Commission on Audit (COA) Chairperson Gamaliel A. Cordoba (center) with the delegation from the Royal Government of Cambodia led by HE Dr. Ing Kantha Phavi, Minister of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs of Cambodia, who visited COA to gain insights on auditing GAD Funds  

Manila, Philippines – The Commission on Audit (COA) shared its experiences in the audit of Gender and Development (GAD) Funds with a high-level delegation from the Royal Government of Cambodia as part of a comprehensive study visit focusing on Gender-Responsive Budgeting (GRB) and women's leadership initiatives on 8 October 2024 at the COA Central Office in Quezon City.

The study visit was organized by the United Nations Development Programme with the objective of enhancing the capacity of Cambodian policymakers and technical practitioners in promoting gender-responsive budgeting and women’s leadership. The study visit gave valuable insights into the Philippines’ national experience in implementing GRB which has become a key tool for promoting gender equality through public finance.

COA Chairperson Gamaliel A. Cordoba welcomed around 32 delegates from Cambodia led by Her Excellency Dr. Ing Kantha Phavi, Minister of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs of Cambodia.

On March 8 every year, the United Nations (UN) celebrates International Women’s Day (IWD) to commemorate the achievements of women through the years since its official recognition in 1977. UN member countries around the world hold celebrations to recognize their women achievers.

Under the theme: “Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress,” the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and the UN Women Philippines organized the IWD on 8 March 2024 held at the Samsung Hall, SM Aura, Taguig City. There were five panel discussions on varied topics, namely: (i) Financing with Gender Perspective; (ii) Empowering Communities through Gender-Responsive Budgeting; (iii) Championing Women’s Empowerment: A Global Perspective; (iv) Bridging the Gap: Technology and Women’s Empowerment in Business; (v) and A Double-Edged Sword: Navigating the Benefits and Challenges of Technology.

The Commission on Audit (COA), represented by Assistant Commissioner Fortunata M. Rubico, Chair of the Technical Working Group of the COA Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System (GFPS), participated in the second panel discussion together with the representatives from the PCW and the Department of Social Welfare and Development. (DSWD).

Officials and Employees of the Commission on Audit from the Central Office wear purple during the 2024 National Women’s Month opening program after the Flag Raising Ceremony on Monday, 04 March 2024.

The Commission on Audit (COA) set the tone for the National Women's Month (NWM) celebration with the formal launch held during the flag raising ceremony at the COA Central Office on 04 March 2024. With the 2023-2028 theme "WE for gender equality and inclusive society," COA is set to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women across the organization, underscoring COA's commitment to foster gender equality and inclusivity.

On behalf of Commissioner Mario G. Lipana, Chairperson of the Executive Committee of the COA Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System (GFPS), Director Roberto D. Mabagos, Jr.’s inspirational message highlighted the pivotal role of women in the Commission. Director Mabagos emphasized the need for continuous advocacy for women's rights and the importance of creating a Commission where women can thrive without barriers.

The Commission on Audit’s (COA) continuous efforts and dedication to supporting the government’s campaign of opposing gender-based violence led to the nationwide launch and membership campaign drive of the Men Opposed to Violence Everywhere (MOVE) COA Chapter held recently at the COA Professional and Institutional Development Sector Auditorium and simultaneously at other COA Regional Offices.

The event marked a momentous occasion in the Commission’s commitment to creating violence-free homes, workplaces, and communities. The acronym "COAMOVE" also stands for Complete dedication, Open-mindedness, Altruism, Moral probity, Optimism, Volunteerism, and Equality. These are the foundations and core values of the gentlemen of COA MOVE Chapter.