CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Governor Lilia “Nanay” G. Pineda together with officials from the Commission on Audit (COA) led the groundbreaking ceremonies for the new Provincial Satellite Auditing Office at the Capitol Compound yesterday.
Supervising Auditor Chona Laxamana explained, the new facility will house nine audit teams under the local government sector and will serve as their official station.
“Having a good workplace and a dedicated office for the municipal and city auditors will increase the efficiency and productivity of our audit teams,” Laxamana stressed.
The new facility will be built on a 2,500-square foot lot adjacent to the year-old provincial audit office, a two-storey building also provided by the Capitol in 2014.
COA Chairperson Michael Aguinaldo said he was impressed with the sheer size of the land donated by the governor and at the same time grateful that the Pampanga auditors are housed in a spacious and well-designed office.
“It’s bigger than some of the earlier PSAOs and I think it will help us further to accomplish our goals,” Aguinaldo said.
The COA chair also took a moment to clarify and stress that they do not intend to impede on the implementation of government projects by being stringent but rather, they want to empower the LGUs in the proper use of government funds.
Governor Pineda agreed with Aguinaldo’s sentiments and expressed her appreciation for their guidance especially in the concepts of transparency and accountability.
“We thank you for your efforts and your patience. Having strict auditors help us learn how to properly utilize our funds. ” Governor Pineda said.
COA Commissioners Jose Fabia and Isabel Agito, Assistant Commissioner Arcadio Cuenco, Regional Director Maria Corazon Gomez, and Assistant Regional Director Elenita Lumungsod also graced the event.
By Angelique DC. Tuazon-Eliseo
