R-10’s aggie dept, COA undertake exit, entrance conference
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In a move aimed at fostering transparency and accountability in the audit process, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) convened with the Commission on Audit (COA) 10 – National Government Agencies (NGAs) Cluster 8 Team 7 for the conduct of an Exit and Entrance Conference on March 12, here.
Per COA Memorandum No. 2024-011 dated October 21, 2014, the exit con shall be conducted prior the transmittal of year-end audit reports, which includes the formalization of the audit finding recommendations.
It is also adheres to COA Memo No. 96-054 dated December 2, 1996, which aims to ensure fair and balanced reporting, safeguard the correctness of audit findings once finalized, and importantly, to facilitate the acceptance and implementation of these audit findings. Further, it ensures that the audited entities have an opportunity to clarify, respond or take corrective actions based on results.
COA State Auditor V and Regional Supervising Auditor, Josie J. Rodriguez, highlighted the significance of the conference: “All comments and suggestions for improvement noted in this activity will be incorporated into our final Management Letter, which will then be submitted to our supervising auditor at the [COA] Central Office. This will be consolidated into the annual audit report for the whole of DA, and posted on the COA website for the public,” she explained.
The exit con centered on the audit observations and recommendations issued in CY 2024, comprising of financial audit, Projects, Programs and Activities (PPA) Evaluation, specific audit instructions, among other observations and matters, to solicit comments from the DA management headed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan on the proposed findings and recommendations.
“This [conference] will become a guided input on how we can improve the delivery of services to our farmers.” said the agri chief exec, noting it will act as a springboard for the DA-10 workforce to become more effective in implementing programs and interventions at the grassroots level in collaboration with local government units.
Following the exit con, an entrance con was held, focusing on the terms of audit engagement, audit key areas, audit timelines, and procedural requirements and documentation to ensure a smooth and efficient audit process where it aligns with the agency’s directive of boosting agricultural productivity, lowering food costs, attaining food security, and making farming a more viable investment.
The overall aim of these activities is in line with Article IX-D of the Philippine Constitution, which mandates the COA to examine, audit, and settle all accounts pertaining to government revenue, expenditures, and the use of funds, including the DA as an NGA.
“An effective audit function lies in trust and open communication, and I encourage all of you to see us [audit team] not as auditors, but as your partners in progress. Your insights, cooperation and feedback will be invaluable as we work together to strengthen our systems and processes.” Atty. Sittie Aina D. Sirad-Amerol expressed, as she capped off the event, who is poised as the next audit team leader. # (JLO)
