COA-Visayas hailed for completing 2014 reports

MANILA, Philippines - Government auditors in Eastern Visayas are being lauded for completing their annual reports for 2014 despite holding office in their former canteen.

The auditors had a 100-percent accomplishment rate in Annual Audit Reports for last year even after Typhoon Yolanda had destroyed their offices, according to Chairman Michael Aguinaldo of the Commission on Audit (COA).

Only two of six buildings that comprised the original COA regional office remained after Yolanda struck, and only one has been refurbished, he added.

It forced auditors to hold office in their former canteen, Aguinaldo said.

“Despite all the challenges, despite the fact that you have to work in a single building, despite the fact that some of you are working without computers or laptops because they were part of those that were damaged, you were still able to come out with your reports on time,” he said in a statement given during a recent visit to Eastern Visayas, which was posted on the COA website.

“If people in that area who have suffered a lot were still able to do their jobs, then it tells me that there is no reason for others not to be able to do their jobs as well.” 

Aguinaldo, along with Commissioners Heidi Mendoza and Jose Fabia, visited the COA Eastern Visayas regional office in Candahug, Palo, Leyte to  meet and dialogue with personnel.

He expects auditors to recommend measures on the efficient use of public funds and to educate COA personnel on the correct use of public funds, he added.

Mendoza encouraged auditors to look forward to the good things happening in COA instead of focusing on the negative aspect like lack of manpower.

Auditors must correctly use their powers, she said in Filipino.

She also spoke about the sincerity of the new COA chairman.

Fabia recognized the dedication to duty of director Susan Donalvo, who survived the onslaught of Yolanda while assigned at the regional office.

He urged auditors to perform their duties and see to it that public funds are spent wisely.