The Commission on Audit (COA) and the City Government of Calamba, Laguna entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on 26 September 2018 to officially start the construction of a COA Provincial Satellite Auditing Office (PSAO) in Laguna which is to be considered a symbol of COA’s independence and interdependence.

COA Chairperson Michael G. Aguinaldo and Calamba City Mayor Justin Marc SB. Chipeco signed the MOA for the usufruct of parcel of land intended for the COA PSAO in Laguna. The signing was witnessed by Regional Director Mario G. Lipana of COA Regional Office No. IV-A and Calamba City Administrator Allan D. Zacarias.

COA Chairperson Michael G. Aguinaldo said the PSAO is symbolic of COA’s independence and interdependence. “Although COA, as a constitutional commission, works independently without fear or favor, it still recognizes the need for interdependence among agencies,” Chairperson Aguinaldo said.

Chairperson Aguinaldo also emphasized that COA, as an enabler, must provide support to agencies to help them utilize their resources efficiently, economically and effectively. This message was echoed by Calamba City Mayor Justin Marc SB. Chipeco, who noted that there is indeed a need for COA and other agencies to work in partnership in order to give the best services to our countrymen.

COA Region IV-A Director Mario G. Lipana expressed his gratitude to the City of Calamba for its cooperation and generosity in providing COA with a land just beside the Calamba City Hall where the COA PSAO in Laguna will be constructed.

Supervising Auditor (SA) Ethel V. Gervacio expressed appreciation, and closed the program by proposing a toast for the City of Calamba and COA, that both may it continue to join hands in harnessing interdependence for a better public service.

COA auditors and staff from Laguna Province, as well as members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and other officials of Calamba City attended the event.