COA inaugurates ‘symbol of independence, instrument of interdependence, synergy’ in Occidental Mindoro 

“Given the power of the Commission under PD 1445 [Presidential Decree No. 1445], to institute measures intended to preserve and safeguard the independence of its representatives, COA [Commission on Audit] has been moving its auditors from the premises of our auditees to satellite audit offices such as this.”

Thus, said COA Commissioner Roland C. Pondoc during the inauguration of the Provincial Satellite Auditing Office (PSAO) in Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro on February 8, 2023.

The PSAO is widely-recognized as the symbol of independence of COA from its auditees, the provider of COA office spaces in the field. 

“This building was constructed as an emblem of COA’s continuing effort to promote independence in the performance of our crucial role in the government; though independence is still not based on the building, but in the heart of the auditor,” said Commissioner Pondoc.

 “While we, in COA, maintain our complete independence, our role remains not only as guardians of government resources, but more importantly, as enablers and partners of the government agencies in performing their mandates in the best possible manner,” he added.

COA Regional Office No. IV-B (MIMAROPA) Regional Director Lynflor M. Adolfo, for her part, underscored the establishment of PSAO as a product of interdependence and synergy between COA and its auditees.

“Aside from being a symbol of ‘independence’ for the Commission, the PSAO also works as instrument of interdependence and synergy with our auditees,” said Regional Director Adolfo, referring to relational dynamic which starts with the COA asking for assistance from the local government and the latter responding by helping the former by providing land where PSAOs are constructed.

“The completed PSAO building brings a seamless flow of interdependence and synergy which should define the relationship between COA and its auditees, as we are all actually working under one government,” she said.

Regional Director Adolfo also said that the PSAO is a blessing to the auditors as it will be their shelter for years to come, for their comfort, security and peace of mind as they take on the challenges of their duties and responsibilities as enablers of development for the auditees here in Occidental Mindoro.

Commissioner Pondoc, Regional Director Adolfo and other COA officials present in the event thanked the local government officials of Occidental Mindorofor their act of generosity in donating the land where the Commission built its PSAO in Occidental Mindoro.

Occidental Mindoro Governor Eduardo B. Gadiano, in response, expressed his appreciation to the Commission and the provincial auditors for their unwavering guidance, and for being their partners in implementing the laws, rules and regulations for an organized and clean government, as he vowed full support for all the future endeavors of the Commission.

Local Government Audit Sector – A Occidental Mindoro Supervising Auditor Ma. Etheliada A. Vizconde expressed her gratitude to the COA Commission Proper and the Administration Sector for entrusting the Occidental Mindoro auditors with their own PSAO, assuring them that the building will be cherished and kept well. She also lauded the effort her audit group for the success of the event.

The inauguration was also attended by Assistant Commissioner Lorna D. Cabochan of the Administration Sector and Director Amelia P. Valdez of the General Services Office (GSO), and representatives from the offices of Commissioner Pondoc and Commissioner Mario G. Lipana, and the GSO, COA Region IV-B (MIMAROPA) Regional Supervising Auditors Connie G. Benedictos, Zita R. De Guia, Ceres R. Rea, and Victoriano A. Acosta, and Director Leodivina A. De Leon of the Administrative, Training and Finance Division, Engr. Allan C. Salvacion of the Technical Audit Group, and his team of engineers who saw the project through up to its completion.

The inauguration was commenced with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist by Reverend Father Glenn A. Mercado, with Reverend Father Anthony I. Tria, SVD, as concelebrant, followed by the actual “blessing” of the building and its premises.

The event featured local auditors displaying their cultural heritage in style as they were garbed in white and sashed with sablay embroidered with the pakudos – the symbol of the native Mangyans of Occidental Mindoro. Also featured in the inauguration were performances by the Occidental Mindoro National High School Student Chorale and the Faculty Dancers.

PSAO Occidental Mindoro, which is the 61st building in the country and the fourth in the COA Region IV-B (MIMAROPA), is located at Capitol Compound, Barangay Payompon, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro. # Report by Ms. Yvonne Rochelle P. Ofielda-Noche, and Ms. Ricca Sherine B. Javier