COA officials engage Ateneo De Davao University students in forum

Published: 29 August 2018

Commission on Audit (COA) Chairperson Michael G. Aguinaldo and Commissioner Roland C. Pondoc led 14 other COA Regional Office No. XI officials and employees in engaging students of the Ateneo de Davao University at a forum organized by the Samahan ng mga Mag-aaral ng Agham Pampulitika ng Ateneo (SAMAPULA) on 23 August 2018 at the Community Center, Ateneo de Davao University, Davao City.

COA officials and employees join the participants from the Samahan ng mga Mag-aaral ng Agham Pampulitika ng Ateneo at a student forum held at the Ateneo de Davao University.
Chairperson Michael G. Aguinaldo gave insights during the Q&A portion with (from left) COA Directors Omar S. Roque, Roy L. Ursal, and Commissioner Roland C. Pondoc

The student forum was intended to enhance students’ knowledge and understanding of COA’s mandate, functions and activities. Around 57 students taking Bachelor of Science in Political Science, Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and Bachelor of Science in Accounting Technology courses at the University participated in the event.

Chairperson Aguinaldo emphasized that the key factors for the Commission’s fulfilment of its mandate are its people. “The people of COA are active agents in nation building,” he noted. He also encouraged the students to explore career opportunities in the Commission.

Commissioner Pondoc, on the other hand, gave a brief background of COA by showcasing a short video presentation. He also discussed the important role of the Commission not only as watchdog of the government but also as enabler for development.

The open forum further engaged the students’ interests in the vital role of the Commission and stirred their inquisitive minds regarding programs and issues such as the government’s Build-Build-Build Program, the TRAIN Law, and the corruption cases brought to the public’s attention.

Meanwhile, COA Regional Office No. XI officials and employees led by Regional Director Atty. Roy L. Ursal renewed their pledge for integrity and commitment to public interest during an oath-taking ceremony administered by Commissioner Pondoc at the Training Hall of the COA Regional Office No. XI in Davao City on 23 August 2018.

Chairperson Aguinaldo emphasized the importance of the Integrity Pledge and the crucial mandate of the COA, highlighting the important role of auditors in nation building. Commissioner Pondoc gave valuable insights on how to become enabling partners with the highest degree of integrity and in adherence to moral and ethical principles.

The gathering at the Regional Office also honored the nominees for the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Awards for Region XI Group Category, Audit Team R11-15 of the National Government Sector Clusters 5 & 6, composed of Auditors Jelyn L. Tagotungan, Cycler T. Alagao and Rommel E. Lubon. The team was recognized for their active involvement in the fulfilment of the Commission’s mandate through their audit findings that resulted in the recovery of a portion of the misappropriated funds in a partial settlement on the Notice of Disallowance issued by the audit team. #