From left to right – Puerto Princesa City Mayor Lucilo R. Bayron, Palawan Governor Jose C. Alvarez, COA Commissioner Roland C. Pondoc, COA Region IV-B (MIMAROPA) Regional Director Ma. Corazon S. Gomez, COA Palawan Supervising Auditor Norma S. Racelis, Palawan 3rd District Representative Gil A. Acosta.
COA Commissioner Roland C. Pondoc and Regional Director Ma. Corazon S. Gomez led the inauguration of the region’s first Provincial Satellite Auditing Office (PSAO) building in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan on October 15, 2019.
“We are happy because we now have a ‘home’ in Palawan,” said Commissioner Pondoc, referring to the PSAO building that will house COA personnel in Palawan.
Commissioner Pondoc thanked the City Government of Puerto Princesa and the Provincial Government of Palawan for supporting the Commission in the establishment of the PSAO building, which is a symbol of independence for COA.
“We have a mandate under the constitution to be independent, but we can also have interdependence with other government agencies as partners of development,” said Commissioner Pondoc, underscoring the thrust of the Commission as enablers of development with its auditees.
Regional Director Gomez thanked the members of the Commission Proper and other COA officials for helping the region put up its first PSAO. She also thanked the City Government of Puerto Princesa for providing the land for the PSAO building under a usufructuary agreement, as well as COA Region IV-B officials and employees who worked on the project.
“The act of the City Government of Puerto Princesa in providing us a land to build our PSAO building is a priceless gesture which strengthens our role as enablers of development,” said Regional Director Gomez.
For her part, COA Palawan Supervising Auditor Norma S. Racelis said that auditors in Palawan will now be more inspired and enthusiastic to fulfill their mandate to safeguard government funds and properties. She also thanked the City Government of Puerto Princesa for vowing to offer to help more for the cause of the Commission.
Palawan Governor Jose C. Alvarez, Palawan 3rd District Representative Gil A. Acosta and Puerto Princesa City Mayor Lucilo R. Bayron were among the local leaders who graced the inauguration.
The event was also attended by Director Maria Carmina Paulita J. Pagayawan, Chief Executive Staff of the Office of the Chairperson, Regional Director Roy Ursal of COA Region XI, and Director Veronica C. Coscos of the Risk Management and Budget Office of the Finance Sector. Commissioner Pondoc attended the event with his staff Ms. Marietta G. Niduaza and Ms. Marjorie Anne R. Ingco.
Attendees from COA Region IV-B include Director Leodivina A. De Leon. Service Chief of the Administration, Training and Finance Services, Engr. Allan C. Salvacion, Service Chief of the Regional Technical Services, and personnel of COA Palawan.
The PSAO Palawan building is located at Rafols Road, Barangay Sta. Monica Heights, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. # With report from Ms. Abba Cryssa F. Abadilla