Published: 26 July 2019
One hundred thirty nine (139) officials and employees of the Commission on Audit Regional Satellite Auditing Office - Negros Island and Siquijor (COA RSAO-NIS) led by Atty. Chito C. Janaban, Director-in-Charge, renewed their commitment to uphold integrity during the recital of the Integrity Pledge in a ceremony administered by COA Commissioner Roland C. Pondoc on 10 July 2019 at the Acacia Hotel, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.
The Integrity Pledge is an oath of commitment and dedication to public service by employees of the Commission as part of COA’s Integrity Management Program aimed at strengthening the moral uprightness of COA employees.
Commissioner Pondoc emphasized that “integrity” is manifested in how a person lives his life daily under difficult circumstances yet chooses the hard decision to do what is right. “Integrity means doing the right thing at all times and in all circumstances, whether or not anyone is watching,” he quoted from Amy Rees Anderson’s Forbes article citing further that “success will come and go, but integrity is forever.” Commissioner Pondoc also challenged everyone to embrace the tenets of the Commission’s leadership that integrity, transparency and the fight against corruption must be reinforced as part of the culture in COA being among COA’s fundamental values.
Director Janaban expressed his utmost gratitude to the Commission’s unrelenting support to the programs and activities of RSAO-NIS and stressed that taking the Integrity Pledge is RSAO-NIS’ humble support to the mandate and goals of the COA in fighting corruption and promoting transparency and accountability in government service.
Other activities during the program included discussion on Republic Act No. 6713 and the Revised Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for the orientation on Prohibited Acts as Government Employees and as COA Employees. There was also a symbolic oath taking before Commissioner Pondoc of 17 newly recruited personnel, the presentation of a loyalty award to Mr. Dionisio Sasi for 40 years in government service, and giving of tributes to four NIS employees who retired as of 30 June 2019. Selected auditors also performed skits on audit activities such as cash examination and the conduct of an exit conference providing a delightful relief and stirring reminders of actual experiences encountered during fieldwork.
The Integrity Pledge ceremony was preceded by the Planning Conference and Team Building Activities on 9 July 2019 for RSAO-NIS personnel. An open forum with Commissioner Pondoc and Director Janaban capped the two-day event.