS). The team called to mind the
80s with their dramatization of the Ninoy Aquino Assassination, Edsa People
Power Revolution and the flight of the Marcosses.
Showcasing skilled craftsmanship, the team used stunning visuals such as a
military tank, the huge television set from which the performers emerged, and
the placards depicting COA history during this time, the only team to do so.
