COA Auditors and RCMB-MIMAROPA Staff during the COA Exit Conference held at NCMB-CO Library on February 18, 2025.

Quezon City –  Financial compliance was highlighted in Regional Conciliation and Mediation Branch-MIMAROPA as no significant issues concerning disallowances, suspensions, or charges were raised by Commission on Audit (COA) during the annual audit exit conference on February 18, 2025 at the National Conciliation and Mediation Board-Central Office Library in Quezon City. 

Held at the end of an audit engagement, the conference served as a forum for the Commission to discuss their findings and recommendations to help the Branch identify deficiencies and implement necessary controls to address future findings. Additionally, it updated the Branch on the COA’s financial assessment, evaluating how resources are utilized and safeguarded.

COA State Auditor and Audit Team Leader John Raymund Nangit commenced the conference with a brief discussion on the audit objectives, scope, and limitations, as well as the responsibilities of both the auditors and the agency. This focused on ensuring compliance with laws and regulations and assessing the effectiveness of mechanisms for detecting errors and irregularities, as outlined in the engagement letter.

Following the presentation, the Audit Team Leader highlighted audited transactions from CY 2024 along with key financial management practices to ensure compliance and efficiency. He emphasized the importance of proper fund utilization, particularly in aligning expenses related to allowances, travel, training, and cash advances. He also underscored the significance of transparency, accountability, and adherence to guidelines. 

Mr. Nangit also noted progress in implementing audit recommendations from previous years, demonstrating the Branch’s commitment to financial compliance. By adopting best practices, the agency can strengthen financial discipline, improve compliance, and enhance overall operational efficiency.

Mr. Nangit was joined by three (3) other state auditors from the COA RO-IV-B, namely, KC Evangelista, Mary Grace Peña, and Mart Jofrey Fontarum. Meanwhile, six (6) participants from RCMB-MIMAROPA took part in the conference: AO IV/Accountant-Designate Mary Donne De Lemos, Senior Labor and Employment Officer Felix Belza, Jr., Labor and Employment Officer III Renato Fajardo, AO III Ian Darryl Mitra, AA III Genalyn Baluyo, and the Branch’s Officer-in-Charge, Supervising Labor and Employment Officer Catherine Alcantara.

The Branch remains committed to maintaining a strong relationship and effective communication with COA auditors to stay informed about recommendations for improving its operations and addressing identified deficiencies. COA can rely on the Branch’s unwavering support and commitment to effectively managing fiscal resources in pursuit of good governance.

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